Action News' Chief Meteorologist Cecily Tynan is retiring after over 35 years in broadcasting. Her last on-air appearance at the station will be the 6 p.m. newscast on Monday, August 31.
Tynan announced her retirement at the end of 6abc's 6 p.m. newscast Thursday.
"It's the right time for me, it's the right time for my family and I'm so very thankful," she said during the show. "I've had such a long career at this station, and — this is the best thing — I have got time to say goodbye."
Tynan has served as 6abc's chief meteorologist since 2009. She is the first woman to hold that role at the station. In addition to leading daily forecasts for Action News, Tynan previously hosted
the public affairs show "Primetime Weekend" and has appeared in nationally televised segments with ABC News.
Tynan covered Hurricane Sandy, the Blizzard of 1996, 2024's Hurricane Ida and other major severe weather events. For years, she has also hosted the Philadelphia Thanksgiving day parade on the station.
"I love my coworkers... I love our viewers and that's why I've stayed here so long," Tynan said during Thursday's broadcast. "I mean, when you love what you do, you never work a day in your life."
Coming into people’s living rooms every day, Tynan, who many just call Cecily like she’s a member of the family, quickly became a local celebrity with viewers, commenting on everything from what she wore, to when she would change her hairstyle and whether she got the forecast right or wrong.
She maintains a robust social media presence, talking directly to viewers and sharing many aspects of her life off the air.
Anchor Brian Taff congratulated Tynan on air Thursday.
"You are a treasure, not just in this newsroom, of course, but among everyone out there watching who loves tuning in every night and feeling the comfort of having Cecily Tynan tell them what's coming up," Taff said.
WPVI-TV General Manager John Morris thanked Tynan in a statement.
"From the moment she first walked off the elevator and joined Action News, Cecily has been a trusted voice for viewers, a leader in our newsroom, and one of the most talented broadcasters in Philadelphia," Morris said. "Whether guiding us through storms or being part of our holiday traditions, Cecily has been a part of our lives for a long time. As much as our viewers are going to miss her, we will miss her even more."
Tynan is originally from Connecticut and attended Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Va., where she graduated magna cum laude with degrees in journalism and politics. She holds a seal of approval from the American Meteorological Society.
She began her broadcast career in Virginia as a weekend weather anchor and general assignment reporter at Roanoke's WDBJ. Before joining the 6abc/WPVI team, Tynan also worked as a weather and news anchor for Good Morning Las Vegas.
A former professional duathlete who has completed four sub-3-hour marathons, finished in the top 10 for her age group at the 2003 Ironman World Championships and competes in slalom water-skiing tournaments, Tynan plans to have an active retirement.
"I'm looking forward to spending my winters in Florida water skiing, traveling and having lots of quality time with my husband, Greg; two adult children, Luke and Emma; and three rescue pups, Nala, Shelby and Charlie," Tynan stated.
Tynan added during Thursday's newscast that she is looking forward to attending all of her daughter's college cross country and track meets. Emma will run for Tynan's alma mater, Washington and Lee, in the fall.
6abc has not yet named Tynan's successor.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Cecily Tynan leaving 6ABC. What’s next after 35 years in Philly news
