Andy Avalos Retires After 33 Years Forecasting Chicago Weather

CHICAGO, IL —Meteorologist Andy Avalos said an emotional goodbye to his NBC 5 family and viewers Friday as he stepped away from the green screen and entered retirement.

Avalos, who lives in Orland Park, has been the morning meteorologist on NBC5 for 18 years. Friday morning, he gave special thanks to his wife and daughter, who he said have made sacrifices due to his nontraditional work schedule.

"This has been a hard thing for them, as well," Avalos said. "I get up at midnight every night, I'm rustling around the house and scooting out the door by 1 o'clock in the morning, usually don't get back home until about 11, so it really does change our lifestyle a bit."

Avalos thanked his colleagues, both on-air and behind the scenes, and shared his gratitude for those who have watched his forecasts for the last 33 years.

"For all of you who I've been working with over the years, I will miss you immensely," he said. "And to all of our viewers, who've been so kind to me for so long and made me feel so welcome here in Chicago, I wish you nothing but the best, good health and a long life, and may God bless and keep you safe."

According to his station biography, Avalos began his career in Colorado before moving to Chicago to work for WLS in April 1984. He began working for NBC 5 in 1994 and "took a couple of years off to run a pancake house" and returned to forecasting in 2003.

Alicia Roman will take over as the morning meteorologist.