One of the most recognizable faces of Philadelphia meteorology will soon be retiring from our TV screens. 

Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz, veteran meteorologist from NBC10, announced that he will retire in May, confirming the news in a statement published Feb. 25. 

“I’m not retiring from meteorology, my life-long passion, but only from daily TV on NBC10,” he said. Schwartz has been a staple on TV for 42 years, and with NBC10 for 27.

During his retirement, he is eager to try new things and pursue some of the endeavors he has put off over the years. This includes continuing to write and expanding his other communications on the increasingly serious climate emergency.

“Twenty years ago, it was just “Climate Change,” then 10 years ago became the “Climate Crisis.” Now we’re at DEFCON 1,” he wrote in his statement. 

While Schwartz is looking forward to beginning the next chapter of his life and career, he’s grateful for the many experiences and opportunities he's had throughout the chapter he is currently getting set to close. 

“Working for NBC10 has been the crowning achievement of my professional life, and I’ll always be grateful beyond words to my work ‘family’ with whom I’ve shared so much.  And to have reached the professional heights I’ve reached in my own hometown is a blessing most people never get; I know very well how fortunate I’ve been,” Schwartz wrote.  

Schwartz is a Philadelphia native — born and raised in the city that he has covered for more than the past quarter-century of his life. He returned to Philly and joined NBC10 in 1995, after stints with the National Hurricane Center in Miami, WAGA in Atlanta, Accuweather headquarters in State College, Pennsylvania, and The Weather Channel among others.

Known for his custom bow ties and dedication to providing accurate and reliable forecasters to viewers, he became the first “storm chaser” for the Weather Channel. Schwartz eventually earned the nickname, “Hurricane,” after a colleague saw footage of him being blown around in a storm.

After 17 years with NBC10, Schwartz was named the station’s chief meteorologist in 2002. He maintained his title until 2017, when he ceded the role to Tammie Souza. 

He was inducted into the Philadelphia Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2010. 

Schwartz’s pending retirement is another indication of the end of an era in Philadelphia broadcasting, as Action News anchor Jim Gardner will be retiring at the end of 2022 after 45 years with 6ABC.