News Summary
Cleveland is experiencing an unusually dry September with rainfall significantly below average. As of September 22, only 0.61 inches of rain have fallen, marking the driest start to September since 2013. Despite lower monthly totals, the year-to-date rainfall remains above average due to earlier heavy rains. Meteorologists forecast a storm system that may bring more rain and potential thunderstorms soon, while current temperatures are expected to stay warmer than usual for this time of year.
Cleveland is experiencing an unusually dry September, with rainfall totals significantly below the average for the month, which is historically the wettest in the region. As of September 22, Cleveland has recorded only 0.61 inches of rain, in stark contrast to the usual average of 3.93 inches. The National Weather Service indicates that so far this month, only 0.23 inches of rain has fallen, making it the driest start to September since 2013.
The pattern of dry weather has persisted for several weeks. The recent rain, occurring on September 21 and 22, registered only 0.21 inches and 0.17 inches, respectively, marking the first measurable rainfall since September 4, when 0.23 inches was reported. This current month-to-date rain total is less than one-tenth of what is typically expected for September in Cleveland.
Despite the current dry spell, Cleveland has seen a year-to-date rainfall total that remains above average, thanks to heavy rains at the end of July and the beginning of August. As of September 22, Cleveland is approximately half an inch above its normal yearly rainfall total, which is a positive note in the midst of the current dry conditions.
In the surrounding areas, the Akron-Canton Airport is experiencing a rainfall deficit for both the month and the year. So far in September, the airport has recorded only 1.56 inches of rain, compared to an average of 2.59 inches for this time of year. Year-to-date, the airport has accumulated 26.18 inches of rain, which is over 5 inches below the normal 31.35 inches.
A change in weather patterns is anticipated, as meteorologists forecast a storm system that is expected to impact Northeast Ohio soon. This system could bring more widespread rain, potentially yielding between three-quarters of an inch to more than an inch of rain across the region. There is also a possibility of thunderstorms accompanying this rain.
Meanwhile, current temperatures in Cleveland are projected to remain warmer than normal for this time of year. Highs are expected to be in the range of 73 to 78 degrees, with cool nights dipping into the upper 50s to low 60s. Anticipated weather by Saturday suggests that after the rains, temperatures could climb into the mid to upper 70s with clear, sunny conditions to follow.
Experts note that an Omega Block in the upper atmosphere is responsible for the ongoing dry weather by preventing storm systems from moving quickly through the region. This climatic pattern has led to concerns regarding the lack of rainfall. Historical data shows that the driest September on record occurred in 1908, when only 0.48 inches of rain fell for the month. The last time September brought less than an inch of rain was in 2023, which recorded a total of 0.77 inches.
The current weather situation in Cleveland serves as a reminder of the variability of seasonal precipitation, emphasizing the important role of atmospheric patterns in influencing local weather conditions.
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Additional Resources
- Cleveland.com Weather
- Wikipedia: Weather in Cleveland
- News 5 Cleveland
- Google Search: Weather patterns in Ohio
- Fox 8 Weather
- Google Scholar: Climate change and precipitation
- Beacon Journal Sports
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Precipitation
- Cleveland 19 News
- Google News: Cleveland weather updates
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
