We’re saddened to hear about the loss this week of Mish Michaels, the former local meteorologist, who has died at the age of 53, according to a family statement posted on social media. Michaels’ cause of death wasn’t disclosed in the statement.

Her colleagues and friends in the broadcast news industry have published tributes,

We got to know Mish when, as a Wellesley resident, she shared her efforts with Hunnewell Elementary School to promote a critter named Ms. G as the state’s official groundhog back in 2014. A joint committee from the State House came to Wellesley Public Library to listen to testimony from students and other locals. Ms. G became our local version of Punxsutawney Phil, making the big call on Groundhog Day each year since.

Michaels, who signed her emails to us at the time “Ms. G’s campaign manager,” released a children’s book called Ms. G’s Shadowy Road to Fame.

Ms. G, Groundhog Day, Wellesley — Mish Michaels, back right, joined students at Hunnewell Elementary School to celebrate Groundhog Day in 2015

Michaels shared her love of the weather and seasons locally as well by speaking at Dana Hall School and other venues. And when we couldn’t quite figure out just how many inches of snow had fallen in Wellesley, we’d hit up Mish.

We share our condolences with Mish’s family and friends.