Tyler Jankoski Named WPTZ Burlington Chief Meteorologist

Hearst-owned NBC affiliate WPTZ Burlington, Vt., today apointed Tyler Jankoski chief meteorologist. He will succeed Tom Messner who is retiring in late November.

“We know how important weather coverage is to our viewers, and our commitment to providing the Champlain Valley’s most accurate and dependable forecasts will continue,” said WPTZ President-General Manager Ryan Rothstein. “Tom Messner leaves no small shoes to fill, but, given Tyler’s experience and technical knowledge, we know viewers will find him more than capable of providing the critical weather information they need and deserve.”

Jankoski joined NBC5 in 2017 as weekend morning meteorologist. He has since covered significant weather events including major snowstorms and nor’easters, severe thunderstorms and flooding, and multiple tornado outbreaks. His in-depth knowledge of the latest stormtracking systems has made him an integral member of the NBC5 weather team.

Jankoski  said: “I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor than Tom. He took me under his wing and taught me everything he’s learned over the course of his inspiring career. I’m eternally grateful to be given the opportunity to follow in his legendary footsteps, and I promise to honor his legacy by continuing to lead the team he built — and, with Caitlin and Ben, to continue NBC5’s tradition of excellence.”

Jankoski grew up in Bristol, Connecticut. He credits the start of his love for meteorology to his seventh grade science class at Chippens Hill Middle School — a love he would carry with him through college at Penn State University, where he graduated in 2013.

Before joining NBC5 in 2017, Jankoski worked as a meteorologist at WGGB Springfield, Mass., followed by a two-year stop at WVIT West Hartford, Conn.