About us/Jesse Kelley
Education
University of South Alabama, Bachelors of Science in Broadcast Meteorology
Minors: Mathematics, Geography
Q&A with Jesse Kelley
About Jesse:
Meteorologist Jesse Kelley join the WeatherNation team in October 2021. Jesse spent most of his childhood in Birmingham, Alabama. The state of Alabama is prone to seeing various types of weather from severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and winter weather. For college, Jesse attended the University of South Alabama where he received his degree in Broadcast Meteorology along with minors in Math and Geography. From Alabama, Jesse started his broadcast television working three years at KAVU-TV in Victoria. Recently, he finished a stint in Shreveport, LA. Jesse and his wife love calling the Rocky Mountains and Colorado home. Give Jesse a follow on Twitter @JesseKelleywx and on Facebook at Meteorologist Jesse Kelley.
What inspired you to become a meteorologist?
Growing up in Birmingham, we experienced a lot of severe weather. In addition, I love looking at geography maps. At a young age, I watched the TV meteorologists in Birmingham talk about weather and geography and I thought it was pretty cool. For me, I wanted to choose a career path that many people never thought of before.
What is your most memorable weather experience?
My most memorable weather experience was covering the Total Solar Eclipse and Hurricane Harvey in the same week. Hurricane Harvey was the first hurricane I dealt with as an adult. Working at KAVU-TV, it was lots of fun being out in the elements keeping the viewers safe. The aftermath of Harvey was something that I will never forget. The snow and ice event in Shreveport, LA was a close second.
Outside of weather, what are your hobbies and interests?
I am a big sports fan! I enjoy watching college football on Saturdays! I am a big Atlanta Braves fan too! When I am not watching sports, I enjoy playing video games and most importantly spending time with my wife, dog, and guinea pig.
Besides your parents who has influenced you the most in your life?
I have been very fortunate to learn something from the many coaches, teachers, co-workers, and mentors along my life journey. I appreciate everyone that has been there for me.
What is a little known fact about you?
During my time at South Alabama, I played college football. For five years, I played on the Defensive Line. I played against several guys who are in the NFL today. I was selected to the Capital One Academic All District Team and received a Sun Belt All-Conference Honorable Mention.
What are your hopes and dreams for the profession of weather?
For myself, I would like to continue to share my passion for weather especially for the younger generation. I enjoy doing weather talks with the young kids at schools and maybe some of them may take an interest in one day becoming a meteorologist. In addition, I hope I can be a role model for others, especially minorities. For the profession of weather, I feel like we are making great strides. As technology involves, we will likely see the forecasts become more accurate.