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Cleveland, OH – Residents in Northeast Ohio face an Air Quality Advisory today as ground-level fine particle pollution reaches unhealthy levels for sensitive groups. Officials urge those with respiratory issues, children, and the elderly to limit outdoor activities.

According to the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), the advisory began at midnight and will remain in effect through midnight tonight. Local air quality monitors predict that weather patterns will cause pollutants to linger, impacting areas like Cleveland, Akron, and Mentor. Residents can monitor real-time air quality updates at airnow.gov and sign up for text alerts at enviroflash.info.

To help mitigate pollution, NOACA encourages simple actions such as carpooling, avoiding engine idling, and postponing outdoor chores like mowing until air quality improves. Commuters are advised to use public transportation or consolidate trips where possible to limit emissions.

Looking ahead, Northeast Ohio’s forecast features mild but wet conditions heading into the weekend. Friday brings a 50% chance of afternoon showers with highs near 48°F. Rain is likely Saturday and Sunday, with highs reaching the low 50s. Gusty winds up to 20 mph may impact visibility for drivers.

Stay updated on changing conditions and travel plans by checking local weather alerts and preparing for rain-heavy travel periods through Sunday.

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CLEVELAND — Not many movies stand the test of time, but “A Christmas Story” is a genuine classic. 

The 1983 film only lasted a month in the box office but has since become a cult classic, drawing fans to the Cleveland home where it was shot all year long. One northeast Ohio native had a small but memorable part in the film and made lifelong friendships.

Drew Hocevar may be remembered for playing the “mean elf” in the film, but he’s anything but.

Known as the “male elf” in the credits, it’s the only acting role Hocevar has ever auditioned for. He was working at Higbees department store when he got the part.

“They just called me, and I got the elf part!” he said.

He said it was just something fun to do. Being a teacher is what really paid the bills. Hocevar is a former special education teacher and now volunteers as a mechanic working on the merry-go-round at the Western Reserve Historical Society.

Some of the artifacts he saved from the movie are on display at the museum.

“I snagged my hat and ran,” he said.

He said the rest of the costume was thrown away.

Hocevar’s cast-signed poster and bb-gun are on display at the museum

The museum has a few other special “A Christmas Story” displays, including Lego sculptures depicting memorable scenes from the movie including Hocevar’s scene of him pushing kids down a slide on a fake snow-topped mountain.

Over 40 years later he remains friends with some of the cast including his elf counterpart and recently had lunch with her.

The movie plays numerous times throughout the holiday season, but Hocevar said he tends not to watch. His friends, however, have a special name for Christmas Day.

“24 hours of Drew!” he said.

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Cleveland, OH – Warmer weather is set to move into Northeast Ohio just in time for Christmas, with rain chances remaining low this week. After a cloudy and drizzly start today, temperatures will gradually rise, offering a mild holiday season for residents.

According to the National Weather Service, Cleveland will see highs in the upper 30s today with patchy drizzle tapering off by the afternoon. Tonight, skies will remain cloudy with lows near 33°F. By Wednesday, Christmas Day, conditions improve with mostly cloudy skies and highs reaching a pleasant 40°F.

Looking ahead, Thursday will bring partly sunny skies and warmer temperatures, peaking near 48°F. Winds from the southeast will keep conditions calm, making it an ideal day for holiday outings. However, by Friday, a 30% chance of rain returns as temperatures climb into the upper 40s.

The warm-up continues into Saturday, with highs expected to reach the mid-50s. Showers are likely Saturday night into Sunday, so residents should prepare for wet conditions over the weekend.

Motorists should remain cautious today as morning drizzle could create slick spots on roads, including I-90 and I-71. While precipitation chances remain low, lingering fog and mist may reduce visibility early in the day.

Stay tuned for updated forecasts as Christmas approaches, and plan your holiday travels with these warming conditions in mind.

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