Tom Skilling, the beloved weatherman and enduring presence on Chicago television, has announced his upcoming retirement from WGN after a 45-year career on the air.
In a heartfelt announcement, Skilling said he intends to retire next year, with his final broadcast scheduled for February 28, 2024.
“I am going to retire at the end of February after a marvelous 45 years at this incredible television station,” Skilling said during the WGN Evening News Thursday. “We all get to a point where we have to make a decision. ‘Is it time to retire’ is the toughest decision.”
Tom Skilling’s journey in meteorology began at an astonishingly young age of 14 when he was still a high school student in Aurora, Illinois. He embarked on a path that led to a series of radio and television roles in Illinois and Wisconsin before finding his home at WGN-TV in August 1978.
Skilling’s distinct mark in the field of weather reporting lies in his deep and comprehensive weather segments. He is celebrated for not merely presenting weather forecasts but also imparting an understanding of the science behind the weather phenomena, enlightening his audience along the way.
Beyond his television work, Skilling has been a dedicated educator in meteorology. For nearly four decades, he hosted severe weather seminars at Fermilab, where he frequently welcomed prominent global weather experts.
His passion for weather reporting took him to numerous locales, from the icy terrains of Alaska to the glitz of Las Vegas. He even ventured onto an ice-breaking ship in the midst of Lake Huron. One of his most memorable adventures was being chased by a tornado in Oklahoma, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his craft.
Skilling’s excellence in weather reporting has garnered him multiple Emmy Awards from the Chicago/Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. In 2018, he received the esteemed Illinois Broadcasters Association “Broadcast Pioneer” award, recognizing his substantial contributions to the field.
In recent years, Skilling has passionately delved into the science of climate change, actively engaging in discussions, and participating in conferences throughout Chicago and the United States. He leaves behind a legacy that extends well beyond the realm of television, having educated and inspired countless individuals with his passion for meteorology and science.
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