Beloved Chicago weatherman Tom Skilling announces retirement after 45 years

Tom Skilling, longtime meteorologist with WGN-TV and one of Chicago’s most recognizable news figures, has announced he will retire after 45 years as the city’s weatherman. Skilling made the announcement during a WGN broadcast on Thursday evening, stating he plans to retire in 2024, with his final broadcast scheduled for February 28.

Skilling reminisced on his career as iconic clips from his time at WGN played, some dating back to the start of his career in 1978. “Look at that, I had hair back in those days”, he said with a laugh.

According to his bio, Skilling began his work in media at just 14, when he was hired by radio station WKKD in Aurora, IL while attending West Aurora High School. Upon joining WGN-TV in 1978, Skilling became widely known for his enthusiasm, in-depth reporting, and use of state-of-the-art technology.

Over the years, Skilling covered some of the biggest weather events around Chicago and the Midwest. Skilling covered the 1995 heat wave, the Groundhog Day Blizzard of 2011, and was famously chased by a tornado in Oklahoma in 2010, according to Block Club Chicago.

Skilling has received numerous awards throughout his career, including multiple Emmy’s from the Chicago/Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. According to WGN-TV, he received the Illinois Broadcasters Association’s “Broadcast Pioneer” award in 2018.

During his farewell announcement, the beloved weatherman noted the special relationship between WGN and the people of Chicago. “This television station’s bond with this community, with you guys and with all of us, is so unique”, said Skilling, thanking his colleagues and the viewers at home.

Skilling reassured audiences that despite his retirement plans, he’ll still be a fixture in Chicago for years to come. “I’m not going away totally,” he remarked, “I don’t know what I’m gonna be doing when I get done with this except I’ll not have deadlines!”