Brian Shields Meteorologist: Bio, Career & Personal Life | WFTV

Brian Shields, the WFTV Orlando meteorologist, author, and weather expert.
Brian Shields, the WFTV Orlando meteorologist, author, and weather expert.

Brian Shields | Meteorologist Biography, WFTV Orlando & Author

Brian Shields is a television meteorologist currently working at WFTV in Orlando, Florida, where he appears on Eyewitness News Daybreak and at noon.

His passion for weather began at a young age, and he started giving forecasts with a chalkboard when he was five.

He holds a degree in Geography from Villanova University, where he also co-published two studies on hurricanes and their impact on increased precipitation in the Eastern United States.

He furthered his education with a degree in Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University and a certificate in Emergency Management from Florida State University. He also holds a certificate in Volcanology.

Shields is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM Seal Holder) through the American Meteorological Society and has the National Weather Association Seal of Approval for weathercasting.

His career began at the ABC affiliate in Salisbury, Maryland, followed by a period at the ABC affiliate in Charleston, West Virginia, before moving to Orlando.

He is a former board member of the Orlando Science Center and continues to collaborate with them on special projects.

Beyond his television work, Brian Shields is also an author, having written books like “Pug on the Run” and “Pug on the Run Making Waves.”

He also has a YouTube channel, “Mr. Weatherman,” where he tracks hurricanes, tropical storms, and other threatening weather, particularly in the Caribbean, Gulf, and Atlantic.

His mission work in Haiti, in the wake of deadly hurricanes, inspired him to provide credible weather information to the Caribbean.

Age

Brian Shields was born on October 12, 1980, making him 45 years old as of 2025. His zodiac sign is Libra.

Shields is of American nationality and was born in Connecticut, United States, and comes from a white ethnic background.

Wife

Brian Shields is married to Liliana Ospina. Together, they have three sons and live in Orlando, Florida. Brian often refers to his family as “the future frontcourt of the Orlando Magic.”

In addition to his work as a meteorologist, Brian enjoys spending time with his family and is a big fan of the New York Yankees.

He has also written a children’s book called “Pug on the Run,” inspired by his own pet.

Height

Brian Shields is approximately 5’10” (178 cm) and weighs around 175 lbs (79 kg).

Career and Background

Brian Shields is a well-known meteorologist with a career spanning over two decades. He has worked for several prominent news stations, providing weather forecasts and updates.

Shields is particularly recognized for his work at WFTV Channel 9 in Orlando, Florida, where he has been a key figure in the weather team.

Early Career: WMDT-TV (Salisbury, Maryland)

  • Shields began his career at WMDT-TV, an ABC affiliate in Salisbury, Maryland.
  • He worked as a meteorologist and reporter, covering local weather patterns and severe storms.
  • His role involved forecasting for Delmarva Peninsula, a region prone to coastal weather events.

WCHS-TV (Charleston, West Virginia)

  • Shields moved to WCHS-TV, another ABC affiliate, where he continued his meteorology career.
  • Charleston’s mountainous terrain presented unique forecasting challenges, including winter storms and flooding.
  • He gained experience in severe weather tracking, particularly tornadoes and heavy rainfall events.

WFTV Channel 9 (Orlando, Florida)

  • In 2006, Shields joined WFTV Channel 9, an ABC affiliate in Orlando.
  • He became a weekday meteorologist, delivering forecasts on Eyewitness News Daybreak and noon broadcasts.
  • His expertise in hurricane tracking made him a trusted voice during Florida’s storm seasons.
  • He worked alongside Tom Terry, Rusty McCranie, and George Waldenberger, among others.
  • Shields remained at WFTV for nearly two decades, leaving in December 2024.

Mr. Weatherman YouTube Channel

  • After leaving WFTV, Shields launched the Mr. Weatherman YouTube channel, which has over 600,000 subscribers.
  • His channel focuses on hurricane tracking, tropical storms, and severe weather updates.
  • He provides daily forecasts, particularly for the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic regions.
  • His content includes educational videos on meteorology and climate change.

Bishop Moore High School (Orlando, Florida)

  • Shields transitioned into education and community development, joining Bishop Moore High School.
  • He works in the Advancement team, focusing on school development and outreach.
  • He also serves as an Assistant Basketball Coach, mentoring students in sports.

Notable Achievements

  • Certified Broadcast Meteorologist through the American Meteorological Society (AMS).
  • Published research on hurricanes and precipitation patterns in the Eastern United States.
  • Holds certifications in Emergency Management and Volcanology, emphasizing disaster preparedness.
  • Former Board Member at the Orlando Science Center, contributing to science education.

Brian Shields has had a significant impact at WFTV, where he has been a key meteorologist for many years. Here are some highlights of his work:

  • Roles and Responsibilities: Brian Shields is the weekday morning and noon meteorologist for WFTV’s Eyewitness News Daybreak and Eyewitness News at Noon. He provides weather forecasts and updates, helping viewers stay informed about daily weather conditions and severe weather events.
  • Community Engagement: Brian is known for his strong connection with the community. He often participates in local events and educational programs, sharing his knowledge about weather and emergency preparedness. He has also been involved with the Orlando Science Center, partnering on special projects.
  • Return to WFTV: After a brief hiatus in 2021 to focus on family and other projects, Brian made a surprise return to WFTV, much to the delight of his colleagues and viewers. His return was marked by a heartfelt announcement on Eyewitness News This Morning, where he expressed his dedication to serving the Central Florida community.
  • Certifications and Expertise: Brian holds the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation from the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association Seal of Approval. These certifications highlight his expertise and commitment to delivering accurate and reliable weather information.

Brian Shields has had several memorable moments during his time at WFTV. Here are a few highlights:

  • Surprise Return: One of the most memorable moments was when Brian made a surprise return to WFTV in 2021. He walked onto the set with flowers and announced his return live on air, much to the delight of his colleagues and viewers.
  • Hilarious Weather Memes: Brian is known for his sense of humor, often sharing funny weather memes on his social media accounts. These posts have become fan favorites and showcase his lighthearted approach to weather forecasting.
  • Community Engagement: Brian’s involvement in community events and educational programs has also been memorable. He frequently participates in local events and collaborates with the Orlando Science Center on special projects.
  • Emergency Coverage: Brian has been a reliable source of information during severe weather events. His calm and informative broadcasts during hurricanes and other emergencies have been crucial for the Central Florida community.
  • First Weather Forecast: A fun fact that many viewers remember is that Brian gave his first weather forecast using a chalkboard when he was just five years old. This early start in weather forecasting has been a charming anecdote shared during his broadcasts.

Brian Shields worked alongside several meteorologists and journalists during his time at WFTV Channel 9 in Orlando.

Net Worth and Salary

As a meteorologist with significant experience and a long-standing career in broadcasting, Brian Shields’ net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 to $1 million.

His salary is speculated to range between $70,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on his tenure and role within Cox Media Group.

Is Brian Shields Married?

Brian is married to Liliana Ospina, and they have three sons. He enjoys spending time with his family and is a big fan of the New York Yankees and Villanova Wildcats.

How Old Is Brian Shields?

Brian Shields, the meteorologist, was born on October 12, 1980, which makes him 45 years old.

Where Is Brian Shields Working?

Brian Shields is still working at Cox Media Group Orlando. He is a meteorologist at WFTV Channel 9, which is part of Cox Media Group. Additionally,  you can catch him on Eyewitness News This Morning and at noon from Monday to Friday.

Brian Shields has a strong and engaging social media presence, where he connects with his audience and shares weather updates, personal insights, and humorous content.

Here are some details:

  • Facebook: He frequently posts weather updates, community news, and personal stories. His posts often include photos and videos, making his content engaging and relatable.
  • Twitter:. He uses this platform to share real-time weather updates, interact with viewers, and post about various events. His tweets are a mix of professional weather forecasts and personal anecdotes.
  • Instagram: He shares a variety of content, including weather updates, behind-the-scenes looks at his work, and personal photos. His Instagram stories often feature quick weather updates and glimpses into his daily life.

There are many well-known meteorologists who have made significant contributions to the field. Here are a few notable ones:

  1. Al Roker – A prominent American weather forecaster, known for his long tenure on NBC’s “Today Show.”
  1. Jim Cantore – A meteorologist for The Weather Channel, famous for his coverage of severe weather events.
  1. Ginger Zee – The chief meteorologist for ABC News, known for her work on “Good Morning America.”
  1. Willard Scott – A beloved weather presenter and TV personality, known for his work on NBC’s “Today Show.”
  1. Vilhelm Bjerknes – A pioneer in the field of meteorology, known for his work on weather prediction and the Bergen School of Meteorology.
  1. Isaac Newton – While primarily known for his work in physics, Newton also made significant contributions to meteorology.
  1. Judith Curry – A prominent climate scientist and blogger, known for her work on climate change and atmospheric science.

These individuals have made significant impacts in both public weather forecasting and scientific research.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply