National Weather Person's Day has a rich history in America

CLEVELAND - Many of us take weather information for granted. Turn on a light switch, you get light. Turn on your television or radio, or check a web site and you get the weather forecast. It’s easy to forget that around the clock, dedicated meteorologists and weathercasters are vigilantly creating forecasts to help you plan your day, and issuing warnings to help keep you safe.

February 5 is National Weather Person's Day. This is a day that commemorates the birth of America's first weather observer. John Jeffries was born in 1744 in Massachusetts. He is the first person to take ink and paper and record daily weather happenings in Boston. His records date back to 1774. He's also the man who took the first balloon ride to observe weather conditions aloft in 1784.

So, each year, Feb. 5 is set aside to recognize the men and women who collectively provide Americans with the best weather, water, and climate forecasts and warning services of any nation.