Cleveland Abbe (1838-1916) was an influential American meteorologist and astronomer. He is often referred to as “America’s First Weather Forecaster”. Here are some key highlights about him:

• Early Life and Education: Abbe was born in New York City and showed an early aptitude for mathematics and chemistry. He graduated from the Free Academy (now City College of New York) with a Bachelor of Arts in 1857 and later earned a Master of Arts in 1860.
• Career: Abbe initially pursued a career in astronomy, becoming the director of the Cincinnati Observatory in 1868. However, his interest gradually shifted to meteorology.
• Weather Forecasting: In 1870, Congress established the U.S. Weather Bureau (now the National Weather Service), and Abbe was appointed its first head. He developed a system of telegraphic weather reports and daily weather maps, significantly advancing the field of weather forecasting.
• Contributions: Abbe’s work laid the foundation for modern weather forecasting, and he was known for the reliability of his forecasts, earning him the nickname “Old Probability”.
• Legacy: Abbe’s contributions to meteorology were recognized with several awards, including the Symons Gold Medal in 1912 and the Public Welfare Medal in 1916.