Evelyn Cusack says she is “ready for the next adventures” as she retires from Met Éireann after 42 years.

Cusack began working at the national forecaster in 1981 – at a time when weather forecasting was a very different game.

She went on to present the weather forecast on RTÉ television for 30 years and was crowned Ireland’s Favourite Weather Forecaster at the TV Now Awards in 2009.

On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, she said it has been an honour to be such an important part of the country’s routine over the years, adding, “if you hang around long enough, you become part of the furniture’.

She said she has seen “unbelievable changes” in weather forecasting over her 42-year career.

“When I started off in 81 and 82, the forecast range was basically just for tomorrow and now today, we’re talking about the fine weather continuing through to next week,” she said/

“We have a reasonable idea for about ten days ahead now so that is unbelievable.

“Of course, we all have our phones now. The Met Éireann app is the number one app and website in Ireland.

“That’s where you can literally get the outlook not only in your parish but in your own literal field for ten days ahead now – so it’s really unbelievable.”

The Poolbeg Chimneys soak in the sun, 30-05-2023. Image: Leah Farrell/RollingNews

She said she picked today to retire as it is the first day of summer, adding that, “it feels a bit like the school holidays”.

“I think I’ve had a good innings and, you know, it is time to go,” she said.

“We all have to retire some time and look, it has been an incredible privilege and honour.

“I am so glad I am well and, as far as I know, I’m healthy and ready for the next adventures, whatever they are.”

File photo of Evelyn Cusack in 1999. Image: Graham Hughes/Photocall Ireland

She is retiring as Met Éireann launches a brand-new section in its weather app – offering 10-day forecasts for mountains and hills as well as surf reports.

She officially retired at 2pm today.

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