Chicago forecaster Phil Schwarz retires

By Michael P. Hill Article may include affiliate links

After 28 years, a Chicago forecaster retired March 1, 2023.

Phil Schwarz, who has appeared on various timeslots on ABC-owned WLS over the years, marked his last day at the station by delivering a “tag-team” forecast alongside morning meteorologist Tracy Butler. Schwarz was frequently a fill-in for her.

Schwarz, 61, joined ABC 7 Chicago in 1995 after working for AccuWeather and stations in Michigan, Minnesota and New York.

He plans to spend more time with his family, including two grown children and two grandchildren.

Schwarz said he still may pop up on ABC 7 from time to time, filling in as needed.

WLS has had a series of departures recently, including weekend anchor and reporter Stacey Baca in July 2022 and primary co-anchor Alan Krashesky in November 2022.

The station recently hired meteorologist Jaisol Martinez from WHDH in Boston to take over many of Schwarz’s times.

Mark McGinnis also left the station as weekend forecaster back 2019, with Greg Dutra replacing him. McGinnis, who now runs a weather consulting company, also said he would fill-in on the station as needed.