A sixth meteorologist just joined the “Storm Team” of WMAQ-Channel 5, signaling what bosses of the NBC-owned station call a “bigger commitment to weather.”
Sunday marked the on-air debut of Kalee Dionne, formerly of NBC affiliate KSHB in Kansas City, as weekend morning meteorologist. Her hiring at NBC 5 was announced last June.
Dionne, 30, succeeds Alicia Roman, who continues to forecast weather at 5 and 10 p.m. weekends, and fill in during the week. Until now, Roman had been working a split shift from early morning to late at night on Saturdays and Sundays.
“I’m really excited to work with you two lovely ladies; you’re amazing,” Dionne told weekend morning news anchors Susan Carlson and Michelle Relerford in a welcoming video posted on Facebook Saturday. “And Chicago, I love you. I’m from south of Chicago. It’s great to be back home.”
A native of Herscher, Illinois, Dionne had been morning meteorologist in Kansas City since 2013. She previously worked for stations in Birmingham, Alabama, and Champaign and Carterville, Illinois. A graduate of Southern Illinois University, she received her meteorology degree from Mississippi State University.
Frank Whittaker, station manager and vice president of news at NBC 5, said the addition represents a “bigger commitment to weather,” with Dionne joining a staff that includes Brant Miller, Andy Avalos, Byron Miranda, Pete Sack and Roman. No one is leaving, Whittaker added.