Farewell to Joe Bastardi who has left AccuWeather after a distinguished 32-year career. We appreciate Joe’s dedicated service to our clients over these many years and wish him luck with all his endeavors. In addition, a hearty congratulations to two great meteorologists who will both be taking on expanded roles — Paul Pastelok is now leader of AccuWeather’s Long-Range Forecasting team and Henry Margusity is taking an expanded role with the Pro site.

We can answer any (reasonable) questions here (at the Facebook page). Thanks for your support over the years.

Further info from Examiner.com:

“AccuWeather.com community director Jesse Ferrell stated in the AccuWeather forums that he has not spoken to Joe [Bastardi] and does not know his reasoning, or what he is planning to do next.”

And, in the comments section, Jesse Ferrell left a note: “Can definitively say that his stance on Climate Change did not have anything to do with his departure.”

[Addition by Anthony below]

“Can definitively say that his stance on Climate Change did not have anything to do with his departure.” I’ve been aware of Bastardi’s departure since early last week, and I can second that. It’s simply about economics and workload.

Though, that doesn’t stop Joe Romm from spinning into a “climate related” issue, insinuating that Bastardi was “let go” over Romm’s idiotic postings about Bastardi’s views on climate change. Heh, it’s fun to watch the self delusion going on over there.

No, this is all about new opportunity. Mr. Bastardi can forecast without a net, he doesn’t need Accu-Weather to perform the job, only data.