Ryan Halicki

To say I’m overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and well wishes is an understatement.
My decision to leave was not an easy one—I didn’t pursue this job because of a desire to be on TV. I pursued this job because I wanted to keep people safe during tornadoes and I wanted to track snow storms, helping keep people prepared and safe.

When I actually landed my dream job, I was so excited and equally terrified…to be sharing the screen with so many industry legends and taking on the responsibility of living up to their greatness was beyond intimidating. But I was met with guidance and mentorship that propelled me through more than 13 years.

But at the end of the day, it all came down to you. You invited me into your homes and my gratitude to you is immense. Putting yourself in front of a camera to do anything is unnerving. Yet, I have always been met with such kindness by all of you. And that only further strengthened the bond and responsibility I felt to you to always put my best foot forward and always do the best I could to prepare you for whatever was coming our way.

I got to live my childhood dream in front of you all and that was because you allowed me to—you watched, you followed, you critiqued, you helped me excel. From the bottom of my heart—thank you! ❤️

As for what’s next, I’m excited to announce I’ve accepted the role of Creative Storyteller with MSA Safety!

MSA is an innovating, leading global supplier of safety equipment for multiple industries — fire service, oil & gas, construction, mining, and military.

I am excited to join the creative services team, contributing to a stellar company with a powerful and respectable mission: That men and women may work in safety and that they, their families, and their communities may live in health throughout the world.

Thank you, Mahoning and Shenango Valleys—and cheers to this new opportunity and next chapter! 🍾

27 First News says goodbye and good luck to Ryan Halicki Tonight, we say goodbye to our very own Meteorologist Ryan Halicki.

My reign as the 2022 battle of the broadcasters chili Cookoff champ has come to an end with Samantha Bender claiming the title this year. Such a fun event—thank you for having me back this year, Boardman Optimist Club!

What a great night at the 16th annual Celebrity/ Political Chili Cook-off hosted by the Boardman Optimist Club! The ‘Battle of the Broadcasters’ was a blast again this year with Josh, Ryan and first time competitor Sam taking home the big win!

I’m was so honored to be invited back to serve as emcee for the 3rd year in a row! The chili cook-off is such a fun event that does so much good for our community☺️🌶️ WKBN 27 Ryan Halicki Samantha Bender Josh Frketic

📣Some bittersweet news to share…📣

An EF-0 Tornado was Confirmed near Bristolville in Trumbull county. The tornado took place at 12:35 a.m. Friday morning. It was an EF-0.

TORNADO WARNING for parts of TRUMBULL COUNTY through 12:30AM. We are tracking the storm live on-air and on WKBN.com

A Severe T-storm WATCH has been issued for our viewing area through 3AM Friday (08/25/23) -- A developing line of storms over Michigan is moving in our direction. Primary Threat: Severe Wind Gusts. Isolated rotating storm, hail, and flooding also possible. Timing: 12AM - 3AM

A Flood Advisory has been issued for Trumbull and Mahoning counties until 10:00 PM. ALERTS HERE: https://www.wkbn.com/weather/weather-alerts/?ipid=navlinkweatheralerts

A Flood Watch has been issued for the entire area through Thursday morning. See the Alert Here: https://www.wkbn.com/weather/weather-alerts/

A Flood Watch has been issued for Trumbull and Mahoning counties through Thursday morning. See the Alert Here: https://www.wkbn.com/weather/weather-alerts/

A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for the entire Valley until 11 AM. A complex of showers and thunderstorms approaching from the west could produce heavy rain, lightning, and damaging wind gusts. We will continue to monitor the storms in the Storm Team 27 Weather Center

A Severe Thunderstorm Warning has been issued for parts of Trumbull and Mahoning counties. This storm is producing heavy rain, frequent lightning and gusty winds.

Thursday's rain total at the airport in Vienna was the fourth day in 2023 with 1"+ of rainfall. At 1.68", it was the wettest day at the airport so far.

4PM UPDATE (07/20/23)
A Severe T-storm WATCH is in effect for parts of our area through 11PM. Storms are currently over Michigan and move into our area between 6PM and 11PM. Any storm may produce severe winds, hail, and torrential rains. Stay weather alert through the eve.

We are monitoring the potential for strong to severe storms in the Valley Thursday (07/20/23)…here’s the latest on timing and potential impacts ⬇️⬇️

Strong storms possible Thursday — Here’s the latest StormTeam 27’s team of meteorologists are monitoring the potential for strong to severe storms developing in the region Thursday.

A flood advisory has been issued until 9:00 p.m. for western Mercer County in Pennsylvania. ALERT HERE: https://www.wkbn.com/weather/weather-alerts/?ipid=navlinkweatheralerts

A flood advisory has been issued for Northern Mahoning and Southern Trumbull county until 7:45 pm. See the ALERT HERE: https://www.wkbn.com/weather/weather-alerts/?ipid=navlinkweatheralerts

Air quality alerts are up for the entire area. At current levels, everyone should limit outdoor time. The latest forecast from AirNow.gov suggests unhealthy levels continue into Thursday with improvements expected by Friday.

SUNDAY EVE HEADS UP—Our team is monitoring the potential for isolated strong to severe storms late this eve (Sunday). Primary concern is storms capable of severe wind gusts. Timing looks like between 8pm-2am. More info here ➡️ https://bit.ly/3CLz4Nj

Weather will not be a problem for whatever you have planned this Father's Day weekend. We'll have to watch for the possibility of wildfire smoke filtering our sun. Otherwise, expect mostly sunny skies both days and a clear but cool Saturday night. Have a great weekend!

🌈Rainbow over downtown Youngstown, Tuesday around 6:30PM 🌈

Saturday is going to be the good pool day this weekend as temps return to the 80s. You may find a window to enjoy a pool early afternoon Sunday, but clouds will be moving in as rain (finally!) returns to end the weekend. Have a great weekend!

The Canada wildfires may impact our air quality this week. Several of the fires were visible on satellite imagery today. ⬇️⬇️

WATCH: Canada fires visible on satellite Tuesday Surface smoke concentration may reach levels high enough that air has a smell of smoke in our region.

Interviewed a familiar face on First News at 5 and 6 today🎤📺 Alison Gasser helped bring the First Friday summer series to downtown Youngstown. She, like myself, is also a Hubbard native and was three years behind me in grade school. Thanks for the photo and for talking to me about First Fridays, Ali! The next First Friday downtown will be Friday, July 7th and will include multiple vendors and food trucks. There will also be a First Friday event Friday, August 4th and Friday, September 1st.

Saturday will be the hotter day of the weekend. A shower or two are possible during the afternoon/early evening. Sunday will be another mostly sunny and dry day. It won't be as hot Sunday. Have a great weekend!

Friday, June 2nd was day 13 without any measurable precipitation for the Valley. We'd need another week without any rainfall at the Youngstown/Warren Regional Airport for this to be one of the top ten longest dry spells in the Valley.

We have a chance to hit 90° Friday (06/02/23). If the High at the Youngstown/Warren Regional Airport gets there, it would be the first 90° day in almost 300 days!

Friday, June 2nd is National 🍩Doughnut🍩 Day -- If you're looking to treat yourself in the morning, or make a run for your coworkers, temps will be heating up fast. Happy Friday!

Anyone want to think about ❄️snow❄️on this hot day?
The 2022-2023 winter season set a snowfall record in the Valley. Check it out ⬇️⬇️

2022-2023 winter season sets snowfall record Snowfall stats for a season run from July 1st through June 30th. With less than a month to go before the close, the 2022-2023 season will go into the records.

Reminder for 🐶pet🐶 parents -- These next few hot afternoons pose a risk to your pup's paws. Concrete, asphalt, & dark-colored composite lumber temps can turn very hot. Test it yourself for 7-seconds -- If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for their paws.

We end May 2023 in the top ten for driest on record. With only 1.30", this has been our 6th driest May since records have been kept at the Youngstown/Warren Regional Airport in Vienna. Knocked out of the top ten is 1939.

Wednesday W-A-L-K...Keep an eye on pavement temps. As temps heat up the next few days, pavement will be hot in the afternoons. Morning or evening walks will be less toasty on the toes. 🐶 Keep an eye on composite deck wood, too! That can heat up and burn paws.

Anyone else think of Chris Farley when hearing the term “El Niño?”
El Niño conditions are setting up in the Pacific Ocean. This is a look at how it can impact our approaching summer ⬇️

What does a developing El Niño mean for our summer? An El Niño watch was issued in April with El Niño conditions expected to develop into the summer.

Memorial Day has been the warmest day of the year so far! It was also our warmest day in several months--You have to go back to August to find a day at/above today's high temp of 87°. A lot more heat on the way this week.

Temps will be warming through Memorial Day weekend. A stray sprinkle or shower is possible Sunday and Monday. Expect a few clouds around Sunday. Have a safe Memorial Day weekend!

UPDATE: A Frost Advisory has been issued for Trumbull county through 8AM Friday (05/26/23). The risk for frost remains low but pockets of light frost can occur overnight. The greatest potential will be in valleys & low lying areas.

Temps drop toward the upper 30s by daybreak Friday (05/26/23). There remains a very low chance for isolated pockets of light frost. The greatest risk would be valleys and low-lying areas. The risk is borderline and widespread frost isn't expected, but light pockets can occur.

Heads up again, farmers/gardeners -- More colder air comes later this week. Currently, it's looking cold enough for possible patchy frost Thursday AM & Friday AM (05/25/23 & 05/26/23). Stay updated on the forecast & prepare to possibly cover/move plants Wed/Thur night.

Saturday will start off wet with scattered showers. Rain tapers off early afternoon with a chance for peeks of sun mid to late-afternoon. Sunday will be the nicer day for yardwork/gardening. Expect lots of Sunday sun and warmer temperatures. Have a great weekend!