Introduction

Mike Wankum is one of the most recognized broadcast meteorologists in New England, known for his calm and accurate weather forecasts delivered to Boston-area viewers for nearly two decades. As the weeknight meteorologist for WCVB-TV Channel 5’s StormTeam 5, he has built a reputation for trustworthy weather coverage, strong science communication, and genuine community involvement. Whether you are curious about his personal life, his impressive career history, or his lesser-known passion for motorcycle racing, this article covers everything you need to know about Mike Wankum in one place.

Mike Wankum Wikipedia

Mike Wankum does not have an official Wikipedia page, but the information available across trusted media biographies paints a clear and detailed picture of his life and career. Below is a comprehensive overview in table format.

Detail	Information
Full Name	Michael Wankum
Date of Birth	Around 1960
Place of Birth	Iowa, United States
Age (as of 2026)	Approximately 65-66 years old
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	White American
Education	Briar Cliff University (B.A. Journalism); Creighton University (M.S. Atmospheric Science)
Profession	Broadcast Meteorologist, Weather Anchor
Current Employer	WCVB-TV Channel 5, Boston
Years Active	1980 to Present
Spouse	Clair Geissler
Children	Benjamin, Anna, Tess
Grandchildren	Four grandchildren
Height	Approximately 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m)
Net Worth	$1 Million to $5 Million (estimated)
Emmy Awards	16 to 17 regional Emmy Awards
AMS Certification	Certified Broadcast Meteorologist
Residence	South Shore, Massachusetts

Who is Mike Wankum?

Mike Wankum is an award-winning American meteorologist who has spent more than four decades in broadcast weather forecasting. He currently serves as the weeknight weather anchor for WCVB NewsCenter 5 in Boston, Massachusetts, where he anchors all evening and late newscasts Monday through Friday at 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 11:00 PM. He also anchors The 10 O’Clock News on MeTV Boston.

Born and raised on a farm in Iowa, Wankum developed his fascination with weather phenomena during his childhood, where he witnessed firsthand how weather patterns affected his family’s livelihood. That early curiosity grew into a lifelong passion that led him to pursue formal education in both journalism and atmospheric science.

He holds the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation from the American Meteorological Society and has received 16 regional Emmy Awards for both his weather coverage and technology reporting. Beyond his on-screen work, he is widely respected as a science educator, public speaker, and community advocate.

How Old is Mike Wankum? Age and Birthday

Mike Wankum is currently 65 years old as of 2026, as he was born on January 10, 1960. He was raised in a farming community in Iowa, where tornado drills and severe Midwest weather became part of everyday life. Rather than being frightened by these events, young Mike became deeply curious about how storms formed and how they could be predicted.

His exact birth date has not been confirmed across all sources, but most reliable reports agree he was born in 1960, making him in his mid-60s today. Despite spending more than four decades in the television industry, Wankum continues to maintain an active and energetic on-screen presence that reflects his healthy lifestyle.

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.

Salary estimates for Wankum vary across different sources. Some reports suggest annual earnings in the range of $45,000 to $110,500, while others place the figure closer to $96,000 to $234,000 per year depending on the time period and source. As a senior meteorologist with over 40 years of experience and multiple Emmy Awards, it is reasonable to expect his compensation reflects his status as a top-tier broadcast professional.

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His income sources include:

• His primary role as weeknight meteorologist at WCVB-TV
• Technology reporting and producing for “Cutting Edge”
• Guest science lecture appearances at universities and schools
• Past contributions to ABC World News Weekend and various radio stations including KISS 108, WBUR-FM, and WZLX-FM

Mike Wankum’s Career Journey

Early Career Beginnings

Wankum began his career at KTIV-TV in Sioux City, Iowa as a staff meteorologist. In 1982, he was promoted to become chief meteorologist until his departure in 1990. Working in the heart of Tornado Alley gave him hands-on exposure to some of the most dangerous and fast-moving weather systems in the country, sharpening his forecasting skills under real pressure.

The region exposed him to tornadoes, blizzards, and fast-changing storm systems. These years helped him develop confidence in severe weather coverage and live broadcasting.

Advancing to Richmond, Virginia

In 1990, he joined WTVR-TV in Richmond, Virginia as chief meteorologist. During his time there, he got his first Emmy Award. This move introduced him to a completely different set of weather challenges, including Atlantic coastal storms and hurricane events, which broadened his expertise well beyond the Midwest patterns he had mastered earlier in his career.

Boston Television Career

In 1993, he joined WLVI-TV Boston in Greater Boston Area where he served for 13 years as chief meteorologist. There, he received 8 Emmy Awards and 3 Associated Press awards for his weathercasts. In 2006, Wankum joined WCVB’s StormTeam 5 as a meteorologist.

His arrival at WCVB marked the beginning of his most high-profile chapter. He quickly became one of the most trusted faces in New England weather, guiding viewers through major nor’easters, coastal flooding events, and record snowfall seasons. His ability to explain complex atmospheric science in simple, clear terms made him particularly popular among audiences of all ages.

Technology Reporting

Wankum is the producer and reporter for “Cutting Edge”, a show documenting technology breakthroughs in Boston. The show has been honored as the best TV series by Mass Broadcasters in 2018.

He also served as a consultant to Hearst Digital, bringing his expertise in meteorological technology and digital media to the broader organization. His work in technology reporting demonstrates a versatility that goes well beyond weather forecasting, establishing him as a multidimensional broadcast journalist.

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.

The couple met in college attending Briar Cliff University. Their relationship began on campus and has lasted well over four decades, making it one of the more enduring partnerships in the world of broadcast journalism.

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. The family currently lives in South Shore, Massachusetts, where Mike has put down roots while continuing his career at WCVB.

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.

While Mike is naturally protective of his children’s privacy and does not share much detail about their lives publicly, he has occasionally referenced his family on social media, where he is known to be active on both Facebook and Twitter. His grandchildren appear to bring him considerable joy, and he has spoken warmly about his role as a grandfather in public comments.

The family’s life in South Shore, Massachusetts reflects Mike’s deep connection to the greater Boston area, a region he has called home for more than 30 years.

Mike Wankum’s Height and Physical Appearance

Mike Wankum stands at approximately 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) tall. He has hazel eyes and grey hair. His weight is estimated at around 89 kilograms or approximately 196 pounds.

He carries a confident and composed on-screen presence that viewers have come to associate with calm and reliable weather reporting. He is known for maintaining an active lifestyle, including interests in cycling and motorcycle riding, which contribute to his healthy appearance.

In June 2021, Wankum briefly stepped away from television after undergoing rotator cuff surgery following a shoulder injury sustained when a powerful wave struck him at Salisbury Beach. He returned to his newscasts after recovery, reassuring his loyal audience through his social media channels during the process.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Mike Wankum has earned widespread recognition from the broadcast industry and professional meteorological community. Key achievements include:

• 16 to 17 Regional Emmy Awards for weather coverage and technology reporting
• Massachusetts Broadcasters Association (MBA) recognition for outstanding weather coverage
• Associated Press Award for excellence in weather broadcasting
• Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation from the American Meteorological Society
• Named one of the 7 “Coolest” Meteorologists in the United States in 2017 by the Washington Post
• “Cutting Edge” television series named Best TV Series by Mass Broadcasters in 2018
• Former contributor to ABC World News Weekend

These honors reflect not just his technical skill, but his ability to connect with audiences and communicate science in an accessible and meaningful way.

Motorcycle Racing Passion

Away from the weather desk, Mike Wankum has a surprising and thrilling hobby: motorcycle racing. Wankum is a licensed amateur road racer and a motorcycle enthusiast. He can often be found at the New Hampshire Motors Speedway, where he has a long history of podium finishes.

He also uses his racing experience to teach local law enforcement officers about motorcycles, specifically how to ride safely at high speeds as a member of the Fishtail Riding School.

This passion for high-speed riding adds a fascinating dimension to his public persona. The same methodical thinking he applies to reading weather patterns translates well into the precision and discipline required for amateur road racing, making him a well-rounded and unusually interesting television personality.

Charitable Work and Community Involvement

Mike Wankum is deeply committed to giving back to the community, and his charitable efforts extend well beyond casual involvement.

He has delivered public talks covering a wide range of subjects, such as media, climate change, severe weather, children’s concerns, and nuclear disasters. Wankum has previously held the position of Chairman for the Chornobyl Children Project USA and remains engaged in multiple local charitable causes.

He serves as a guest science lecturer at Boston area schools and universities. His commitment to science education reflects a genuine desire to inspire younger generations the same way he was once inspired by the storms of the Iowa Midwest.

His charitable work touches on global issues like nuclear disaster relief as well as local concerns in the Greater Boston area, reflecting both a broad humanitarian perspective and a strong sense of community responsibility.

Fast Facts About Mike Wankum

• Born around 1960 in Iowa, United States
• Grew up on a farm where weather shaped daily life
• Earned a B.A. in Journalism from Briar Cliff University
• Holds an M.S. in Atmospheric Science from Creighton University
• Started his TV career at KTIV-TV in Sioux City, Iowa around 1980
• Named chief meteorologist at KTIV-TV in 1982
• Won his first Emmy Award while at WTVR-TV in Richmond, Virginia
• Joined Boston’s WLVI-TV in 1993 and earned 8 Emmys over 13 years
• Joined WCVB-TV StormTeam 5 in December 2006
• Has won a total of 16 to 17 regional Emmy Awards
• Holds the AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation
• Married to Clair Geissler since approximately 1982
• Father of three: Benjamin, Anna, and Tess
• Proud grandfather of four grandchildren
• Licensed amateur motorcycle racer with podium finishes at New Hampshire Motors Speedway
• Past chairman of the Chornobyl Children Project USA
• Named one of the 7 coolest meteorologists in the US by the Washington Post in 2017

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What channel does Mike Wankum work on?

Mike Wankum works at WCVB-TV Channel 5 in Boston, Massachusetts, where he serves as the weeknight meteorologist for StormTeam 5.

2. Where did Mike Wankum go to college?

He attended Briar Cliff University for his undergraduate degree in Journalism and later earned a Master’s degree in Atmospheric Science from Creighton University.

3. How many Emmy Awards has Mike Wankum won?

Mike Wankum has won between 16 and 17 regional Emmy Awards throughout his broadcasting career, covering both weather forecasting and technology reporting.

4. Who is Mike Wankum’s wife?

Mike Wankum is married to Clair Geissler. The two met while attending Briar Cliff University and have been married since around 1982.

5. Does Mike Wankum have children?

Yes. Mike and Clair Wankum have three children: a son named Benjamin and two daughters named Anna and Tess. They also have four grandchildren.

6. What is Mike Wankum’s net worth?

Mike Wankum’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $5 million, accumulated through his long career as a broadcast meteorologist, technology reporter, and media personality.

7. What is unusual about Mike Wankum’s hobbies?

Outside of his weather career, Mike Wankum is a licensed amateur motorcycle road racer who has competed at New Hampshire Motors Speedway and also teaches law enforcement officers how to ride safely at high speeds through the Fishtail Riding School.

Conclusion

Mike Wankum stands as one of the most accomplished and beloved broadcast meteorologists in the history of Boston television. With over four decades of experience, 16-plus regional Emmy Awards, an AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation, and a career that spans from Tornado Alley in Iowa all the way to the studios of WCVB Channel 5, his legacy in the field is both deep and enduring.

Beyond the weather desk, he is a devoted husband to Clair Geissler, a proud father of three, a grandfather of four, and a passionate motorcycle racer who dedicates part of his free time to charitable causes and science education. His story is one of curiosity turned into vocation, and of consistent excellence built over a lifetime of hard work and genuine passion for what he does.

Whether you tuned in for a snowstorm forecast or stumbled across his technology reporting on “Cutting Edge,” Mike Wankum has likely been a steady and trusted voice in your home for years.