Chrissy Russo Biography: FOX 5 San Diego Meteorologist & Host
Chrissy Russo is a dynamic American journalist, meteorologist, show host, and producer best known for her work with FOX 5 San Diego (KSWB-TV).
She has a long career in broadcasting, active since 1996, holding various roles including beat reporter, news anchor, Padres pregame show reporter, and national correspondent for the FOX New Year’s Eve show.
She is celebrated for her energetic on-air presence, journalistic integrity, and advocacy for self-defense through Krav Maga, in which she holds a Level 4 green belt.
Career Highlights:
Her career in media began in 1996 at age 22, and she joined FOX 5 San Diego in 2008.
Over the years, she has taken on various roles, including beat reporter, news anchor, Padres pregame show reporter, FOX national correspondent for New Year’s Eve, meteorologist, and traffic anchor.
Known for her energetic and dynamic delivery, Russo has also worked as a producer and hosted shows like Chrissy Russo Live and Self Defense: A Battle for Your Life.
She previously served as a baseball feature reporter for Cox Communications, co-host and meteorologist for XETV, and beat reporter for the New York Times Regional Media Group.
Russo is a vocal advocate for Krav Maga, an Israeli self-defense system, and holds a green belt (Level 4) with Krav Maga Worldwide.
She has participated in high-profile events, such as throwing the ceremonial first pitch at a San Diego Padres game on September 7, 2023, at Petco Park.
Additionally, she has engaged in unique reporting experiences, like exercising with Navy SEAL candidates in Coronado in 2009 and interviewing military personnel during San Diego Fleet Week in 2016.
Other Work and Accomplishments:
Beyond her newsroom roles, Chrissy Russo is a strong advocate for self-defense and practices Krav Maga, having achieved Level 4 certification.
She has produced and hosted a self-defense documentary titled “A Fight For Your Life,” a three-part series.
Her work in this area has earned her an EMMY award for writing a news series called “Self-Defense against an active shooter,” and she has also been recognized as “TV personality of the year” by viewers’ choice.
Education:
Chrissy Russo holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Old Dominion University (1993-1998) and studied Meteorology at Mississippi State University (2005-2007) and San Diego State University (2005).
Personal Life & Interests:
- San Diego Resident: She moved to University City, San Diego in 2001, intending to stay for a year, but decided to remain due to her appreciation for the community.
- Krav Maga: Chrissy is a practitioner of Krav Maga.
- Music Preferences: She enjoys running to music, with The Beatles on Sunday mornings and Aerosmith or Led Zeppelin on weekdays.
- Former Lifeguard: She was a Virginia Beach lifeguard for 15 years.
- Pregnancy Announcement: In 2011, it was reported that she pleasantly surprised viewers with news of her pregnancy.
Age:
Chrissy Russo was born on December 19, 1974, making her 50 years old as of 2025. Her zodiac sign is Sagittarius, known for being outgoing, adventurous, and strong-willed.
She is of White/Caucasian ethnicity and proudly holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Chrissy Russo was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, but spent much of her formative years in San Diego, California—a city she proudly calls home.
Raised in a close-knit and supportive family, Chrissy has often credited her upbringing for shaping her grounded personality and strong work ethic.
While she has not publicly shared the names or professions of her parents, she has spoken fondly of her family’s influence, particularly her grandmother and her late grandfather, “Big Joe,” who passed away in 2008.
Chrissy is known to have an older sister, though she has kept details about her sibling private, reflecting her consistent effort to maintain a clear boundary between her public career and personal life.
Husband:
Chrissy Russo is married. However, she has consistently chosen to keep her personal life private.
The identity of her husband has not been publicly disclosed, and details about their relationship remain largely out of the spotlight.
It is known that the couple dated for several years before getting married, and they welcomed their son, Enzo, in 2012.
Chrissy has occasionally shared glimpses of her family life on social media, but she rarely discusses her marriage in interviews or public appearances.
Her approach reflects a clear boundary between her professional presence as a meteorologist and her private life as a wife and mother.
Height:
Chrissy Russo is estimated to stand at around 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.
Her weight is believed to be between 125 and 135 pounds (57–61 kg), with a slim, athletic figure.
Her estimated body measurements are approximately 34-26-35 inches (86-66-89 cm).
Career and Background:
Chrissy began her career in media as a beat reporter before transitioning to sports reporting, and eventually found her niche as a meteorologist and weather anchor.
She joined FOX 5 San Diego in 2008 and has since become one of the station’s most recognizable faces.
Known for her natural delivery and approachable style, Chrissy covers everything from severe weather conditions to daily forecasts.
She is also a strong advocate for self-defense and Krav Maga, often sharing her passion through media appearances.
Career Timeline
| Year | Role | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Beat Reporter | New York Times Regional Media Group |
| 2001–2008 | Meteorologist & Host | San Diego 6 (XETV) |
| 2008 | National Correspondent | FOX New Year’s Eve Shows |
| 2009–2010 | Host & Executive Producer | “Chrissy Russo Live,” FOX 5 San Diego |
| 2010–Present | Meteorologist & Traffic Anchor | FOX 5 San Diego (KSWB-TV) |
Early Career
Chrissy Russo began her media journey in the late 1990s while still attending college, gaining foundational experience in both radio and local television.
Her early exposure to live broadcasting and production laid the groundwork for her future success in the competitive world of journalism and meteorology.
1999–2001: New York Times Regional Media Group
Following her graduation, Chrissy secured a position as a beat reporter with the New York Times Regional Media Group in Virginia.
In this role, she covered a wide range of local news stories, honing her skills in investigative reporting, community engagement, and deadline-driven journalism.
This experience marked her formal entry into professional media and demonstrated her ability to thrive in fast-paced newsroom environments.
2001–2008: San Diego 6 (XETV)
Chrissy’s career gained significant momentum when she joined San Diego 6 (XETV), where she served in multiple high-profile roles over a seven-year period.
She worked as a weather forecaster, sports reporter, and traffic anchor, and also contributed to the station’s Padres pregame coverage.
Her versatility and on-air charisma quickly made her a viewer favorite, and she became a prominent figure in San Diego’s broadcast landscape.
Her ability to transition seamlessly between news, sports, and weather segments showcased her broad skill set and adaptability.
December 2008: FOX National News
In December 2008, Chrissy was selected to serve as a live national correspondent for FOX’s New Year’s Eve broadcast.
This high-visibility assignment placed her on a national stage, where she delivered live reports and interacted with a broad audience.
Her confident presence and engaging delivery during the event further solidified her reputation as a dynamic and reliable broadcaster.
2001–2007: Bay City Television (KUSI News)
During her tenure in San Diego, Chrissy also contributed to Bay City Television’s KUSI News, where she co-hosted the morning show and provided meteorological updates.
Her role at KUSI allowed her to deepen her expertise in weather forecasting while continuing to build strong connections with the local community.
Her time at the station reinforced her status as a trusted and familiar voice in regional news.
2009–Present: FOX 5 San Diego (KSWB-TV)
In 2009, Chrissy joined FOX 5 San Diego (KSWB-TV), where she launched and hosted her own program, Chrissy Russo Live.
As both host and executive producer, she curated content that blended lifestyle, current events, and community stories.
In 2010, she transitioned into her current role as meteorologist and traffic anchor, a position she continues to hold with distinction.
At FOX 5, Chrissy has become a cornerstone of the station’s morning and evening broadcasts, known for her energetic delivery, scientific accuracy, and engaging storytelling.
Career Highlights
Chrissy Russo’s career is marked by numerous accolades and professional achievements.
In 2014, she received an Emmy Award for her impactful three-part series on self-defense against active shooters.
She has been recognized by San Diego Magazine as one of the city’s “50 People to Watch” and was named “TV Personality of the Year” by City Beat Magazine.
A certified member of the American Meteorological Society, Chrissy combines scientific rigor with a relatable on-air presence.
She is also a passionate advocate for public safety and self-defense, holding a Level 4 green belt in Krav Maga and frequently incorporating these themes into her reporting.
Chrissy Russo’s notable colleagues across her broadcasting career:
Raoul Martinez – Morning anchor; frequent early show partner.
Shally Zomorodi – Co-anchor with standout on-screen synergy.
Erica Fox – Traffic and lifestyle anchor, shared multiple segments.
Phil Blauer – Veteran evening anchor with deep local roots.
Jason Sloss – Reporter/anchor in live and feature coverage.
Heather Lake – Lifestyle reporter and frequent collaborator.
Aloha Taylor – Former chief meteorologist; close weather colleague.
Sandra Maas – Anchor at KUSI during Chrissy’s early years.
Paul Rudy – Sports anchor with lively on-air style.
Dan Cohen – Trusted anchor and newsroom presence.
Net Worth and Salary:
Chrissy Russo has an estimated net worth ranging between $2 million and $3 million as of 2025.
This financial standing reflects her extensive career in broadcast journalism, which spans over two decades and includes high-profile roles as a meteorologist, producer, and television host.
Her long-term position at FOX 5 San Diego, combined with earlier roles at KUSI News, San Diego 6 (XETV), and national appearances on FOX News, has contributed significantly to her financial success.
Her annual salary is estimated to fall between $78,000 and $200,000, depending on her current responsibilities and contractual terms.
As both a meteorologist and traffic anchor, Chrissy holds a dual role that commands a competitive compensation package within the San Diego media market.
In addition to her salary, Chrissy’s net worth is supported by occasional speaking engagements, brand collaborations, and her involvement in community-focused initiatives.
She resides in San Diego with her husband and son, maintaining a relatively private lifestyle while remaining active in charitable causes, particularly those related to public safety and self-defense.
Is Chrissy Russo Married?
Yes, Chrissy Russo is reportedly married, although she keeps her personal life, including her spouse’s identity, very private.
How Old Is Chrissy Russo?
Chrissy Russo is 50 years old, born on December 19, 1974.
Where is Chrissy Russo working?
Chrissy Russo is currently working as a meteorologist and traffic anchor at FOX 5 San Diego (KSWB-TV).
She has been with the station since 2009, where she initially launched and hosted her own program, Chrissy Russo Live.
Over the years, she has become a prominent on-air personality known for her energetic delivery, scientific accuracy, and engaging storytelling.
In addition to her meteorology duties, Chrissy also contributes as a producer and continues to advocate for public safety through her work in self-defense awareness, particularly Krav Maga.
Her role at FOX 5 San Diego remains central to her professional identity, and she is widely recognized as one of the station’s most trusted and dynamic broadcasters.
Chrissy Russo is active on social media, especially on Instagram @chrissyrussotv, where she shares weather updates and behind-the-scenes content.
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