Ohio Weather – Understanding The Seasons

Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall, all you have to do is. . .

Live here!

“How’s the weather?” It’s not just a mundane conversation starter. The weather in Cleveland Ohio is a serious question to many. Many people relocate or have the possibility of relocating to Cleveland and this is a genuinely needed answer. I get asked about the weather frequently by people living in other parts of the country. Some have never seen snow or have heard horrifying tales of our winters. Some don’t consider our summers hot enough for water sports or vacationing. We have the beach and ski slopes, concrete cities and patios for dining, and mature woods and parks for picnics. Cleveland is a mosaic of urban, suburban and rural pleasures. For most people around the country, weather isn’t perceived to be an issue and most are aware of their climate and normal weather activity year round. Some even expect the next day to be similar to the previous. Here in Cleveland, the weather typically fluctuates day to day, week to week and month to month. We have four seasons which complement each other constantly. As a rule, one will glide and transition smoothly into the next. There are surprises along the way and it’s never boring. I enjoy the change and look forward to the beauty in each season. There’s always something new and each day is a gift. We don’t take the seasons for granted and around every corner there is something new. Let me explain. . .

Spring- Just breaking from the winter months, spring is mild and new life begins. Being able to witness this is priceless. After the cold goes away, it’s as though we’re in a totally different place. Tulips and trees begin to blossom, Life is apparent and defined in word wildlife which show signs of happiness. The smells and sights are pleasing to the senses. It’s literally a breath of fresh air. Not too hot and not too cold, appreciated to the fullest.

Summer- The summers in Northeast Ohio are perfect. We experience three plus months of graduated warmth and the days are hot enough to enjoy activities on our fresh water ocean, Lake Erie. Boating, sailing, jet skiing, rowing, parasailing, and swimming are just some of what we offer. We have many beautiful beaches public and private. Edgewater Park offers walking and bike trails and gorgeous sunsets with a full downtown view. Parks are in full bloom and there are plenty of outdoor activities. There are Islands to party and play, amusement parks, carnivals, street art festivals, outdoor concerts on the water, and many sports to enjoy. The temperatures are anywhere from the low 70’s into the high 90’s. Humidity isn’t typically an issue and we don’t generally have the massive daily thunderstorms like in the southern states.

Fall- If you’re having a bad day or life/work has become monotonous for whatever reason, all you have to do is go outside. As simple as it seems, it’s the ultimate cure. There are no medications on the market available for purchase that compares to fall in Ohio. A drive or walk in the park can instantly lower blood pressure and brighten any bad mood. Unless your senses are impaired, you can’t avoid or possibly turn an eye to the beauty that is at ground level reaching toward the clouds. The colors are amazing and the crisp clean air is breathtaking. Cool but not cold, leaves covering both trees and earth. Winds just barely present enough to mix the elements into aromas and sounds to sooth. Rustling leaves and wildlife at work preparing, it’s absolutely the finest of times on earth to be outside. Ohio offers many Amish farms and apple orchards to spend a Saturday. Pumpkin patches and a true Halloween and Thanksgiving environment. Holidays in Ohio are straight out of Hollywood and enviable.

Winter- It doesn’t matter which sport or activity you enjoy, you can have it in the Cleveland Ohio area. Within thirty minutes from downtown in the winter months you can ski, snowboard, toboggan, sled, and ice skate in public square. Winters are usually a blend of mild but cooler days and downright snowy, blistery cold conditions that make you appreciate a roast in the oven, warm scarf and gloves, your favorite blanket to cozy up in and watch movies, and the smell of fireplaces brewing in the neighborhood, and of course Christmas. Christmas in Ohio is beyond magical. There’s nothing like watching large windless snowflakes slowly fall to the earth on Christmas Eve. Blankets of fresh sparkling white reflect the festive lights on the trees and homes. Baking, holiday shopping and festivities are meaningful and the weather helps define Christmas. Santa doesn’t wear shorts in Cleveland. ‘Tis the season to live in Ohio.

The four seasons and constant weather changes in Ohio lead to what humans are meant to do, adapt. We enjoy adapting frequently and each day is something new. Perhaps it helps make Ohioans some of the friendliest people on the planet. People seem to come together during each change. It’s something that affects us all even if we’re strangers. Drivers in Ohio are courteous and friendly during not so friendly weather. It’s an unspoken unity. The first day of warmth after the cool brings everyone outdoors and there’s just a hard to explain comforting feeling in the air and among people alike. It gives us a constant reason to communicate to strangers, smile at another driver slowly barreling through a drift, raking leaves in the yard next, carrying a blanket and basket to a grassy opening at the park, walking your dog on a peaceful sunny day. We share these days and reasons for living with others equally. It’s almost as beautiful as the weather itself. Something as important, complex and simple as the elements we share, are equally significant to the relationships and human contact we all benefit from. “How about this weather?”