Mike Wankum is a renowned American meteorologist who has become one of Boston’s most trusted weather forecasters. He is best known as the weeknight meteorologist for WCVB-TV Channel 5’s StormTeam 5, where he has delivered accurate weather forecasts to New England viewers for nearly two decades. The award-winning meteorologist has earned 17 regional Emmy Awards throughout his distinguished career and is also recognized for his passion for motorcycle racing and charitable work.
Mike Wankum Wikipedia
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Mike Wankum |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | Circa 1959-1960 |
| Age | 65 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of birth | Iowa, United States |
| Current residence | South Shore, Massachusetts |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion | Unknown |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Marital status | Married |
| Spouse | Clair Geissler |
| Children | Three (Anna, Tess, and Benjamin) |
| Alma mater | Briar Cliff University, Creighton University |
| Profession | Meteorologist, Television Presenter |
| Net worth | $1 million – $5 million (estimated) |
Who is Mike Wankum?
Mike Wankum is a celebrated meteorologist who serves as the weeknight weather anchor for WCVB NewsCenter 5 in Boston, Massachusetts. He has been with the station since December 2006 and anchors weather for all evening and late newscasts. The Iowa native developed his fascination with weather phenomena during his childhood on a farm, where he witnessed firsthand how weather patterns affected his family’s livelihood.
Throughout his career spanning over four decades, Wankum has established himself as one of the most respected voices in broadcast meteorology. He holds the prestigious Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation from the American Meteorological Society, which represents the highest seal a meteorologist can earn. His dedication to accurate forecasting and engaging presentation style has made him a household name across New England.
How old is Mike Wankum? Age and birthday
Mike Wankum is approximately 65 years old as of 2025. He was born around 1959 or 1960 in Iowa, United States. While his exact birth date has not been publicly disclosed, Wankum grew up in a farming community west of Iowa, where he developed an early interest in weather patterns and meteorological phenomena.
What is Mike Wankum’s net worth and salary?
As of 2025, Mike Wankum’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. This substantial fortune has been accumulated through his successful and long-standing career in broadcast meteorology.
He earns an estimated annual salary ranging from $42,000 to $122,000 from his position at WCVB-TV Channel 5. His income sources include his primary role as weeknight meteorologist, technology reporting, guest speaking engagements at schools and universities, and consulting work for digital media platforms.
Mike Wankum’s career journey
Early career beginnings
Mike Wankum launched his meteorology career at KTIV-TV in Sioux City, Iowa, where he worked from 1980 to 1990.
During this decade-long tenure, he served as chief meteorologist and built a solid reputation for accurate weather forecasting. His time at KTIV provided him with valuable experience in covering severe weather events, including tornadoes in the heart of Tornado Alley.
Advancing to Richmond, Virginia
In 1990, Wankum moved to WTVR-TV in Richmond, Virginia, where he served as chief meteorologist until 1993.
During his time in Richmond, he received his first Emmy Award in 1992, marking the beginning of his award-winning career. This three-year stint demonstrated his ability to adapt to different regional weather patterns and solidified his growing reputation in the broadcast industry.
Boston television career
Wankum joined Boston’s television market in 1993 when he became chief meteorologist at WLVI-TV (WB56). He served in this role for 13 years, earning eight Emmy Awards and three Associated Press Awards for his exceptional weathercasting. In December 2006, he transitioned to WCVB-TV Channel 5, where he has remained for nearly two decades.
At WCVB, Wankum has become the longest-serving broadcast meteorologist in Boston. He anchors weather segments for all weekday evening and late newscasts, including the 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 11:00 PM broadcasts, as well as the 10 O’Clock News on MeTV Boston. His weather coverage has earned him 17 regional NATAS Boston/New England Emmy Awards for both weather reporting and technology journalism.
Technology reporting
Beyond weather forecasting, Wankum has distinguished himself through technology reporting. He produced and reported for “Cutting Edge,” a segment focusing on technology breakthroughs in the Boston area.
He also served as a consultant to Hearst Digital, bringing his expertise in meteorological technology and digital media to the broader organization.
Is Mike Wankum married? Wife and family
Mike Wankum is happily married to Clair Geissler. The couple celebrated their 39th wedding anniversary in August 2021, indicating they married around August 1982. Wankum has publicly expressed that marrying Clair was “the best decision of my life,” and their enduring marriage has been a cornerstone of his personal happiness.
Mike Wankum’s children and grandchildren
Mike and Clair Geissler are proud parents of three children: two daughters named Anna and Tess, and one son named Benjamin. The family has grown to include four grandchildren. In February 2023, Wankum introduced his first granddaughter, who was born on Groundhog Day.
His daughter Anna is married to Dustin, who is the father of at least one of the grandchildren. The longtime Massachusetts South Shore resident enjoys spending quality time with his extended family.
Mike Wankum’s height and physical appearance
Mike Wankum stands at approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall (1.68 meters). While specific details about his weight and other body measurements are not publicly available, the meteorologist maintains an active lifestyle through his passion for motorcycle racing, which requires physical fitness and stamina.
Awards and recognition
Throughout his distinguished career, Mike Wankum has accumulated impressive recognition for his work. He has won 17 regional NATAS Boston/New England Emmy Awards for both weather coverage and technology reporting.
These accolades span his work at multiple television stations and demonstrate consistent excellence in broadcast meteorology. He is also a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM #197) with the American Meteorological Society, representing the highest professional certification available to broadcast meteorologists.
Motorcycle racing passion
Beyond his meteorology career, Wankum is an avid motorcycle racer and member of the Northeast Motorcycle Road Racing (NEMRR) organization. He competes in races at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where he has reached speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour on his racing motorcycle.
In 2025, he served as a guest announcer for the 102nd running of the Loudon Classic, combining his broadcasting skills with his passion for motorcycle sports. He has also participated in media races at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, hitting speeds of 146 mph behind the wheel of a NASCAR race car and finishing sixth out of 15 competitors.
Charitable work and community involvement
Mike Wankum has dedicated significant time to philanthropic efforts. He served as past Chairman of the Chernobyl Children Project USA, an organization that arranges medical care in the United States for children affected by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
He has hosted numerous charitable events and galas to raise funds for bringing children from the Chernobyl region to Boston for medical treatment. Additionally, he is a frequent guest science lecturer at area schools and universities, speaking on topics including climate change, media, severe weather, nuclear disasters, and children’s issues.
Fast facts about Mike Wankum
- Iowa farm roots: Wankum grew up on a farm in Iowa, which sparked his lifelong fascination with weather patterns and their impact on agriculture.
- Tornado chaser: During his graduate studies at Creighton University in Tornado Alley, he participated in numerous tornado chases to better understand severe weather systems.
- Four-decade career: He has been forecasting weather on television for over 40 years, starting his career in 1980 at KTIV in Sioux City, Iowa.
- Emmy champion: With 17 Emmy Awards, he is one of the most decorated meteorologists in the Boston/New England region.
- Technology pioneer: Before fully focusing on weather, he produced technology segments called “Cutting Edge” highlighting Boston-area innovations.
- Certified expert: He holds the prestigious Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) seal from the American Meteorological Society.
- Racing enthusiast: He regularly competes in motorcycle races and has reached speeds exceeding 146 mph on racetracks.
- Multi-platform presence: He maintains an active social media presence with over 25,000 followers who rely on his weather updates and insights.
- Educational background: He earned his bachelor’s degree from Briar Cliff University and pursued a Master’s degree in Atmospheric Science at Creighton University.
- Family man: Despite his demanding career and racing hobby, he prioritizes spending time with his three children and four grandchildren.
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Wrapping up
Mike Wankum has built an extraordinary career as one of Boston’s most trusted and longest-serving meteorologists. His journey from an Iowa farm to the forefront of New England weather broadcasting demonstrates his passion, dedication, and expertise. With 17 Emmy Awards, decades of accurate forecasting, and a unique blend of professional excellence and personal interests, Wankum continues to serve the Boston community while pursuing his love for motorcycle racing and charitable work. As of 2025, he remains a vital part of WCVB Channel 5’s StormTeam 5, delivering weather forecasts to millions of viewers across Massachusetts.
References
- Mike Wankum – WCVB Channel 5 Boston.
- Catching up with former meteorologist Mike Wankum. KTIV
- TV Weather Man Wankum Is Loudon Classic Guest Announcer. Roadracing World
- What happened to Mike Wankum’s arm? The US Sun
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