Mike Hamernik Biography
Mike Hamernik was an American Meteorologist for WGN-TV, WGN720. He had been a member of the WGN WeatherCenter team since joining in 2005 and began his Chicago broadcast career in 2002 with CLTV. Hamernik attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison to study meteorology.
Mike Hamernik Career
A Chicago native, Hamernik’s passion for weather can be traced back to the young age of six years when a microburst felled many of the large elm trees on his family’s north side block in Rogers Park. At 8 years, he began collecting and studying weather maps provided to him by Chicago weather legend Harry Volkman.
Volkman, who was WGN’s chief meteorologist by then, became aware of the youngster’s keen interest through Mike’s father, Donald Hamernik, who worked at WGN as a staff musician for Bozo’s Circus and Artists’ Showcase. He landed his first forecasting position with Weather Central Incorporated at Madison.
He moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he worked as a meteorologist for KGAN-TV (CBS) and WMT-AM/FM in 1992. Since then he became the chief meteorologist at KTTC-TV (NBC) in Rochester, Minnesota, from 1994 to 2001. Hamernik is well known as a member of the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association.
Mike Hamernik Age
Hamernik was 60 years old at the time of his death on March 10, 2021.
Mike Hamernik Height
Hamernik stood at a height of 5 feet 8 inches.

Mike Hamernik Family
Hamernik was the son of Donald Hamernik, who worked at WGN-TV as a longtime drummer for the Big Top Band on “Bozo’s Circus,” connected Hamernik with Harry Volkman, then the station’s chief meteorologist. He had a sister named, Kathleen O’Grady. In addition to his sister, Hamernik is survived by his niece and nephew, friends, colleagues, and his extended family of TV weather viewers.
Mike Hamernik Wife
Hamernik was very private about his personal life therefore it is not known if he was in any relationship. There are also no rumors of him being in any past relationship with anyone.
Mike Hamernik Net Worth
Hamernik had an estimated net worth ranging between $1 Million – $5 Million which he had earned through being a meteorologist.
Mike Hamernik Salary
Hamernik earned an annual salary ranging between $40,000 – $ 110,500.
Mike Hamernik Death
Hamernik died Wednesday from lung cancer. His death was announced on his Twitter account by Hamernik’s sister, Kathleen O’Grady, who said he died at home “surrounded by love and at peace.”
I am Mike’s sister, Kathleen; I am here with the heart-breaking news that our dear meteorologist died this morning from lung cancer. He was home, surrounded by love and at peace. Please know he cherished all of you, his Twitter followers & weather enthusiasts. ♥️⛈❄️☔️☀️
— Mike Hamernik (@MikeHamernik) March 10, 2021
Mike Hamernik WGN-TV
Hamernik works at WGN-TV where he works alongside other famous WGN-TV anchors, reporters, meteorologists, and sports anchors including;
- Kaitlin Bennett
- Julie Unruh
- Mike Toomey
- Judy Wang
- Pat Tomasulo
- Tom Skilling
- Erik Runge
- Dan Roan
- Dean Richards
- Dana Rebik
- Marcella Raymond
- Larry Potash
- Dan Ponce
- Jarrett Payton
- Micah Materre
- Lauren Magiera
- Mike Lowe
- Nancy Loo
- Paul Lisnek
- Sean Lewis
The table below answers some of the frequently asked questions about Hamernik.
Who was Hamernik? | He was an American Meteorologist |
Age | 60 years old as of 2021 |
Height | 5 feet 8 inches |
Spouse | Not Available |
Salary | $40,000 – $ 110,500 |
Net Worth | $1 Million – $5 Million |