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The meteorologist has anchored weeknight weather at WCVB Channel 5 for more than 20 years, according to the network.
Mike Wankum, WCVB’s weeknight meteorologist, will retire at the end of June. WCVB
Mike Wankum, WCVB’s weeknight meteorologist, will retire at the end of June, the network announced Wednesday.
Wankum has anchored weeknight weather at WCVB Channel 5 for more than 20 years and forecasted in Boston for nearly 35 years, WCVB President and General Manager Andrew Vrees and WCVB News Director Margaret Cronan said in a press release. His last day forecasting for StormTeam 5 will be June 30.
Chief Meteorologist Cindy Fitzgibbon, who currently anchors morning and noon weather on weekdays, will take over Wankum’s weeknight forecasts, according to Vrees and Cronan. Kelly Ann Cicalese, who covers weekend morning forecasts, will transition to weekdays and handle Fitzgibbon’s current duties. The network has not yet announced who will succeed Cicalese as weekend morning meteorologist.
“WCVB has been incredibly fortunate to have Mike leading our weeknight weathercasts, delivering vital weather coverage that helps inform and protect our community,” Vrees said. “We’re equally fortunate to have Cindy and Kelly Ann stepping into their new roles. They bring a proven track record of accuracy and trust, along with years of dedication to guiding viewers through some of the most significant storms our region has faced.”
Wankum is the longest-serving broadcast meteorologist in Boston and has been recognized with 17 regional Boston/New England Emmy Awards for weather coverage and technology reporting. He is also a member of the American Meteorological Society with a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation.
Fitzgibbon has more than 30 years of meteorology experience and has forecasted with StormTeam 5 for nearly a decade, according to WCVB. Cicalese joined the network around the same time in October 2016.
“Mike’s been a cherished member of StormTeam 5, and we look forward to celebrating him in the days ahead,” Cronan said. “I’m also excited to recognize Cindy and Kelly Ann as they step into their new roles. Both are deeply committed to keeping the community safe during severe weather, providing the timely, trusted information our audiences rely on – both on air and online – to make important decisions in any conditions.”
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