ROCKTON, Illinois — For anyone who’s tuned in to a weather update in Rockford over the past two decades, the name Mark Henderson likely rings a bell. As the chief meteorologist at WIFR TV for more than 22 years, Henderson became a trusted voice in the region. But in May 2025, his tenure ended unexpectedly, marking a sharp turn in his professional path.
Rather than stepping away from the spotlight, Henderson quickly embraced a fresh chapter. From the comfort of his home in Rockton, he launched Mark Henderson’s Weather Hub, now broadcasting on Facebook and YouTube.
Adjusting to the shift from studio to home wasn’t without its quirks. “I think my kids are getting sick of me already,” he said with a laugh. But despite the new environment, Henderson says the essence of weather reporting remains largely unchanged.
“I still have access to most of the same radar data and forecasting models I used before,” he explained. “My seven-day outlook has a slightly different look now, and the radar maps I share aren’t quite what they used to be, but I’m working to keep the presentation as familiar and reliable as what people saw on TV.”
And it’s working. The Weather Hub’s Facebook page has already surpassed 21,000 followers, with numbers growing daily. Henderson admits he’s been “blown away” by the response. “The community has been unbelievably kind,” he said. “Being let go from WIFR was a total shock. I never saw it coming. But the passion I have for meteorology never faded.”
The new venture lets him deliver hyperlocal weather updates the way he wants to, maintaining the same level of accuracy and engagement his viewers came to count on. “This has never been about me,” Henderson emphasized. “It’s about the people at home who just want to know if they need a coat, an umbrella, or sunscreen.”
His mission is simple: keep viewers informed and entertained, rain or shine. And yes—he’s all ears. “If there’s something people want to see, I’m listening,” he said.
