Weather
Mike Augustyniak
Follow Me On Facebook
WCCO Morning Show meteorologist Mike Augustyniak is a proud graduate of the University at Albany, where he studied meteorology under several of the world's leading research scientists. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science, holds the AMS Television Seal of Approval, and is also a member of Phi Beta Kappa. In May of 2008, Mike received his Master of Science degree in Atmospheric Science, also from the University at Albany.
Coming from what he described as "an active weather area," Mike said he "jumped at the chance to forecast the ever-changing weather of Minnesota."
Mike's interest in weather began at an early age: "I think my curiosity about the weather was fueled by the fact that, as a little guy, I was absolutely petrified of thunderstorms!" In time (and with the help of a book called "Hippo Thunder"), Mike outgrew his fear, deciding in eighth grade that he wanted to study meteorology in college. "The answers I gave on a 40-question 'interest survey' were fed into a computer, and the computer returned several careers that I might enjoy," Mike explained. "'Meteorologist' was one of the jobs the computer returned, and right then I knew it was the job for me."
Mike comes from Albany, N.Y., where he spent 8 years working as a meteorologist for WRGB-TV (a CBS affiliate). While there, he covered a number of memorable weather events. "As a skier, the blizzard of 1993 jumps to mind. It was just an awesome storm." Another favorite, from a purely scientific standpoint, was the tornado outbreak on May 31, 1998. "Watching the atmospheric ingredients come together that Sunday was incredible for me as a meteorologist. I spent the next day at ground zero and had all-access to the area. The effect of the tornado on that town left me speechless." Mike also lists the severe thunderstorm and tornado outbreak of July 21, 2003 as memorable. More than a half dozen tornado touchdowns were confirmed in the area. "At some point [the number of tornadoes] became almost ridiculous. Tornado Warnings were being issued one right after another and after each one I'd think 'Wow, when is this going to end?' I've not experienced anything like it around here since."
In 2004, Mike was awarded a New York State Emmy Award for Outstanding Educational Programming for his role in creating the highly acclaimed 30-minute severe weather special "Storm Warning," which aired in 2003. As a follow-up, Mike co-produced, wrote, and directed "Storm Warning 2" in the spring of 2004, which earned a New York State Broadcasters Award for Best Educational Program.
In his free time, Mike stays active by going to the gym, biking, and skiing. He also enjoys traveling, having recently completed trips to Spain, Morocco and Australia. Much of the domestic travel Mike does is part of annual storm chasing trips. "Every year or so, a few meteorologist buddies and I head out to the Midwest in search of tornadoes. It's definitely exciting and fun but, in all honesty, it also helps us hone our severe weather forecasting skills. There was that one dry year, though, when there simply wasn't any severe weather occurring during our trip. In light of the lull, I think we spent a few days 'honing our forecasting skills' on Las Vegas Boulevard. We were the guys wearing the matching pocket protectors."
Contact Mike
Request Mike To Come Speak At Your Event
