13WRN Cleveland Public Library Microclimate Study Initiative

To address the limited availability of localized weather data in Cleveland, Ohio, the Cleveland Public Library (CPL) launched a community-focused microclimate study in 2023. Cleveland has two official reporting stations and eleven unofficial reporting stations, which leaves significant gaps in understanding the city’s localized weather patterns. To fill this void, CPL installed seven low-cost (Ambient Weather) weather stations on the rooftops of its buildings, strategically expanding the city’s network of weather monitoring sites. In addition, a weather camera and two air quality monitoring devices are scheduled to be deployed.

This project, funded through the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, aims to make real-time, localized weather data available to the public and contribute valuable information to the National Weather Service’s Citizen Weather Observer Program. Additionally, CPL will offer educational programming to engage the community in learning about weather and its impacts, providing hands-on experience with weather data collection and interpretation.

Cleveland’s climate is shaped by a combination of local and regional factors, including the influence of Lake Erie, the urban heat island effect, tree canopy, and industrial activity. Understanding these factors is crucial for predicting weather patterns and addressing the impacts of climate on the city’s residents. This initiative not only enhances the city’s weather monitoring capabilities, but also introduces Cleveland residents to a deeper understanding of their environment.