Thomas Bucheli leaves SRF Meteo after more than 30 years

Thomas Bucheli presented his final edition of SRF Meteo on Wednesday after more than three decades on television, SRF reported. His colleagues marked the farewell with a tribute, a cake and a fog machine.

Bucheli appeared visibly nervous as he climbed the stairs to the Meteo roof for the last time, pacing before the broadcast began. He then welcomed viewers in his usual confident manner and explained the falling air pressure that is currently keeping meteorologists busy.

The weather remained largely uneventful for his final appearance, with sunshine overhead. A specially created weather graphic later replaced the usual place names with the message: “Dear Thomas, thank you for everything. Your Meteo team.” Bucheli either did not notice it or chose not to react, continuing with the forecast and announcing temperatures above 30 degrees for Thursday.

After the forecast, the weather models and phenomena gave way to a farewell from the team on the roof. A banner read: “Thank you, Thomas. The weather will remain, but you will be missed.” Meteo colleague Gaudenz Flury took over as presenter for the tribute.

The team also presented Bucheli with a cake and arranged a fog machine, a reference to his reputation as a “fog fanatic”. The machine initially failed, but eventually worked.

Bucheli had the final word, thanking viewers, particularly for the interest they had shown in him over the decades. It remained unclear whether he had chosen the dramatic music played during the farewell. Sandra Boner also wished her former boss all the best.