Chief Meteorologist Phil Ferro Announced His Retirement
The veteran broadcaster will remain at WSVN through the end of this year's hurricane season on November 30.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Forecasts
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Phil Ferro, the face of weather coverage at WSVN for more than two decades, has announced his retirement. The 61-year-old meteorologist will continue to provide forecasts for South Florida through the remainder of the 2026 hurricane season.
Why it matters
For generations of Miamians, Ferro has been a fixture on the local airwaves during the high-stakes uncertainty of hurricane season. His tenure spans a significant era of meteorological advancement in the region, including his own experience flying into a storm as a hurricane hunter.
Ferro closes his career with 40 years in the television industry, including more than 30 years broadcasting to South Florida. His time at WSVN began in 2005, following a decade-long run at Telemundo.
The players
Phil Ferro
A 61-year-old chief meteorologist who is retiring after 40 years in the television industry.
WSVN
The Miami television station where Ferro has served as chief meteorologist for 21 years.
The details
Ferro announced his plans to step down via social media, marking the end of a career that saw him become a two-time Emmy winner. A graduate of Mississippi State, he is best remembered by many for his 1999 flight into Hurricane Lenny as a hurricane hunter. He will continue to track the tropics from his station in Miami until the Atlantic hurricane season concludes at the end of November.
Timeline
1999: Ferro participated in a hurricane-hunter mission into Hurricane Lenny.
2005: Ferro began his tenure at WSVN.
October 6, 2026: The retirement announcement was made.
November 30, 2026: The end of the current hurricane season and Ferro's expected final stretch.
Beyond the 305
Ferro's career trajectory reflects the evolution of local weather reporting against the backdrop of the 113-year Atlantic tropical cyclone record. His departure marks the end of a multi-decade era of storm coverage that defined how South Florida residents prepared for tropical threats.
Viewers can expect to see Ferro on the desk for daily weather reports through November 30. No changes to the WSVN weather team structure or the lead-up to the season's end have been announced at this time.
The takeaway
Phil Ferro leaves behind a legacy of storm tracking that has been a staple of Miami television for two decades. Residents should continue to follow his forecasts through the final weeks of the 2026 hurricane season.
Further reading
Keep up with the latest local weather updates at Miami Forecasts.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Miami Herald.
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