Boston forecaster set to retire after 50 years working in the market

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Boston forecaster Harvey Leonard announced he will be retiring after two decades with Hearst’s WCVB.

He will stop appearing regularly on the station’s NewsCenter 5 newscasts starting May 25, 2022, he announced on air May 11, 2022, but will take on the role of chief meteorologist emeritus, “contributing to severe weather and climate coverage important to our community,” according to the station.

In other words, it sounds as though the plan is to have him contribute reports related to weather, though how often and in what format remains to be seen.

“My new role will allow me the best of both worlds: I will still contribute to StormTeam 5 coverage serving our community with important information as well as remain an active member of the Channel 5 family, and I will get to spend more time enjoying activities with my personal family. Additionally, this new position will allow me more opportunities to engage in the community which is something I very much enjoy,” a statement from Leonard on the station’s site reads.

Leonard joined WCVB in 2002 as co-chief meteorologist, taking over as the solo one after Dick Albert retired in 2009.

Prior to that he worked at WHDH from 1977 to 2002 and also spent time at WPRI in Rhode Island and Universal Weather Services. That means he’s had over five decades of experience in forecasting in the New England area.

WCVB has not made a decision on who will take over as chief meteorologist.