Popular MI Meteorologist Signing Off After Nearly 45 Years

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A popular west Michigan meteorologist is signing off for the final time Wednesday after nearly 45 years.

George Lessens, Chief Meteorologist at 13 ON YOUR SIDE in Grand Rapids, will deliver his final newscast at 6 p.m. Wednesday, according to the station.

You can watch his final newscast on channel 13, on the station's website and news app, or on the app 13+, which is available on Roku, Amazon Fire TV or Apple TV.

Lessens, who announced his retirement in February, is West Michigan’s longest-tenured meteorologist at a single station, according to 13 ON YOUR SIDE.

Lessens began working for 13 ON YOUR SIDE on Nov. 17, 1980, as a weekend meteorologist, according to the station.

Lessens has also won numerous awards, including a lifetime achievement award - the Charles L. Mitchell Award for Outstanding Service by a Forecaster.

"George’s dedication, wisdom, and unwavering work ethic have left an indelible mark on us all at WZZM. As we celebrate his well-earned retirement, we want him to know he will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue to inspire us in the years ahead," 13 ON YOUR SIDE President and General Manager Dan Baylog said.