CBS 6 News Noon & Weekends

Meteorologist

Weekdays at noon and every weekend evening, CBS 6 viewers turn to Emmy-Winning Meteorologist Mike Augustyniak for the Instant Doppler Forecast.  A Capital Region native, Mike was born in Rotterdam and is a graduate of Schalmont High School.  He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University at Albany, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science and a minor in Mathematics.  Mike is currently pursuing a Master of Science degree in Atmospheric Science, also from the University at Albany.  Mike is a full member of the American Meteorological Society and has received the AMS Television Seal of Approval.

Mike's interest in weather began at an early age: "I think my curiosity about the weather was fueled by the fact that, as a little guy, I was absolutely petrified of thunderstorms!"  It took some time to outgrow that fear, but by 8th grade Mike had decided that he wanted to study meteorology in college.  "The answers I gave on a 40-question 'interest survey' were fed into a computer, and the computer returned several careers that I might enjoy," Mike explains.  "'Meteorologist' was one of the jobs the computer returned, and right then I knew it was the job for me."

Mike's involvement in broadcasting also started at a relatively young age. In 1993, while he was still 15, Mike began an internship with Radio 810 WGY.  The internship ultimately led to a paying job with WGY.  In under 8 years Mike worked his way up from weekend producer to Assistant Program Director.  Although he left radio full-time in October 2000, he still helps to craft the sound of both WGY and sister-station WOFX, and has received national recognition for his work.

On a list of Mike's "favorite" Capital Region weather events two tie for first place.  "As a skier, the Blizzard of 1993 jumps to mind — it was just an awesome storm."  Another favorite, from a purely scientific standpoint, was the tornado outbreak on May 31, 1998.  "Watching the atmospheric ingredients come together that Sunday was incredible for me as a meteorologist.  I spent the next day in Mechanicville at ground-zero, and thanks to my WGY affiliation, had all-access to the area.  The effect of the tornado on that town left me speechless."

Mike also lists the Super Nor'easter of March 2001 as a weather high-point.  "Steve LaPointe and I did tag-team coverage for that one, and I'll guarantee that there were no two bigger weather geeks than us that day."

In what little free time remains Mike is an avid downhill skier, a  "terrible" golfer, and also enjoys playing baseball, tennis, and biking.  His CD collection includes the likes of John Mayer, the Dave Matthews Band, Guster, Linkin Park, and Goo Goo Dolls.  Mike is also a fan of the Mets, Devils, Spurs, and locally, the River Rats.

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