BBC weatherman Jay Wynne has died at the age of 56 after a long-term illness, his family have said.

Mr Wynne, who joined the broadcaster in October 2000, became a familiar face to millions as a regular forecaster on BBC News at Ten.

In a tribute, his brother Matthew described him as a man with ‘a gift for gentle clarity, making his forecasts for sometimes complex weather systems feel accessible and engaging’.

Describing his brother, he told the BBC: ‘A keen skier, golfer and musician, Jay enjoyed travelling to pursue his sporting interests.

‘We will miss his wisdom, generosity and dry sense of humour.’

Although the 56-year-old died in June, the family have decided only to announce it now.

Born in 1968, Mr Wynne’s fascination with the weather started whilst he studied Environmental Geography at the University of Aberdeen, later completing a master’s degree in Applied Meteorology at the University of Reading.

Jay Wynne has died at the age of 56 after a long-term illness, his family have said
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Jay Wynne has died at the age of 56 after a long-term illness, his family have said

Mr Wynne, who joined the broadcaster in October 2000, became a familiar face to millions as a regular forecaster on BBC News at Ten
+2
View gallery

Mr Wynne, who joined the broadcaster in October 2000, became a familiar face to millions as a regular forecaster on BBC News at Ten

Before his career in broadcasting, he studied civil engineering but dropped out two years into the course and went on to work as a technician on a North Sea oil rig before returning to university.

His early career also took him abroad, spending time in South-east Asia conducting environmental research, and later working as an English teacher in Fukuoka, Japan.

He undertook 14 months of Met Office training, including six months at RAF Northolt, before moving into broadcasting.

In a 2011 interview with Radio Times, Wynne revealed how dedicated he was to his craft, saying: ‘I have been known to drive around after night shifts, waiting for the sun to come up.

‘At night, it’s difficult to tell what kind of cloud there is on satellite pictures, so I like to see if I was right. More often than not, I am.’

Following the news, fellow forecasters also paid their respects, with presenter Simon King saying: ‘Really sad news about former colleague Jay Wynne. Such a lovely bloke and brilliant broadcaster.

‘Always a joy to be on shift with him and his wicked sense of humour. Good memories. RIP Jay’.

Meanwhile, colleague Sara Thornton said: ‘I’m so sad. Sending love to all of Jay’s family.’