Washington, DC television meteorologist Doug Hill at the microphone announcing the 2015 North Beach Dragon Boat Races.
Chesapeake Beach, MD – An important weather event that you won’t find listed in the Farmer’s Almanac is scheduled to take place September 15. It was with a mix of joy and sadness that Washington, DC television weather legend Doug Hill announced his pending retirement from his nearly 40-year career in front of the camera. Hill, a Baltimore area native who resides in Calvert County, told TheBayNet.com that while he won’t be leaving broadcasting entirely, his public life is about to change direction. Hill’s retirement was announced Wednesday, May 10 on WJLA-TV (ABC7), the station where he has worked the past 17 years.
When asked if he was remaining in the area, Hill stated, “Absolutely! My wife [Mary Ann] and I just bought a house in Chesapeake Beach. We’re thrilled. Calvert is home!”
What will follow his long career as a broadcast meteorologist, according to Hill, will be to focus on the field of ministry. “Over the last few years I have had this growing conviction that God has blessed me with so much that I feel I should take the gifts of talent and platform and use it for Him.”
Hill can be heard frequently on WGTS 91.9FM, a Takoma Park-based radio station licensed to Washington, DC. The station airs devotional programming, blending talk and music. “I will continue to expand that,” said Hill.
The Hills attend services at Chesapeake Church in Huntingtown and retirement and his focus on doing God’s work will possibly mean more involvement in church activities. For the first three years it was held, Hill served as the announcer for the church’s extremely successful North Beach Dragon Boat race, an event that raises money for End Hunger in Calvert.
Hill added that he and his wife plan to also plan to travel a lot.
Hill’s road to success started at an early age when he became interested in weather to an extent that weather-watching became a childhood hobby. He attended Towson University (back when it was Towson State College), joined the U.S. Air Force and later the Prince George’s County Police Department. His first big leap of faith occurred in the late 1970s when he embarked on a career as a television weatherman. He worked in Richmond and Detroit before returning to the Washington, DC area.
“Doug is an invaluable member of not only the ABC7 family, but the local Washington community,” said ABC7 Director of News Mitch Jacob in a station press release. “He’s been a mentor to our respected team of meteorologists and we will all miss his engaging style, guidance and expertise.”
“I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life,” Hill stated.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com