Cecily Tynan Biography: Award-Winning Meteorologist, Athlete & Philadelphia Icon
Cecily Joan Tynan is a longtime American television meteorologist best known as the Chief Meteorologist for 6abc Action News (WPVI-TV) in Philadelphia.
She has been a trusted on-air presence delivering weather forecasts for the station’s highest-rated newscasts for more than three decades.
In July 2026, she announced her retirement after more than 30 years with Action News, with her final broadcasts scheduled for late August 2026.
Early Life and Education
Cecily Joan Tynan was born on March 19, 1969, in Newtown, Connecticut. She graduated magna cum laude from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, with dual degrees in journalism and politics.
She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa. After college, she completed meteorology coursework and earned the seal of approval from the American Meteorological Society (AMS).
Career Journey
Tynan began her broadcast career as a weekend weather anchor and general assignment reporter at WDBJ in Roanoke, Virginia.
She later moved to Las Vegas, where she worked as a weather and news anchor for Good Morning Las Vegas on KTNV-TV.
There she earned awards including “Best On-Air Talent” from the Las Vegas Electronic Media Awards and “Best Weathercaster” from the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
In October 1995, she joined WPVI-TV (6abc) in Philadelphia as the weekend weather anchor and general assignment reporter — becoming the station’s first weekend meteorologist and later its first female chief meteorologist.
She progressed to weekday morning weathercaster and, over time, took on the primary evening weather role.
Since 2009 she has served as Chief Meteorologist, delivering forecasts for the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 11 p.m. newscasts (and more recently a streaming edition).
She also previously hosted the public affairs program Primetime Weekend.
Throughout her tenure she guided viewers through major weather events, including the Blizzard of 1996, Hurricane Sandy, severe storms, heat waves, and floods.
She has also co-hosted specials such as the 6abc Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade and other local events.
Awards and Recognition
- Multiple “Best Weathercaster” and “Best On-Air Talent” honors in Las Vegas and Philadelphia.
- Named “Best Weathervane” by Philadelphia Magazine.
- Inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame in 2012.
Athletic Achievements
Beyond broadcasting, Tynan is an accomplished athlete. She is a four-time sub-3-hour marathoner, a former world-class professional duathlete, and finished in the top 10 of her age group at the 2003 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii.
Cecily Tynan has also competed in tournament slalom water-skiing and participates in local charity races. She has been featured on the cover of Runner’s World magazine and remains active in skiing, water skiing, and other sports.
Personal Life
Cecily Tynan was previously married to school teacher Michael Badger; the marriage ended in divorce. In April 2005 she married Greg Watson, an investment banker.
The couple has two children: son Luke (born 2006) and daughter Emma (born 2007).
As of her 2026 retirement announcement, both children are adults, with Emma preparing for college (including running cross country and track at Washington and Lee). The family also has three rescue dogs: Nala, Shelby, and Charlie.
In her retirement statement, Tynan expressed excitement about spending more time with her husband and children, traveling, water skiing in Florida winters, and attending her daughter’s athletic events.
Physical Description
Cecily Tynan stands approximately 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m) tall.
FAQ
How old is Cecily Tynan?
Born March 19, 1969, she is 57 years old as of 2026.
Is Cecily Tynan married?
Yes. She has been married to Greg Watson since April 2005. They have two children, Luke and Emma.
Does Cecily Tynan have children?
Yes — a son, Luke, and a daughter, Emma.
Where does Cecily Tynan work?
She has been Chief Meteorologist at 6abc Action News (WPVI-TV) in Philadelphia since the 1990s / 2000s and announced her retirement in July 2026 (effective late August 2026).
What is Cecily Tynan known for athletically?
She is a four-time sub-3-hour marathoner, former professional duathlete, Ironman top-10 age-group finisher, and competitive water skier.
Cecily Tynan leaves a lasting legacy as a pioneering female meteorologist in Philadelphia television, a reliable voice during major weather events, and an inspiration through her athletic achievements and community involvement. Viewers and colleagues have widely praised her decades of service to the Delaware Valley.
Sources:
Official 6abc/WPVI profiles, Wikipedia, WHYY, TV News Check, Philadelphia media reports, and station announcements (updated through July 2026).
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