Chief meteorologist Cecily Tynan announced on Thursday that she is retiring from 6abc/WPVI-TV after more than 30 years with Action News. Tynan, who became the station’s first female chief meteorologist in 2009, will deliver her final broadcast on Monday, Aug. 31, to spend more time with her family.
It is the end of an era for Philadelphia weather. Cecily Tynan, a fixture of the local news ecosystem for three decades, is stepping away from the forecast. Tynan broke the news to viewers during the 6 p.m. newscast on Thursday, noting that the decision had been in the works for a long time.
The timing is personal. Tynan’s children have both graduated from high school, and with her daughter heading to college in less than a month to run cross country and track, Tynan plans to attend every single meet.
A Trailblazing Career from 1995 to 2026
Tynan’s tenure at 6abc began in 1995. She entered the building as a weekend weather anchor and general assignment reporter on a two-year contract—a stint that evolved into a multidecade career. By 2009, she became the station’s first female chief meteorologist, succeeding the retiring Dave Roberts.
Photo: PhillyVoice
Her resume is defined by the storms that defined the region. Tynan guided viewers through the Blizzard of 1996, Hurricane Sandy, and the devastating flooding following Hurricane Ida. She also anchored the station’s Thanksgiving Day parade coverage and hosted the public affairs program Primetime Weekend.
“I’m so honored to have been a member of the 6abc Action News team for more than three decades, starting as the station’s first-ever weekend meteorologist, then becoming its first female chief meteorologist. I’m proud of the work we’ve done and thankful to 6abc viewers for trusting me with their weather forecasts,”
Cecily Tynan, Chief Meteorologist
Beyond the local desk, Tynan maintained a presence on the national stage with guest appearances on World News Tonight and Good Morning America. Most recently, Tynan served as a featured live correspondent from the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia during ABC’s 24-hour broadcast Disney Celebrates America.
The Florida Plan: Water Skiing and Rescue Pups
Tynan is trading snow forecasts for sunshine. Her retirement plans involve spending winters in Florida, where she intends to focus on traveling and water skiing. This is not a new passion; she is a tournament slalom water-skier and a former world-class professional duathlete who placed in the Top 10 of her age group at the 2003 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.
Chief meteorologist Cecily Tynan to retire after more than 30 years with Action News
The transition also allows her to dedicate more time to animal welfare, a cause she championed at 6abc by sponsoring the station’s “Shelter Me” segment. She leaves behind a household with three rescue pups: Nala, Shelby, and Charlie.
“Now, instead of forecasting snow, 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. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Cecily Tynan, Chief Meteorologist
A Shift in Action News Stability
For years, Action News was the gold standard of stability in Philadelphia. Tynan spent a significant portion of her career alongside the legendary Jim Gardner on the 11 p.m. news before Gardner’s own retirement in 2022. However, the roster has seen more movement recently.
Photo: Crossing Broad
The Legacy of a Trusted Voice
The reaction from the newsroom reflects the weight of her departure. Anchor Brian Taff described Tynan as a “treasure” to both the newsroom and the viewers who relied on her for comfort and accuracy. General Manager John Morris emphasized her role as a leader who became a part of the region’s holiday traditions and daily routines.
“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,” said WPVI-TV General Manager John Morris. “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.”
Photo: Inquirer.com
John Morris, WPVI-TV General Manager
Tynan’s journey to Philadelphia was preceded by stops at KTNV in Las Vegas—where she anchored Good Morning Las Vegas—and WDBJ in Roanoke, Virginia. A native of Connecticut, she graduated magna cum laude from Washington and Lee University with degrees in journalism and politics before completing the American Meteorological Society’s training.
As the August 31 deadline approaches, the station faces the challenge of replacing not just a chief meteorologist, but a personality who, by her own account, found a “home” in Philadelphia after originally planning to stay for only three years.
Chief meteorologist Cecily Tynan to retire after more than 30 years with Action News
