Longtime WFXT-TV (Channel 25) chief meteorologist Kevin Lemanowicz is stepping down from his role at the end of the month, the station announced Wednesday.
Lemanowicz began at Boston 25 when it launched in 1996, and he has been the station’s chief meteorologist ever since. His last day with Boston 25 will be Feb. 27, and said in a statement that it was time “to look ahead and see what the next chapter holds.”
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve this community. Thank you for welcoming me into your homes each night,” Lemanowicz added. ”I am proud of what we have built here and know it will continue to be successful because I am leaving behind the best weather team in Boston.”
Lemanowicz is just the latest on-air talent to depart Boston’s TV news market, which is home to a shrinking number of bold-faced names amid declining audiences and cost cutting from broadcasters. The announcement follows Kim Khazei’s retirement from WHDH-TV (Channel 7) in December and political analyst Jon Keller’s departure from WBZ-TV (Channel 4) in October, which was part of layoffs across parent company Paramount.
A native New Englander, Lemanowicz previously worked in Hartford, starting his career at WVIT-TV and later working at the New England Weather Service and Hartford’s WTIC-TV.
“It’s rare to see someone dedicate 30 years to one newsroom, and Kevin did so with professionalism, passion, and an unwavering commitment to our viewers,” Boston 25 news director Scott Isaacs said. “We will miss Kevin’s experience and wisdom when it comes to local weather ... not to mention, his forecast is the most accurate in the market! He set a high bar that we will always work hard to maintain.”
Isaacs told the Globe that senior morning meteorologist Shiri Spear, who has been at Boston 25 since 2012, will take over as chief meteorologist. He added that the station will also hire additional staff.
Aidan Ryan can be reached at aidan.ryan@globe.com. Follow him @aidanfitzryan.