MET ÉIREANN’S HEAD of Forecasting Gerald Fleming is to retire, he has confirmed this morning.
The meteorologist and veteran weather presenter announced the news on RTÉ’s Today with Sean O’Rourke.
Fleming, known to TV viewers for his laid-back presenting style and trademark winking sign-off, stepped down from regular broadcasting in 2009.
He said he that, as he was approaching 60, he had decided to retire from Met Éireann at the end of the year, but that would continue to work in meteorology.
“The Monday to Friday 9 to 5 commitment is one that I’m going to step away from,” Fleming said.
“I’ve reached this stage thankfully in good health and with plenty of interests and there’s other things – other parts of my profession and indeed other things in my life that I want to focus on and enjoy.”
He said he had been chairing a programme for the World Meteorological Organisation, and that that role was set to continue for another three years.
Fleming spoke to us about his approach to broadcasting – including that famous wink – when he dropped by for an interview in 2014:
In recent years, Fleming has overseen a number of changes to forecasting – including the introduction of the colour-coded warning system.
He also introduced the storm naming system – a joint project with the UK’s Met Office.
The introduction of the initiative followed a winter that saw a number of unofficially named storms – like ‘Darwin’ – make headlines.
There’ll be a tribute to the outgoing weatherman on RTÉ’s Weather Live show, airing at 7pm tonight.
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