WCVB chief meteorologist Harvey Leonard is retiring from the Boston ABC affiliate after 20 years.
Leonard, who the station said is a New England icon and is “widely regarded as one of the country’s top meteorologists,” started working at WCVB in 2002. Prior to joining WCVB, Harvey served as chief meteorologist for Boston’s WHDH for 25 years. He also served as chief meteorologist at WPRI in Providence.
Leonard’s last day as chief meteorologist will be on May 25. He’ll transition to the position of chief meteorologist emeritus this fall, where he will contributing to severe weather and climate coverage.
“After five wonderful decades doing a job that I love—and after having received so many distinguished honors from dear colleagues and professional organizations—I’ve decided it’s time to step back from my day-to-day role at WCVB and transition to contributing in a new way,” Leonard said.
“There is nobody who is more revered and beloved by the community and colleagues than Harvey Leonard,” said Kyle Grimes, WCVB president and general manager. “We sincerely thank him for all he has done and what he’ll continue to contribute in his emeritus role.”
“Harvey’s contributions to Channel 5’s audience, to all of New England and to the industry as a whole are legendary,” said WCVB news director Margaret Cronan.
Before joining WCVB, Leonard served as chief meteorologist for WHDH in Boston from 1977 to 2002. He also served as chief meteorologist at WPRI in Providence, Rhode Island and began his forecasting career as a meteorologist for Universal Weather Services, Inc.
An announcement regarding his successor as chief meteorologist will be made at a later date, WCVB management said.