Popular CT Meteorologist Announces Career Change

CONNECTICUT — After 21 years forecasting the weather, former WFSB-TV meteorologist Melissa Cole has decided to pull back.

Cole, who has two children, announced on Facebook that her last weather forecast at the station was on Dec. 27, and she is now transitioning to a part-time role reporting for the station's Great Day Connecticut show, filing a couple of stories a week.

"My daughter is already in college and my son will only be home for a few more years," Cole wrote. "I want to be present for all the carpools, dinners, homework time etc. It was a tough decision for me, but it felt like the right time."

Additionally, Cole said her schedule as a fill-in meteorologist was becoming a bit difficult, staying up for the 11 p.m. telecast, or waking up at 2:30 a.m. for the early morning show.

"I don't bounce back the way that I used to," she wrote. "And I also see how fast time is flying."

Cole joined WFSB in 2003, after stints at WIVT in Binghamton, New York and WHP in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

She studied Meteorology at Villanova University, and her love of weather dates back to her childhood, when she watched the impact of Hurricane Gloria on her West Hartford neighborhood from her basement window.

"I was bitten by the weather bug early, like many of us in this field," Cole wrote. "And even though I wasn't on your TV screens every day, I truly felt part of a very special weather team. The best weather team. On the station I grew up watching."

Cole's colleagues and fans are behind her decision and wish her the best, as her Facebook post has received more than 500 comments.

"So proud of you for making a decision that fills your heart," wrote anchor and Great Day Connecticut co-host Kara Sundlun. "And so lucky for me I still get to work with you all the time on great day."

See also: Masked Man Enters Woman’s Bedroom, Victim Fights Him Off: Police

• Man Hit Puppy With Two By Four: Police
• Lunarfest 2025, Maple Tapping & Winter Festivities This Weekend In CT
  

"Thank you very much for explaining your absence," wrote Judy Singer. "The schedule TV reporters keep is grueling. We have appreciated your broadcasts over the years and agree that your team is the best that viewers could hope for! Enjoy your carpools and all the little moments you will capture!"

Added Susan Kenny, "So happy for you, but so sorry to see you leave. Glad we will get to see you a little bit. Best wishes and take care."