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Today's weather outlook.

(Kelly Reardon, cleveland.com)

Cleveland February records.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Today's high temperature could be the hottest in February recorded history, according to the National Weather Service in Cleveland.

Not only will Cleveland Hopkins International Airport break today's record high of 69 degrees set in 1961, but the all-time record high temperature of any day in February is 74 degrees, and this afternoon we are expected to reach 73 - that record is in jeopardy.

The warmth is due to a combination of the warm front passing this morning, and strong southerly winds dragging in air all the way from the Gulf of Mexico.

Slight chances of light rain showers are possible this morning, with a break in the afternoon. However, this evening, the thunderstorms are returning with much more strength. The Storm Prediction Center has Cleveland in a "slight" risk region of severe thunderstorms, producing winds over 58 mph with possible hail embedded.

Check out the forecast:

Temperatures

Temperature forecast.

Precipitation chances

Precipitation forecast.

Winds

Wind speed and direction forecast.

Sunrise: 7:09 a.m.

Sunset: 6:12 p.m.

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Pollen level: 2.1/12, low for juniper

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The How:

Today, a very strong warm front could trigger some light rain showers in the early morning, but a trailing cold front and low pressure system will induce severe thunderstorms late tonight.

The severe weather is expected to effect the entire state of Ohio, with the worst of it focused more toward western Ohio.

Cleveland and Akron are in a "slight" risk region, which is defined by the National Weather Service as "scattered severe thunderstorms possible" with probable reports of wind damage and hail.

Friday's severe weather outlook.

The rain is expected to continue Saturday, changing to snow on Sunday.

Keep checking cleveland.com/weather for daily weather updates for Northeast Ohio, and don't forget to submit any weather questions you may have!

Kelly Reardon is cleveland.com's meteorologist. Please follow me on

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