The surrounding terrain is mostly level, except for a ridge of the southeastern edge of the city rising some 500 feet above shore level. A rather deep north-south valley, in which flows the Cuyahoga River, approximately bisects the city.
Local topography is of minor importance to the climate.
In the winter, Cleveland lies in the path of many cold air masses advancing south and east out of Canada, but the low temperatures are somewhat modified by the air having passed over the comparatively warm water of the lake. But this also means considerable winter cloudiness and frequent snows. Spring is generally a brief transition period. Summer heat is moderated somewhat by the lake, since breezes are felt considerable distance inland. Fall is the most pleasant season, with mild, sunny, weather often extending into November or even early December.