By Frank Macek
One of Northeast Ohio’s most familiar faces is returning to local television. Veteran meteorologist Mark Johnson will join WKYC Channel 3 as a meteorologist beginning Monday, Nov. 10, bringing his trusted voice, decades of forecasting experience, and deep connection to the community back to viewers across the region. Johnson will deliver weather updates weekdays during WKYC’s 5, 7, and 11 p.m. newscasts, adding his expertise to one of Cleveland’s most respected weather teams.
For those who grew up watching him interpret lake-effect snow, spring storms, or summer heat waves, his return marks the homecoming of a beloved broadcaster whose calm authority has guided viewers through some of Northeast Ohio’s most unpredictable weather moments.
Mark Johnson is more than just a forecaster — he’s part of Cleveland’s television history. A lifelong Northeast Ohio resident, Johnson first stepped onto the Cleveland airwaves in 1993, launching a career at WEWS-TV that would span over three decades. Through those years, he became a daily companion to viewers navigating the region’s notoriously changeable weather. His trademark mix of accuracy, energy, and accessibility turned him into one of the most trusted figures in local broadcasting. Whether tracking blizzards along the I-90 corridor, severe thunderstorms over Summit County, or quiet summer evenings on Lake Erie, Johnson’s commitment to precision and clarity became his signature.
Over the years, his dedication to the craft earned him multiple Emmy Awards for excellence in weather broadcasting, solidifying his reputation as both a scientist and a storyteller. His work reflected an unwavering focus on keeping the public safe and informed — qualities that made him one of the most respected meteorologists in the business. In 2024, his contributions to broadcasting were formally recognized when he was inducted into the Broadcasters Hall of Fame, a milestone that highlighted his long-standing influence and his role in shaping how Northeast Ohio understands its weather.
WKYC’s newsroom leaders say Johnson’s addition strengthens an already dynamic weather team that serves viewers across TV, streaming, and digital platforms. “We are excited to welcome Mark to the WKYC weather team,” said Julie Flynn, WKYC’s news director. “His broadcast experience, accuracy in forecasting, and popularity throughout Cleveland speak to both his expertise and his genuine dedication to serving the region. We look forward to the positive impact he will continue to make, both in our newsroom and across the communities we serve.”
For Johnson, the move represents both a continuation and a renewal — a chance to bring his deep knowledge of Northeast Ohio’s meteorology to a new audience while working alongside a team known for its innovation and community-first storytelling. “I’ve spent my life forecasting Northeast Ohio’s ever-changing weather, and I’m thrilled to be back doing what I love most in the community I call home,” Johnson said.
His longevity in Cleveland television stems from a blend of technical mastery and approachable style. Over the years, he has navigated the region’s full spectrum of weather extremes — from record snowfalls to wind-driven lake storms and springtime tornado warnings. His calm explanations during breaking weather events earned him the trust of viewers who turned to him for clarity when skies turned gray and conditions worsened. Behind the scenes, colleagues have long praised his mentorship and enthusiasm for meteorology. Known for his humor, warmth, and ability to make complex science easy to understand, Johnson brings a blend of authority and personality that resonates with audiences across generations.
A graduate of Kent State University, Johnson also holds a Meteorology Certification from Mississippi State University, blending academic rigor with years of hands-on forecasting in one of the nation’s most challenging microclimates. His technical expertise and lifelong familiarity with the quirks of the Great Lakes region make him particularly adept at explaining the forces that drive Cleveland’s unique weather patterns — from sudden lake-effect snow squalls to dramatic shifts in temperature that can swing 30 degrees in a day.
For WKYC, Johnson’s arrival reinforces the station’s ongoing commitment to comprehensive, reliable weather coverage — a vital service in a region where weather touches nearly every part of daily life. From morning commutes to Friday night football, from lake-effect snow to summer humidity, Northeast Ohioans rely on trusted meteorologists to make sense of it all. Johnson’s return is poised to strengthen that trust. His move also underscores a broader truth about local television: the bond between broadcasters and their communities runs deep.
Johnson’s reappearance on Cleveland’s Channel 3 is more than a career move — it’s a reconnection between a familiar face and the viewers who have invited him into their homes for decades. His return represents continuity in a constantly evolving media landscape, reminding viewers why local broadcasters remain essential. As WKYC continues to expand its reach across digital platforms and community initiatives, Johnson’s experience and steady presence align perfectly with the station’s mission of telling “Your Voice, Your Stories.”
After 30 years of guiding viewers through sunshine and storms, Mark Johnson’s next forecast will come from a new studio — but for Clevelanders who’ve followed his career, it’s clear that his heart has never left home.
Mark Johnson is more than just a forecaster — he’s part of Cleveland’s television history. A lifelong Northeast Ohio resident, Johnson first stepped onto the Cleveland airwaves in 1993, launching a career at WEWS-TV that would span over three decades. Through those years, he became a daily companion to viewers navigating the region’s notoriously changeable weather. His trademark mix of accuracy, energy, and accessibility turned him into one of the most trusted figures in local broadcasting. Whether tracking blizzards along the I-90 corridor, severe thunderstorms over Summit County, or quiet summer evenings on Lake Erie, Johnson’s commitment to precision and clarity became his signature.
Over the years, his dedication to the craft earned him multiple Emmy Awards for excellence in weather broadcasting, solidifying his reputation as both a scientist and a storyteller. His work reflected an unwavering focus on keeping the public safe and informed — qualities that made him one of the most respected meteorologists in the business. In 2024, his contributions to broadcasting were formally recognized when he was inducted into the Broadcasters Hall of Fame, a milestone that highlighted his long-standing influence and his role in shaping how Northeast Ohio understands its weather.
WKYC’s newsroom leaders say Johnson’s addition strengthens an already dynamic weather team that serves viewers across TV, streaming, and digital platforms. “We are excited to welcome Mark to the WKYC weather team,” said Julie Flynn, WKYC’s news director. “His broadcast experience, accuracy in forecasting, and popularity throughout Cleveland speak to both his expertise and his genuine dedication to serving the region. We look forward to the positive impact he will continue to make, both in our newsroom and across the communities we serve.”
For Johnson, the move represents both a continuation and a renewal — a chance to bring his deep knowledge of Northeast Ohio’s meteorology to a new audience while working alongside a team known for its innovation and community-first storytelling. “I’ve spent my life forecasting Northeast Ohio’s ever-changing weather, and I’m thrilled to be back doing what I love most in the community I call home,” Johnson said.
His longevity in Cleveland television stems from a blend of technical mastery and approachable style. Over the years, he has navigated the region’s full spectrum of weather extremes — from record snowfalls to wind-driven lake storms and springtime tornado warnings. His calm explanations during breaking weather events earned him the trust of viewers who turned to him for clarity when skies turned gray and conditions worsened. Behind the scenes, colleagues have long praised his mentorship and enthusiasm for meteorology. Known for his humor, warmth, and ability to make complex science easy to understand, Johnson brings a blend of authority and personality that resonates with audiences across generations.
A graduate of Kent State University, Johnson also holds a Meteorology Certification from Mississippi State University, blending academic rigor with years of hands-on forecasting in one of the nation’s most challenging microclimates. His technical expertise and lifelong familiarity with the quirks of the Great Lakes region make him particularly adept at explaining the forces that drive Cleveland’s unique weather patterns — from sudden lake-effect snow squalls to dramatic shifts in temperature that can swing 30 degrees in a day.
For WKYC, Johnson’s arrival reinforces the station’s ongoing commitment to comprehensive, reliable weather coverage — a vital service in a region where weather touches nearly every part of daily life. From morning commutes to Friday night football, from lake-effect snow to summer humidity, Northeast Ohioans rely on trusted meteorologists to make sense of it all. Johnson’s return is poised to strengthen that trust. His move also underscores a broader truth about local television: the bond between broadcasters and their communities runs deep.
Johnson’s reappearance on Cleveland’s Channel 3 is more than a career move — it’s a reconnection between a familiar face and the viewers who have invited him into their homes for decades. His return represents continuity in a constantly evolving media landscape, reminding viewers why local broadcasters remain essential. As WKYC continues to expand its reach across digital platforms and community initiatives, Johnson’s experience and steady presence align perfectly with the station’s mission of telling “Your Voice, Your Stories.”
After 30 years of guiding viewers through sunshine and storms, Mark Johnson’s next forecast will come from a new studio — but for Clevelanders who’ve followed his career, it’s clear that his heart has never left home.