ABC News Confirms Ginger Zee’s Sudden Absence from ‘Good Morning America’ — No Return Date in Sight, Fans Left Wondering Why

ABC News has officially announced that beloved meteorologist Ginger Zee, affectionately known to many as the “Weather Queen,” will be stepping away from Good Morning America for an indefinite period. The news has stirred concern among fans, especially since no official return date has been provided.

Zee’s noticeable absence on Wednesday, February 28, sparked immediate questions from viewers who were surprised to find veteran weather anchor Sam Champion delivering the day’s forecast instead. Champion, a familiar face to longtime GMA audiences, has stepped in as Zee’s replacement — but the sudden change has many wondering: what’s really going on?

Sam Champion Steps In—Again

Champion, 62, was warmly welcomed back to the GMA set. The respected weathercaster, who originally left the show in 2013 for a stint at The Weather Channel, has frequently returned over the years to fill in for Ginger during her absences. As recently as May 2023, Champion covered for Zee when she was sidelined by illness.

This time, however, the situation feels different. Zee’s departure doesn’t appear to be for a vacation or health-related reason. Instead, it’s for a mysterious “big assignment” — though details remain scarce.

Robin Roberts Addresses the Change On Air

The switch-up didn’t go unnoticed by Zee’s cohosts. Robin Roberts, one of GMA’s most trusted anchors, acknowledged Ginger’s absence in a post on X (formerly Twitter), writing:

“Busy Wednesday morn here on @GMA … @SamChampion is in for @Ginger_Zee starting us off with the latest on the dangerous conditions across the country including the raging wildfires in Texas and the tornadoes in the Midwest.”

Champion seamlessly stepped into the role, offering his usual calm and comprehensive weather updates. Yet fans couldn’t help but feel a twinge of unease as Ginger remained silent — at least initially.

Ginger Zee Breaks Her Silence

Later that day, Zee addressed her absence online with a cryptic but optimistic post:

“Heading out for a big assignment I’ve been waiting and working to cover for a long time! Can’t wait to share with you all on @ABCNewsLive & @GMA soon … thanks for holding down the fort @Wx_Max @SamWnek @SamChampion.”

While her words were reassuring, the lack of details has only fueled speculation about where she’s headed and why the timeline for her return remains unclear.

Support Pours In from Fans

Despite the mystery surrounding her absence, fans were quick to flood Ginger’s social media with messages of encouragement and curiosity.

“Hopefully we will see you soon again on GMA,” one follower wrote.

“Looking forward to seeing whatever it is! Safe travels!” added another.

Champion’s Return: A Familiar Comfort

In the meantime, viewers can expect to see more of Sam Champion, who appears to have seamlessly stepped back into the role of morning meteorologist. Since “coming out of retirement” in 2016, he’s taken on a part-time role, telling fans via Instagram last year:

“I work four days a week now, but that’s because I came out of retirement.”

His decades of experience and easy rapport with the GMA team have made his return a comfort to many during Ginger’s absence.

What’s Really Going On?

The official line from ABC News is that Ginger is on assignment — but with no specifics released and no return date announced, questions remain. Is it a personal project? A breaking story she’s been chasing for years? Or something else entirely?

For now, fans will have to wait and see.

One thing is certain: Ginger Zee’s presence on Good Morning America is deeply missed. Her warmth, intelligence, and genuine enthusiasm have made her one of morning television’s most beloved personalities. And while viewers appreciate Sam Champion’s familiar presence, they’re eagerly awaiting the moment when the “Weather Queen” herself returns to reclaim her throne.