There’s been a change in the weather at WABI TV.

Jeff Matthews, WABI’s 5:30 and 6 p.m. meteorologist, left the Bangor station as of Jan. 19.

The reason for Matthews’ departure was not announced. Mike Young, the station’s vice president and general manager, stopped short of an explanation, saying that Matthews’ employment was terminated as of that date.

“It’s our policy not to publicly discuss personnel matters,” Young said. “We wish Jeff the best.”

Matthews had been at the station for 5 1/2 years. He had been the morning and substitute anchor for four years, then was promoted to the No. 1 spot when longtime forecaster Chris Ewing left in June 1999.

Bill Karins, the morning meteorologist, has been filling Matthews’ old slot on an interim basis. Based on past history at WABI, Karins figures to be in a strong position of filling the job permanently.

Young said all qualified internal and external candidates for the position will be interviewed, and he hopes to have it filled by late March.

“There’s always been preference given to incumbent staff members in line for promotions,” he said. “Bill’s done a terrific job, and the feedback from the public has been positive, both of which bode well for him in the final analysis.”

Karins came to WABI in 1999 from WCTI-TV in New Bern, N.C., and he is a meteorology graduate of the State University of New York.

WABI recently expanded its weather staff to three with the addition of Chris Greeley as weekend meteorologist. Greeley is working on a meteorology degree through Mississippi State University.

Young said another forecaster was needed because “we are a multimedia operation, with weather not just on the air, but on our Access 5 interactive phone line and our Web site.” We’re developing plans to expand on our interactive weather component.”