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* Not only has Tom Skilling been perhaps the nation’s most influential TV meteorologist (he’s a god to Chicago’s agriculture exchange markets), he also comes across as a truly nice and decent man. I don’t think I speak only for myself when I say that while I’ve never met him, I feel like I know him and I really like him. Block Club Chicago…
Tom Skilling, longtime WGN meteorologist and perhaps one of Chicago’s most recognizable broadcast personalities, will retire from the role next year after 45 years delivering local weather forecasts.
Skilling made the announcement on WGN Evening News on Thursday night, reminiscing on his storied career over archives clips of him in action.
Skilling’s final broadcast will be Feb. 28, 2024.
He started working with WGN in 1978, saying with a chuckle: “I had hair back in those days.”
“If you had told young Tom Skilling that he would go on to have a career in weather spanning seven decades, working in Chicago, with some truly wonderful people, I think he would be overjoyed,” Skilling said. “And that’s how I feel today. Overjoyed at the colleagues I’ve worked with, the viewers I’ve met, the stories I’ve covered. Overjoyed and grateful. I wouldn’t trade a single minute of it for anything.”
* Tribune…
An Aurora native, Skilling started his broadcasting career as a 14-year-old high school student at WKKD Radio in his hometown. He studied meteorology and journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Madison while continuing to work in radio and television. After stops in Madison and Milwaukee, where he was a meteorologist at WITI-TV, he landed at WGN, where Skilling became synonymous with Chicago weather for more than four decades. […]
In addition to his TV duties, Skilling hosted nearly 40 years of severe weather seminars at Fermilab in Batavia. […]
Skilling said he wants to do some traveling and he plans to remain in Chicago after retirement. Beyond that, his future remains up in the air.
* Watch his announcement…
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 9:11 am
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I’ve had the good fortune to meet Skilling a couple of times. He is by far, one of the nicest folks I’ve ever met. Genuinely a nice man. One time also, my at the time pre-teen daughter had a question for him and I sent him a FB message, and he came back with the nicest note and a concise explanation that I could re-explain to a 12 y.o
One of the best amongst us
Comment by Someone you shoudl know Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 9:20 am
Tom is the last vestige of the pre- Nextar, independent WGN, when it was truly “Chicago’s Own”. Truly the end of an era. I worked with him once, for a magazine article, and he’s indeed as he seems on camera; a pleasant, confident, cheerful person without ego, who just wants to share his knowledge and make people’s days a little better and safer. In his own way, something like Fred Rogers.
Comment by Give Us Barabbas Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 9:26 am
Way back in Steve Dahl’s WLUP days he did impressions of Skilling (as Tom Skillethead) that I thought were spot-on, funny and in no way mean spirited; and that I will never forget. I watched Tom on WGN to see if he would comment. I don’t recall seeing he ever did. Also is a polar opposite of his brother, and faced that spotlight head-on with consummate professionalism.
Comment by DEE Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 9:29 am
I’ve lived and traveled to many places and watched a lot of weather broadcasts and Tom is the best I’ve ever seen. Accurate, passionate and personable come to mind. I wish him nothing but the best for a long and happy retirement.
Comment by Stones Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 9:39 am
Saw the news. Couldn’t believe it. Tom is the best in every possible way. Has he been getting older? Sure. But he was and is timeless. Even though I rarely watch channel 9, he was always my go to in storms. The one guy I’d give the most credence to because the depth of his info was so awesome and the way he explained it was the best. Given changing trends in the media, there will never again be anyone like him. We’ll miss you Tom.
Comment by New Day Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 9:47 am
Tom’s forecasts didn’t just give you the weather, he taught you weather.
I often wished he had his own 30 minute segment every day.
He truly loved his job. Enjoy your retirement Tom.
Comment by Chicago 20 Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 9:59 am
Tom Skilling. He not only told you what the weather would be, he explained why it would be that way. It helped that WGN gave him enough air time on the broadcast to get so in-depth, but I think the audience truly appreciated his lengthy reports and updates.
I wish him well in retirement.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 10:01 am
TV meteorologists like Mr. Skilling are perhaps the most trusted people on any media. Still remember Harry Volkman from years ago.
Comment by Ares Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 10:01 am
Years ago I was doing some filming around town. Around mid day the skies were looking a bit ominous. The guys I were with decided to call the WGN newsroom to speak with Skiilling. He had us on the phone for about 10 minutes giving us a complete run down. I had assumed the other crew members were using a personal connection to get Skilling’s input. Nope, they simply cold called him knowing that he would be willing to assist. That’s Skilling. And his on the fly forecast was spot on.
Comment by Pundent Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 10:02 am
I’m 56 and a lifelong Chicago-area resident. I can hardly remember a time without him around doing the weather. I also remember Steve Dahl’s impressions of him and agree they were not mean-spirited in any way. He made weather reporting accessible, fascinating, and easy to understand for all ages in his audience. He loved/loves the weather and that came through in his reporting. Truly a Chicago legend.
Comment by workingfromhome Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 10:03 am
A national treasure.
I learned so much about meteorology by watching him every night growing up.
Thanks to Tom, we knew El Nino, La Nina, Polar Vortex, Alberta Clipper, and derecho before they were cool.
All the best to him.
Comment by JB13 Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 10:06 am
And speaking of meteorologist impressions, WLUP/AM1000’s Kevin Matthews’ impression of John Coleman was hilarious.
Comment by workingfromhome Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 10:13 am
A true gentleman, as friendly in person as he is on tv.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 10:19 am
End of an era. Selfishly this makes me sad as it closes the book on the WGN superstation era and it deprives the public of his wisdom and service in broadcasting and educating on the weather. But the man has certainly put in his time and I wish him a very long, happy, and healthy retirement.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 10:23 am
It’s fair to say that Tom Skilling is the premier weather educator in the United States, and probably the world.
And in an industry filled with ego, ill intent, and sometimes malevolence - Tom is exactly the same man off-air as he is in front of the camera. Incredibly generous with his time, insight, and compliments. I will miss my weather dad come March.
Comment by The Truth Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 10:26 am
Tom is very good and a very nice guy, but no sure he tops a guy named Mr. Roberts who did weather on WCIA in Champaign for about 200 years.
Comment by Annonin' Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 10:34 am
I am a complete fan for decades, and was so sorry to hear the news yesterday. Impressed that it made the front page of both the Tribune and Sun Times this morning. As others have mentioned, he taught us all meteorology every day. That was my favorite part.
Comment by Groundhog Day Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 10:34 am
The seminars he did at Fermilab helped train generations of weather spotters. You would be surprised how much info the NWS gets from Chicago area Ham radio operators working in nets observing and reporting who were partly trained by him.
I think WGN has control of the weather in Chicagoland using the Amulet of Zanzibar provided by Wizo The Wizard. It will be interesting to see who he hands the amulet off to at WGN.
I would suggest watching this to the end to see Tom’s sense of humor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgiZvE7iWhI&t=1s
I’m Tom Freaking Skilling
Comment by OneMan Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 10:47 am
I had the pleasure of talking with Tom when he was named a Lincoln Laureate earlier this year. What fun, we could have talked for hours! I have followed his career from afar for decades and have always admired his professionalism, passion for weather, and keeping the public safe. I love how he sees every chance to talk about weather as a teachable moment for his many viewers. As others have commented on the blog this morning, just one of the nicest people in the business!
Comment by Jak Tichenor Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 10:50 am
Was a meteorology enthusiast and have been watching Skilling for years. Ran into him once a long time ago. He was very nice. Gave us a brief weather forecast, something like, “There’s a weather system moving in that will bring rain in the next 24 to 48 hours.” Wishing him a happy retirement.
Comment by Grandson of Man Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 10:57 am
Hats off to a certified Good Dude!
We would all do well to emulate his gentlemanly and thoughtful demeanor.
Comment by Occasionally Moderated Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 11:00 am
One Man- “its gonna rain- wadaya want ME to do about it?” Had me weeping. Tom Skilling is a national treasure, and will be sorely missed.
Comment by West Sider Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 11:10 am
You really cant find anyone today more identifiable with Chicago than Tom Skilling. Probably the most likeable person in the history of local news. Best of health and enjoy .
Comment by Regular democrat Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 11:21 am
BTW Happy birthday Jak. Miss you in Springfield.
Comment by Give Us Barabbas Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 11:32 am
===BTW Happy birthday Jak. Miss you in Springfield. ===
Same and same.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 11:33 am
Tornado coverage is better in SW Florida.
The weather folks warn individual neighborhoods with maps showing the storms approaching.
Chicago TV stations should follow that example.
Comment by cal skinner Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 11:34 am
I had the opportunity to talk to him personally in a phone call that I made trying to find out if a road trip down to Disneyworld could be made in time to avoid a line of pretty bad thunderstorms heading east. I wanted to see whether we could make it south to Tennessee before heading to Chattanooga and through the Smokey Mountains. He told me to leave as soon as possible, and we might be able to edge the storm out since it was moving slowly. Hehe, I almost fell on the floor when he picked up the line.
We made it by driving all night. The plan was to hit Nashville, then my wife would take over, but when we started hitting the 45 mph S-curves, where, if you’re not going 45, you’re dead, I decided to drive through to Atlanta myself. Got to the hotel at 6:45 in the morning, and said we were checking in. The clerk told me he’d have our room ready at 4pm, and I told him no problem, we’d sleep in the lobby. Got a room 10 minutes later… Thanks for the help, Tom. I’ll miss you. Enjoy your retirement.
Comment by PublicServant Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 11:41 am
What a great guy and what a great bunch of stories about his personal touch. Was hoping he would hang around forever.
Comment by Paddyrollingstone Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 11:43 am
The Washington Post just put up a story about Tom’s retirement. He is truly a legend.
Comment by Groundhog Day Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 11:56 am
Even growing up downstate, I idolized Tom Skilling. From what Nexstar has demonstrated, I’m not optimistic that his replacement will be more than a pretty face with a weather-related punny stage name. They’re probably ecstatic to get that headroom in the payroll.
Comment by North Park Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 11:56 am
===BTW Happy birthday Jak. Miss you in Springfield. ===
Also miss Tom in Springfield. Ever since all Chicago local content (including 9PM news) was dropped off the old WGN America around ten years ago (long before it became News Nation).
Congrats on your retirement, Tom.
Comment by Stuck in Celliniland Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 12:13 pm
===He not only told you what the weather would be, he explained why it would be that way.
Exactly, and it helped people understand why weather forecasts have a degree of uncertainty.
Comment by ArchPundit Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 1:02 pm
My grandmother worked in HR at WGN until the mid 80s. She said Tom was one of the nicest of the on-air folks.
Dahl’s Tommy Skillethead was originally part of his anti-establishment bent but was clearly not mean spirited as attested to by the several times Skiling called into Dahl’s show.
Comment by Proud Sucker Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 1:14 pm
All the best to Tom Skilling, a true gentleman and a scholar of meteorology. When WGN dropped Chicago news and weather on WGN America for those of us outside of Chicago, I found myself going online to watch their news program to get the weather from Tom Skilling. I will never forget his enthusiasm when he did the solar eclipse remote from Carbondale. He was just as thrilled as the rest of us to see this phenomenon as his audience.
Happy retirement, Tom. You certainly deserve it.
Comment by Nearly Normal Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 1:20 pm
Tom Skilling has been my favorite weatherman from way, way back. I wish him the best.
Comment by DuPage Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 1:20 pm
@cal skinner
Some people simply have no class. You just gave us a great example of what that looks like.
Comment by Demoralized Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 2:28 pm
The gold standard for the teaching, understanding, and informing the public about weather and components to weather. Skilling is a rare breed that can speak to his passion and job and convey both information and passion for his subject and Skilling’s vast knowledge and experience allowed his expertise to shine in his work.
It’s like the fame, notoriety, and legend of Bozo, if I can compare to another WGN icon. Skilling went far beyond the Chicago airwaves, not because WGN was a superstation but because Skilling is a superstar, the measure all would like to meet.
I wish him well, Skilling has earned his retirement as his service to the country, not just his viewers, is paid, and Skilling deserves all the enjoyment away from forecasting weather as he now can merely bask in his own sunshine.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 2:40 pm
I dont know if anyone remembers how revolutionary “Eyewitness News” was for the ABC owned stations was along with happy talk and banter between the anchor, weather, and sports person were. Including John Coleman here in Chicago. Although the weather was no where as accurate as today.
I remember Tom Skilling warning about the Groundhog Day blizzard and as time got closer he kept saying its gonna start snowing around 2 or 3pm.
He is the one to turn to for our beloved Midwest summer storms.
Best of luck!
Comment by Jerry Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 2:41 pm
He’s been doing the weather on WGN literally my entire life. I feel so bereft
Comment by Suburban Mom Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 3:01 pm
What a great man and weather educator. I made it out to Fermilab a few times for the weather seminar and loved it (and I’m not really a weather ‘geek’). Such a generous spirit who clearly loves his profession. He’s earned his retirement, but oh how he will be missed.
Comment by Leslie K Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 3:54 pm
Someone mentioned John Coleman. He was a great guy too, but no Tom Skilling.
Comment by PublicServant Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 4:18 pm
===John Coleman===
His legacy is quite secure. Coleman created The Weather Channel.
Comment by Oswego Willy Friday, Oct 13, 23 @ 4:19 pm