[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 36 (Wednesday, February 28, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1039-S1040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO TOM SKILLING

  Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, there are many things that Chicagoans 
disagree on: deep-dish or tavern style, Cubs or Sox, giardiniera or 
sweet peppers. But one thing that Chicagoans have in common? They get 
their weather from Tom Skilling. For 45 years, Tom has been the 
authoritative source on all things weather in Chicago. And after nearly 
five decades of forecasting snow, sleet, sun, and storms, today was his 
last day on air.
  A native of Aurora, Tom began his career at the almost unbelievable 
age of 14. He held a series of radio and television jobs throughout 
Illinois and then studied meteorology and journalism at the University 
of Wisconsin-Madison. In August 1978, Tom joined WGN, and it is not 
hyperbole to say Chicago's weather forecasts have never been the same 
since.
  As a meteorologist, Tom gave weather forecasts to his viewers. But he 
was

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so much more than just a ``weatherman.'' Tom was a storm chaser--having 
famously chased and been chased by a tornado. He was an awestruck 
weather observer--being overcome by emotion while watching a total 
solar eclipse in Carbondale in August 2017. He was a comedian--bringing 
viewers belly laughs with his viral ``Tom Freakin' Skilling'' skit. And 
perhaps most importantly, he was an educator--explaining to viewers the 
``why'' behind the weather.
  In fact, Tom's focus on the science of climate change and weather 
patterns only grew as his career did. In addition to broadcasting his 
weather forecasts on WGN News, Tom also hosted nearly 40 years of 
severe weather seminars at Fermilab and penned a Chicago Tribune column 
answering weather-related questions. In both, Tom used his platform to 
educate his audience in a down to earth and understandable manner.
  Tom's legendary career has earned him a reputation for setting the 
gold standard in television weather, garnered him a cult-like 
following, and afforded him a permanent place in Chicagoans' living 
rooms. Unsurprisingly, he has been showered with countless accolades 
for his work, winning multiple Emmy Awards from the Chicago/Midwest 
chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and 
receiving several honorary degrees. He deserves each and every one.
  I had the privilege of sharing the stage with Tom in the summer of 
2019 at a forum to discuss climate change with U.S. Representatives 
Bill Foster and Sean Casten. I can tell you, not a single Member of 
Congress on that stage was under the illusion that they were the main 
attraction. People were there for Tom.
  Tom, congratulations on a truly remarkable career. From choosing how 
many layers to wear in the morning to knowing when the break in the 
snow is coming so we can shovel our parking spots, I don't quite know 
how we will weather the storm of life without your valuable insights. 
You are nothing short of a Chicago institution. And it is only fitting 
that you will live on in the weather world, in the form of a Chicago 
snowplow named ``Skilling It'' in your honor. Short of having you on 
air to warn us of snow, having a Tom Skilling snowplow keeping the 
streets safe is a close second.
  But, luckily, even in your absence, we will not have to predict the 
weather for ourselves. Congratulations to your successor, Demetrius 
Ivory, on being named as WGN's new chief meteorologist. Though 
Demetrius certainly has large shoes to fill, there are no better 
footsteps to follow in than yours. I wish him luck in his new role.
  Tom, thank you for all the warmth you brought into our homes during 
even the coldest of Chicago winters. Wishing you sunny days during this 
next, well-deserved chapter of your life.

                          ____________________