News: Warm, but not a record in Cleveland Thursday afternoon

By Frank Macek

CLEVELAND -- Temperatures were well above normal across the area on Thursday, but more seasonable temperatures are on the way.

According to WKYC Meteorologist Betsy Kling, Cleveland was in the lower 70s this afternoon. But the warm temperatures weren't record setting. Cleveland did reach 72 degrees - but that was four degrees short of the record high of 76 degrees set in 1977.

Our normal high is 53 degrees on November 6th.

Youngstown tied a record high of 74 degrees, first set in 1975.

Elsewhere, preliminary National Weather Service readings show Mansfield reached 69 degrees this afternoon, while Akron/Canton hit 71.

The warm weather will come to end tonight as a cold front sweeps through the area bringing a chilly and damp Friday ahead.

Video Photos: First snowfall in Cleveland

CLEVELAND -- Our weather warriors are out this evening as parts of the Cleveland area have received their first taste of winter.

The downtown area has seen plenty of thunder and lightning this evening, including sleet right along the lakeshore.

To view our photo gallery: CLICK HERE

Wanted: Your Fall Weather Photos

WKYC is looking for your fall foliage pictures this autumn season.

Take those digital pictures and send them to us. We'll post them on the "Fair Weather Fans" blog and on WKYC.COM

We'll then select the "Best of" and feature them in a special on line video to remember the Fall of '08.


UPLOAD YOUR PICTURES:
*To send us your fall pictures: CLICK HERE
*To view pictures other viewers have sent us: CLICK HERE

News: Expect More Air Quality Advisories in 2008

Twice as many Air Quality Advisories may be issued this year by NOACA's Air Quality Programs. Does this mean the air in Northeast Ohio is getting worse? No, the federal air quality standards have become stricter.

In the last 5 months, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has tightened its Air Quality Standards for both ozone and fine particles. The 8-hour ozone standard moved from 85 parts per billion to 75. The 24 hour fine particle standard moved from 40 micrograms per cubic meter down to 35.

Looking back at 2006 and 2007, it is easy to see that many more Air Quality Advisories would have been called if the new, tighter standards had already been in place:

OZONE DAYS:

2006
Old Method: 5 days
New Method: 14 days

2007
Old Method: 14 days
New Method: 31 days

PARTICULATE MATTER DAYS:

2006
Old Method: 9 days
New Method: 20 days

2007
Old Method: 16 days
New Method: 31 days

These figures are for the counties of Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, and Summit

What does this mean for Northeast Ohio?

Many more "Air Quality Advisories" will be called due to the standard change. Ozone can reach the new levels not just on very hot days, but on days as cool as 68 degrees. Fine particles can form all year round whenever there is moisture in the air. And both pollutants can form whenever there is a temperature inversion trapping pollution over the region. Cars, trucks, diesel equipment, and stationary sources like factories and power plants continue to contribute to the formation of both pollutants.

Consider creating a response plan now such as keeping your gas tank full to avoid the need to refuel on Air Quality Advisory days, mapping your public transportation route, and finding a carpool partner at www.OhioRideshare.org

Video: The Wonderful World of Cleveland

Cleveland has so many beautiful sights and sounds. We'll be adding new video for you to enjoy as we help prove to the world that Northeast Ohio is the "Best Location in the Nation."

If you can't see the video below, CLICK HERE

News: Bold prediction for Cleveland winter

By Dick Russ

The Old Farmers Almanac is predicting some extraordinary weather for Northeast Ohio. How much snow will we get?

How cold, or warm is it going to be this winter? What strange weather related events will we experience?

Those questions are answered today by Janice Stillman, Editor of the Old Farmer's Almanac.

The publication is now in its 216th year, and with a track record of 80% accuracy, stands by its unusual predictions for winter and for 2008 in Northeast Ohio.

According to the Almanac, we'll get far less snow than we'd expect, and whatever does fall will melt very quickly.

The publication is also predicting a much warmer than normal winter, and in fact says the year 2008 from beginning to end may be the warmest year ever in Northeast Ohio!

But there are some variables that can affect these bold predictions, which are based on pure scientific analysis according to the Old Farmers Almanac.

For more details of the surprising answers to these questions, please click on the video link below as WKYC's Dick Russ talks with Janice Stillman about the winter weather outlook for our area.

To Watch Video:CLICK HERE

Photos: A Preview of Fall

Here are some pictures our weather blog producer, Frank Macek, took of a fall sky at sunset this evening from his camera phone. A touch of fall certainly felt in the air tonight.




Send us weather related pictures: CLICK HERE

Interactive Storm Wrap Up: 8/2/07

Downtown Cleveland streets and highways were overwhelmed after torrential rains from strong storms created flash floods. Cars and other vehicles are slogging through several feet of standing water on city streets. Highways were bumper to bumper. Getting in and out of downtown was nearly impossible in many areas.

First Energy reported that 4,700 people were without power as a result of lightning and wind from the severe storms. Most of the outages were on the east side.

6:05 p.m. Reports that the workers at the City Water Department on Lakeside are stuck at their workplace because the parking lot is flooded and no one can get to their cars.

5:55 p.m. Other buildings downtown, including 2530 Superior Avenue, reported flooding.

5:28 p.m. Reports of two helicopters damaged at Burke Lakefront Airport from high winds created by the storm.

5:23 p.m. Flooding situation improving however slightly hear at the Channel 3 Studios. At the height of the flash floods more than a foot of water had poured into the station's underground parking garage. Station employees were unable to get to their cars. Now we can report that the water has subsided to about five inches. The parking lot has drained off the flood water that at one point was several inches deep. Lakeside Avenue remains under water. City crews are now on site clearing storm drains to help the waters recede faster.

5:12 p.m. Cleveland police are urging people to be cautious as they attempt to navigate the flooded streets and highways. Here are the areas reporting the most problems:Dead Man's CurveShorewayMarginal RoadsPolice are asking people to stay off the above roadways until the water subsides. The police also caution that there are numerous traffic lights that are out and remind drivers to treat such intersections as four-way stops. Many signals are reported down on East 55th Street.

5 p.m. Reports from tip caller says two cars and a bus partially submerged in the parking lot of Browns Stadium. John Carroll and CSU downtown campus cancel Thursday evening classes due to flooding.

4:40 p.m. Reports of two feet of water on South Marginal road. Reports of cars stuck at the Amtrak station also on South Marginal.

4:20 p.m. Report of people trapped in a car in lot at Browns Stadium.

4:15 p.m. Scattered reports of a pole down on East 47th and fires at East 99th and the Amtrak and Muni Lot. (Not known if fires weather related.)

4 p.m. ODOT reports that the Shoreway has flooded between East 55th and East 72nd. The Shoreway remains open at this time but ODOT says traffic is moving very slowly.

4 p.m.: Channel 3 Studio parking lot and garage flooded as storm drains overwhelmed. High water on Lakeside Avenue is up to the middle of the tires on cars, making traffic slow-going if not impossible.

Click here to see photos of the flooded Channel 3 garage