Meteorologist Ray Petelin is back on the air.
"I think you should watch KDKA-TV, CBS Pittsburgh this evening," he posted Friday on Facebook. "I hear some handsome guy is returning to television! Tell your friends!"
Friday afternoon, Petelin was preparing to go on the air at 4 p.m. and throughout the evening. He'll work as a fill-in, freelance employee, KDKA officials said.
"I'm really excited to be at a place that appreciates my experience and my creativity," he told the Tribune-Review. "I can't wait to see how this goes."
He said he linked up with KDKA through email after his career ended at WTAE.
KDKA money and politics editor Jon Delano tweeted a welcome message.
Happy to welcome @RayPetelinWx to the @KDKA weather team. He starts this evening, joining our already #1 weather team with @Verz @RonSmileyWx @KristinEmery & Jon Burnett. pic.twitter.com/mvw65ogyqV
— Jon Delano KDKA (@JonDelano) October 19, 2018
“He starts this evening, joining our already #1 weather team,” the tweet said.
Celina Pompeani, KDKA-TV traffic anchor, tweeted at Petelin: “Congrats!”
Congrats @RayPetelinWx !!! https://t.co/aZoQM31Lgl
— Celina Pompeani (@CelinaPompeani) October 19, 2018
Even departing WTAE anchor Jackie Cain offered her congrats.
Could not be more thrilled for my friend @RayPetelinWx in his new role at KDKA!!!! Rock it, my friend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
— Jackie Cain (@JackieCainTV) October 19, 2018
"Could not be more thrilled for my friend @RayPetelinWx in his new role at KDKA!!!! Rock it, my friend," she tweeted.
WTAE parted ways with Petelin in September.
He said at the time, it was “not my decision, but that’s life. I choose to look at this as an opportunity, rather than a setback. The sun came up this morning.”
After his 4 p.m. appearance, the love poured in on Twitter.
Go @RayPetelinWx !! Love watching you here on @KDKA ! Welcome pic.twitter.com/jG6I9ONtWb
— Celina Pompeani (@CelinaPompeani) October 19, 2018
Welcome @RayPetelinWx glad to have you on the team! Thanks for filling in on short notice! pic.twitter.com/5TP7FxbosU
— Jeff Verszyla (@Verz) October 19, 2018
