Mish Michaels dead and obituary, Family mourns death of Boston meteorologist

Michaels’ career has included WMUR-TV in Manchester, NH, WHDH-TV and WBZ-TV in Boston, and The Weather Channel. Mish Michaels at the WBZ TV studio in 2005. Janet Knott/Globe Staff
Written by Martin Finucane of The Boston Globe.

The family of longtime Boston meteorologist Mish Michaels announced Wednesday that she had died.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Mish Michaels. Our family is devastated by their loss,” the family said in a statement.

The statement did not specify the cause of death. She is 53 years old.

Meteorologist Mish Michaels, best known for his Boston radio coverage, has died, a family friend announced on Facebook.

“It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Mish Michaels. Our family is devastated by her loss. She was a devoted mother, wife, daughter, aunt, friend and amazing equestrian, He is also an award-winning broadcast meteorologist and environmental journalist,” a spokesman for the family said.

“Mish has the ability to light up any room she walks into. Her professional success is tremendous, as is her commitment to helping others through her charitable work. We ask that our family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time. Thank you for your kindness and Support. Funeral arrangements will be announced,” the spokesman added.

Michaels started her career in New Hampshire before moving to Boston, where she worked on WHDH-TV and WBZ-TV. She also worked on The Weather Channel.

Her work at local PBS station WGBH ended almost as quickly as it started. According to a 2017 Boston Globe report, the Emmy winner may have been fired as a science writer for questioning a possible link between vaccines and autism. Greater Boston host Jim Browder “raised concerns,” the paper said.

WBZ-TV said in a post Wednesday night that Michaels was “a friendly, reliable, and curious meteorologist who loves science.” The broadcaster added that she worked on Channel 4 for seven years.

“Mish chased tornadoes, flew through hurricanes, and lit up our lives—she always shared her passion for science and the weather,” WBZ added. “In a field that has been dominated by men for decades, Mish was determined to pave the way for female meteorologists, not just in Boston but across the country. And she did just that.”

Details of her death were not released. She is 53 years old.