Jay Wynne, the much-loved former BBC Weather presenter, has died at the age of 56 after a long illness, his family confirmed this week. News of Wynne’s death, which occurred in June 2025, was shared publicly on September 12, 2025. The announcement has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, friends, and viewers, all of whom remember him for his warmth, clarity, and passion for meteorology.
Wynne’s brother, Matthew Wynne, released a heartfelt statement that quickly resonated across social media and news outlets. “Jay had a gift for gentle clarity, making his forecasts for sometimes complex weather systems feel accessible and engaging,” Matthew wrote, recalling Jay’s unique ability to transform intricate meteorological data into something viewers could easily understand. “A keen skier, golfer and musician, Jay enjoyed travelling to pursue his sporting interests. We will miss his wisdom, generosity and dry sense of humour.” According to BBC News, these words captured the essence of a man who was as passionate about life as he was about the weather.
Wynne’s journey to becoming a familiar face on British television was anything but straightforward. Born in London in 1968, he attended Ardingly College in West Sussex before beginning a civil engineering degree at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. However, after two years, he realized the field was not for him and left to work as a technician on offshore oil rigs in the North Sea, a role he would hold for three years. This hands-on experience with the elements perhaps sowed the seeds for his later fascination with meteorology.
After his stint at sea, Wynne returned to academia, enrolling at the University of Aberdeen to study Environmental Geography. He graduated in 1996, and his thirst for adventure and new experiences took him around the world. According to The Sun, he traveled extensively through Southeast Asia, an experience that included teaching English to children in Fukuoka, Japan, in 1997. These years abroad not only broadened his horizons but also deepened his appreciation for the planet’s ever-changing climate and weather patterns.
Wynne’s academic pursuits continued at the University of Reading, where he completed a master’s degree in Applied Meteorology in 1999. This achievement paved the way for his entry into the Met Office, where he underwent a rigorous 14-month training program, including a six-month secondment at RAF Northolt. As reported by The Telegraph, this period was crucial in honing his forecasting skills and preparing him for the demands of live broadcasting.
In October 2000, Wynne joined the BBC Weather team, quickly becoming a regular and trusted presence on BBC News at Ten. His calm demeanor and approachable style won him fans across the country. Viewers appreciated how he broke down complex weather systems, making them relatable and, at times, even entertaining. As his brother Matthew noted, Jay “made complex weather systems accessible and engaging.”
Wynne’s colleagues in the BBC Weather Centre and beyond have been vocal in their admiration and sorrow. Matt Taylor, a fellow BBC broadcast meteorologist, posted a photo of himself and Wynne together, writing, “This has hit us all hard. Jay was a great broadcaster, talented musician, enthusiastic golfer, and a good friend. Rest in peace mate.” Simon King, weather correspondent for BBC Radio 5 Live, echoed these sentiments: “Really sad news about former colleague Jay Wynne. Such a lovely bloke and brilliant broadcaster. Always a joy to be on shift with him and his wicked sense of humour. Good memories. RIP Jay.” Another presenter, Jen Bartram, recalled, “Jay was such a lovely colleague and friend – we had such laughs at the weather centre in the good old days; and I’m shocked to hear of his death today.”
Wynne’s deep commitment to his craft was evident not just on screen but behind the scenes as well. In a 2011 interview with Radio Times, he revealed a quirky but telling habit: “I have been known to drive around after night shifts, waiting for the sun to come up. At night, it’s difficult to tell what kind of cloud there is on satellite pictures, so I like to see if I was right. More often than not, I am.” This anecdote, widely cited by BBC News and The Mirror, illustrates his dedication to accuracy and his genuine enthusiasm for weather forecasting.
Fans, too, have taken to social media to express their grief and gratitude. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Sad to hear. Always came across as a lovely guy when presenting the weather.” Another added, “Such sad news.” The affection and respect shown by colleagues and the public alike speak volumes about Wynne’s impact during his years in broadcasting.
Throughout his career, Wynne never lost his sense of curiosity or his desire to make science approachable. His love of adventure—whether skiing down snowy slopes, teeing off on a golf course, or exploring new countries—mirrored his approach to meteorology: embrace the unknown, learn from it, and share that knowledge with others. His brother Matthew’s tribute summed it up best: “We will miss his wisdom, generosity and dry sense of humour.”
Wynne’s passing leaves a noticeable gap in the world of British weather broadcasting. His unique blend of expertise, humility, and warmth made him a standout figure in a field often dominated by technical jargon and impersonal data. By making the weather feel personal and relevant, he helped millions prepare for their days with a little more understanding and a lot more confidence.
As tributes continue to pour in, it’s clear that Jay Wynne was more than just a man behind the weather map. He was a mentor, a friend, and a storyteller who brought the science of meteorology to life. His legacy will endure in the memories of those who worked with him, watched him, and learned from him—one forecast at a time.
