Beloved former NBC4 chief meteorologist Jym Ganahl has passed away at the age of 76, his family announced on Tuesday. Ganahl died on February 3 of natural causes, but his family chose to keep the news private until after holding a personal funeral service.
Ganahl was a staple in the Columbus media landscape, spending nearly 60 years on air as a meteorologist. His passion for weather started early—before he even entered college, he was already forecasting at just 17 years old. This lifelong dedication to meteorology shaped a career that would span decades, making him a trusted and familiar face in central Ohio.
Originally from Iowa, Ganahl began his broadcasting journey in his home state before making the move to Columbus, where he joined NBC4 in 1979. His warm personality and deep knowledge of weather patterns earned him a loyal following.
Over the years, he became one of the most recognized meteorologists in the region, known for his engaging delivery and ability to explain complex weather conditions in an accessible way.
Throughout his time at NBC4, Ganahl worked alongside many other respected broadcasters, including sports anchor Jimmy Crum, news anchors Doug Adair and Colleen Marshall, and fellow meteorologists.
His presence in Columbus households became a fixture, as viewers turned to him for reliable and accurate forecasts. Whether it was severe weather coverage, winter storms, or sunny summer days, Ganahl was a trusted voice who helped the community stay informed and prepared.
After nearly four decades with NBC4, Ganahl delivered his final on-air forecast for the station on September 1, 2016. However, his passion for meteorology kept him from fully stepping away.
He remained on staff until July 2017 before transitioning to WSYX/WTTE, where he continued providing forecasts for central Ohio. Even in his later years, his enthusiasm for weather never waned, and he remained dedicated to keeping the public informed.
In March 2024, Ganahl officially retired after an impressive 58-year career in meteorology. His contributions to the field were immense, and his impact on the Columbus community was undeniable.
