Longtime Chicago Weather Anchor Steve Baskerville retired from CBS O&O WBBM in Chicago late last year.

10 months later, the station has finally named his replacement and they did not go far to find her.

Mary Kay Kleist, who has been with the station since 2002 and has been filling Baskerville’s role for months has finally been promoted to 5, 6 and 10 p.m. weekday meteorologist.

“Mary Kay has done a wonderful job stepping in since Steve’s retirement and stands as yet another example of her hard work and dedication to our station over the past 16 years,” WBBM News Director Jeff Harris said, “More importantly, her commitment to folks throughout the Chicagoland area, keeping us safe and prepared with her ability to clarify our complicated weather, is unquestioned.”

She maybe committed to folks throughout the Chicagoland, but it took the station 10 months to commit to her.

So, why did it take so long?

No is is saying, but it’s a good bet that that was 10 months longer that CBS saved money on not having to pay a Chief Meteorologist’s salary.

Just saying….

H/T Robert Feder