Thursday, September 29th, NBC5 announced that Tyler Jankoski has been named chief meteorologist. The news follows long-time chief meteorologist Tom Messner’s recent retirement announcement. Jankoski will assume the leadership role after Messner’s departure in late November. 

“We know how important weather coverage is to our viewers, and our commitment to providing the Champlain Valley’s most accurate and dependable forecasts will continue,” said NBC5 President and General Manager Ryan Rothstein. “Tom Messner leaves no small shoes to fill, but, given Tyler’s experience and technical knowledge, we know viewers will find him more than capable of providing the critical weather information they need and deserve.” 

Jankoski joined NBC5 in 2017 as weekend morning meteorologist. He has since covered significant weather events including major snowstorms and nor’easters, severe thunderstorms and flooding, and multiple tornado outbreaks. His in-depth knowledge of the latest stormtracking systems has made him an integral member of the NBC5 weather team. His aptitude for identifying imminent severe weather means he’s often the first local meteorologist on-air and on digital to warn Champlain Valley viewers of dangerous conditions.

“There’s no question Tyler is the right person to lead our weather team,” said Messner. “In my 31 years as a meterologist in this market, I’ve never worked with anyone more dialed-in to the technological side of stormtracking. He knows how to speak to viewers across all generations and all platforms, whether on TV, on social media or on the web. No one is better suited to provide our communities with the weather information they need to stay safe.” 

“I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor than Tom. He took me under his wing and taught me everything he’s learned over the course of his inspiring career, ” Jankoski said. “I’m eternally grateful to be given the opportunity to follow in his legendary footsteps, and I promise to honor his legacy by continuing to lead the team he built — and, with Caitlin and Ben, to continue NBC5’s tradition of excellence.”

Jankoski grew up in Bristol, Connecticut. He credits the start of his love for meteorology to his seventh grade science class at Chippens Hill Middle School — a love he would carry with him through college at Penn State University, where he graduated in 2013. 

Before joining NBC5 in 2017, Jankoski worked as a meteorologist at WGGB-TV in Springfield, MA, followed by a two-year stop at WVIT-TV in West Hartford, CT. Since joining NBC5, he’s fully embraced life in Vermont and northern New York, becoming an avid skier and enjoying all of the unique characteristics this region has to offer. Read more about Tyler in his bio at MyNBC5.com.