Matthew Cappucci Biography: FOX 5 DC Freelance Meteorologist & The Washington Post Contributor
Matthew Cappucci is a prominent American meteorologist, reporter, storm chaser, and author known for his work as a contributor to The Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang and his previous role as a weekend meteorologist at FOX 5 DC (WTTG-TV) in Washington, D.C.
Early Life and Education:
Born and raised on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Cappucci developed a fascination with weather at a very young age.
His interest was sparked by observing anemometers and was further intensified after watching a documentary about tornadoes.
He credits former chief meteorologist Harvey Leonard of WCVB-TV for inspiring his career path in meteorology and communication.
Cappucci graduated from Sturgis Charter School in Hyannis, Massachusetts, in 2015 with the highest GPA in his class.
At 15, he presented a paper at the American Meteorological Society’s (AMS) 41st Conference on Broadcast Meteorology, making him the youngest presenter at an AMS conference.
He went on to attend Harvard College, where he designed his own unique degree program in atmospheric sciences, becoming Harvard’s first atmospheric science concentrator upon his graduation in 2019. His curriculum involved taking classes at both Harvard and MIT.
Career:
Shortly after graduating from Harvard in July 2019, Cappucci joined The Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang as a meteorologist and reporter. He quickly became a prolific contributor, writing over 200 stories for the team.
In July 2021, he expanded his on-air presence by joining FOX 5 DC (WTTG-TV) as a weekend meteorologist. He remained with the station until November 2023.
During his time at FOX 5, he covered a wide range of storms and was recognized for his innovative approach to weather communication.
In 2023, he was named the recipient of the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes’ annual Weather Person of the Year award.
Beyond The Washington Post and FOX 5 DC, Cappucci also serves as a senior meteorologist for the weather app MyRadar (since August 2021) and makes regular appearances on WAMU radio, NPR, BBC News, DW News, and Sky News Arabia. He is also an educational consultant and teaches public speaking.
Other Endeavors:
Matthew Cappucci is an avid storm chaser and traveler, logging extensive miles in pursuit of extreme weather phenomena.
He has even written a detailed account of a “typical” chase scenario, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of storm chasing.
He is also an author, having penned two books:
- “Looking Up: The True Adventures of a Storm-Chasing Weather Nerd” (2023): A memoir chronicling his journey in meteorology.
- “Extreme Weather for Kids: Lessons and Activities All About Hurricanes, Tornadoes, Blizzards, and More!” (2024): A children’s book aimed at introducing young readers to extreme weather.
Personal Philosophy
Matthew believes that meteorology is both a science and an art. He enjoys the improvisational nature of weather forecasting and the constant challenge of improving his skills.
His ultimate goal is to help others experience the joy and fascination with weather that he himself feels.
Age:
Matthew Cappucci is a 27-year-old meteorologist. He was born in 1997, which makes his zodiac sign Libra. He is American by nationality, and his ethnicity is White.
Parents and Siblings:
Matthew Cappucci was born and raised in Plymouth, Massachusetts. His parents played a significant role in nurturing his fascination with weather from a young age.
He has mentioned that his parents were supportive of his interests, even when he was just a toddler trying to pronounce “wind meter”.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much detailed information available about his upbringing or his siblings. It seems that Matthew has chosen to keep certain aspects of his personal life private.
However, we do know that he attended Sturgis Charter School in Hyannis, Massachusetts, and later went on to Harvard University, where he created his own concentration in atmospheric sciences.
Height, Weight:
Matthew Cappucci stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters). His weight is around 57 kg (125 lbs).
Career and Background:
Cappucci began freelancing for The Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang in college, making him one of the youngest contributors at the publication.
Since then, he has expanded his reach as a meteorologist for FOX 5 DC and produces forecasts for multiple platforms, including MyRadar.
He has also become an educational consultant and has taught public speaking. In 2023, Cappucci was awarded the national weatherperson of the year by the FLASH organization.
His expertise has also been featured internationally, and he provides kid-friendly weather updates on SiriusXM’s Absolutely Mindy Show.
Early Career and Education
Matthew’s fascination with weather began at a very young age. By the time he was 14, he was already presenting at the American Meteorological Society, making him the youngest-ever presenter.
He continued to nurture his passion for weather throughout high school, writing a monthly weather column for his local newspaper and giving speeches at significant events.
He attended Harvard University, where he created his own concentration in atmospheric sciences, becoming the first person to graduate with a degree in this field from Harvard.
His dedication and hard work were recognized early on, and he contributed to The Washington Post while still a student.
Professional Achievements
After graduating from Harvard in 2019, Matthew joined The Washington Post as a meteorologist for the Capital Weather Gang.
He quickly made a name for himself with his insightful weather reports and storm-chasing adventures. He has chased more than a dozen tornadoes, stood in the eye of hurricanes, and flown beneath the northern lights.
Matthew also works as a freelance meteorologist for FOX 5 DC, where he joined in June 2021. His on-air presence and ability to explain complex weather phenomena in an engaging way have made him a rising star in meteorology.
Matthew Cappucci has made significant contributions to FOX 5 DC since joining the station in June 2021. Here are some highlights of his work at FOX 5:
- Live Tornado Coverage: On his first day on-air, Matthew covered a tornado that moved into downtown Washington, D.C. He tracked the tornado and provided live updates for several hours.
- Annapolis Tornado: Matthew tracked down a tornado in Annapolis, Maryland, filming reports and covering the storm live for ten hours straight. His dedication and real-time reporting helped keep the public informed and safe.
- Hurricane Ian: Matthew shared his experience tracking Hurricane Ian in Florida, providing valuable insights and updates to viewers. His on-the-ground reporting during severe weather events is highly regarded.
- Educational Outreach: Matthew is known for his innovative approach to using social media to educate others on disaster safety. He frequently engages with his audience through social media platforms, making weather information accessible and understandable.
- National Weatherperson of the Year: In 2023, Matthew was named the FLASH National Weatherperson of the Year, recognizing his forecasting excellence and his efforts to bring a new generation into the disaster safety and resilience movement.
At FOX 5 DC, Matthew Cappucci works alongside several talented colleagues. Some of his close colleagues include:
- Erin Como: Erin is a meteorologist and weather anchor at FOX 5 DC. She and Matthew often collaborate on weather forecasts and reports, sharing insights and data to provide accurate and timely information to viewers.
- Claire Anderson: Claire is another meteorologist at FOX 5 DC. She and Matthew work together on various weather projects, ensuring that the public receives the most up-to-date and reliable weather information.
- Reed Timmer: Reed is a well-known storm chaser and meteorologist. Matthew has joined Reed on several storm-chasing expeditions, capturing footage and providing live updates during severe weather events.
- Katie Barlow: Katie is a reporter and anchor at FOX 5 DC. She and Matthew frequently work together on weather-related stories, combining their expertise to deliver comprehensive coverage of weather events.
These colleagues have played a significant role in Matthew’s development as a meteorologist at FOX 5 DC, and their collaborative efforts have contributed to the success of the station’s weather reporting.
Contributions and Recognition
Matthew’s work has not gone unnoticed. He won the FLASH 2023 national weatherperson of the year award, a testament to his dedication and skill.
He continues to contribute to various media outlets, providing weather updates and insights during critical weather events.
Matthew Cappucci has made several notable forecasts throughout his career, showcasing his expertise and dedication to meteorology. Here are a few highlights:
- Hurricane Sam (2021): Matthew provided detailed and timely updates on Hurricane Sam as it rapidly intensified from a Category 1 to a Category 4 hurricane within 24 hours. His accurate predictions and clear communication helped many stay informed and prepared.
- Tornado Outbreak in Texas (2021): During a significant tornado outbreak in Lockett, Texas, Matthew was on the ground reporting live. He managed to capture footage of the tornado and provided real-time updates, even as hail shattered his windshield.
- Winter Storm in Colorado (2024): Matthew accurately forecasted a major winter storm that brought heavy snowfall and severe weather to Colorado. His warnings helped residents prepare for the storm and avoid potential dangers.
- Fire Weather in California (2024): He provided critical updates during an “extremely critical” fire weather event in California, helping residents understand the risks and take necessary precautions.
Matthew’s ability to deliver precise and timely weather forecasts, even in the most challenging conditions, has earned him recognition and respect in the meteorological community.
Net Worth and Salary:
Matthew Cappucci’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his successful career as a meteorologist, working with various media outlets, including FOX 5 DC and The Washington Post.
As for his salary, Matthew earns an estimated annual salary of $30,000 to $90,000. This range can vary based on his freelance work, contributions to different media outlets, and any additional projects or consulting he takes on.
Is Matthew Cappucci Married?
Matthew Cappucci has chosen to keep his personal life quite private, and there isn’t much information available about his relationship status. As of now, he hasn’t disclosed whether he is married or in a relationship.
How Old Is Matthew Cappucci?
Matthew Cappucci is 26 years old. He was born in 1997 in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Where Is Matthew Cappucci Working?
Matthew Cappucci is currently working as a freelance meteorologist for FOX 5 DC and as a meteorologist for The Washington Post’s Capital Weather Gang. He continues to contribute to various media outlets and provide insightful weather reports and forecasts.
Matthew Cappucci is quite active on social media! He uses platforms like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to share weather updates, storm-chasing videos, and educational content about meteorology.
His engaging and informative posts have helped him build a large and devoted following.
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