KCCI’s Jason Sydejko Promoted To Chief Meteorologist

KCCI’s Jason Sydejko has been promoted to Chief Meteorologist of KCCI Storm Team 8. In his new role, Sydejko will lead a team of meteorologists in developing daily forecasts and directing life-saving coverage of severe weather.

Sydejko, a member of KCCI Storm Team 8 since 2015, has previous experience forecasting central Iowa weather. Since 2021 he’s been part of the morning team on KCCI 8 News This Morning. “When a derecho swept across Iowa in 2020, Sydejko was on the air throughout the storm to keep viewers safe,” the station noted in a press release. “Sydejko also led continuous coverage of a tornado outbreak in March 2022 that left behind widespread damage in Madison and other Iowa counties.” He also reported live from Pella after tornadoes touched down in July 2018.

“Jason has a rare combination of weather knowledge and a magnetic personality. Jason is fun to watch, a trusted forecaster, and a valuable leader. We are excited to see him bring these together to lead our weather team,” said Allison Smith, KCCI 8 News Director.

“Jason’s love for our community shows through his work,” said President and General Manager Brian Sather.  “Whether through his daily forecasts or his leadership during critical severe weather coverage, I’ve watched Jason pour his passion into ensuring Iowans have everything they need to stay protected and to plan their days.”

Sydejko said, “I am excited to lead this group of talented meteorologists. We have a unique blend of experiences but are united by our passion for delivering an accurate forecast and keeping people safe.”

As Chief Meteorologist, Sydejko will also lead KCCI’s Forecasting Our Future coverage, which examines weather and climate’s impact on business, health, finances and lifestyle. In 2022, KCCI and other Hearst Television stations aired a total of nearly 800 Forecasting Our Future stories.

Sydejko is active in volunteerism, according to the station’s press release. He helped with cleanup after the March 2022 tornadoes and the 2020 derecho. He is also involved with the American Heart Association’s annual Heart Walk and organizes health & fitness initiatives for his colleagues at KCCI.

Before joining KCCI, Sydejko was the Chief Meteorologist at KQDS Fox 21 in Duluth, M.N. Previously, he was the Weekend Meteorologist at WeatherVision based in Jackson, M.S. He graduated from Mississippi State University with a Master of Science in Geosciences. Sydejko has bachelors degrees in Environmental Studies and Geography from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He is an eleven-time Emmy nominee and holds the National Weather Association Seal of Approval.

Sydejko will remain on KCCI 8 News This Morning until later this fall.