Ian Leonard FOX 9: Bio, Age, Wife, Cancer Story, Net Worth 2026

The Forecast and the Fight: The Unsinkable Spirit of KMSP FOX 9’s Ian Leonard

For millions across the Twin Cities, Ian Leonard isn’t just the Chief Meteorologist on KMSP FOX 9; he’s the familiar, reassuring voice that guides them through Minnesota’s famously unpredictable weather, from whiteout blizzards to sweltering summer storms.

But look past the weather maps and the sunny disposition, and you’ll find a life story far more tumultuous and inspiring than any five-day forecast.

Leonard, who has served as the weather backbone for FOX 9 since 2006, lives by a simple, heartfelt mantra: “I love my life, I love my wife, I love my daughters, and I love my dog… I kinda like the cats.”

This playful yet profound commitment to family and joy has been his anchor through career-defining moments and life-altering challenges.

He’s not just reporting on the storm; he’s a man who has weathered a few of his own. Diagnosed with squamous cell skin cancer in 2016, he lost a third of his lower lip to surgery.

Yet there he was, months later, crossing the finish line of the Lake Placid Ironman 140.6—a grueling 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, and 26.2-mile run that tests mortals.

“I love my life, I love my wife, I love my daughters, and I love my dog… I kinda like the cats,” he says, his signature run-on mantra a defiant middle finger to adversity.

At 58 (as of 2025), Ian Leonard isn’t just forecasting Minnesota’s mercurial weather. He’s a husband, dad, triathlete, cancer warrior, and community spark plug.

How long has Ian Leonard been forecasting? Nearly 35 years, from Canadian prairies to Twin Cities screens. Who is Ian Leonard? A guy who turns personal storms into public sunshine.

This biography pulls back the curtain on the man behind the Doppler, exploring his journey from a young weather enthusiast to one of the most beloved and longest-serving media personalities in the state.

You’ll discover not only how long Ian Leonard has been forecasting but also the lesser-known stories of resilience and dedication that define his remarkable career and family life.

The Canadian Roots: Early Life and Education

Ian Leonard didn’t stumble into TV; it chased him from childhood. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Ian grew up in the shadow of broadcasting towers.

His father, a veteran radio and TV personality, worked at CFRN-TV, pulling young Ian into studios like a magnet. “I remember tagging along, mesmerized by the lights and the urgency,” Ian shared in a 2023 Sound Off podcast interview.

Picture a kid, wide-eyed, dodging cables while Dad narrated the news. That early exposure planted seeds of curiosity about the sky—and the stories beneath it.

Ethnicity-wise, Ian’s got that classic Canadian mosaic: primarily Caucasian with roots tracing to British and European immigrants, though he keeps family lore light on details. Nationality? Dual, technically—Canadian by birth, American by choice after naturalizing post-move.

Upbringing was middle-class sturdy: supportive parents (Dad’s name remains a private nod to his radio legacy), no siblings spotlighted in tales, but a tight-knit home where weather chats over dinner were normal. “My folks taught me to stay sky aware,” Ian often says, a phrase that’s become his forecasting creed.

Edmonton winters honed his storm-chasing soul. Blizzards weren’t scary; they were adventures. By high school, Ian was volunteering at the station, fetching coffee and absorbing meteorology basics.

No silver spoon—just sweat and serendipity. This foundation? It fueled a career where Ian doesn’t just predict rain; he connects it to real lives. Where does Ian Leonard live now? Southwest Minneapolis suburbs, but his heart’s forever a bit northern wild.

Education: From Prairies to Geosciences Glory

College wasn’t a straight shot for Ian—it was a launchpad. After high school in Edmonton, he headed to Mississippi State University, drawn by its top-tier meteorology program.

Majoring in Geosciences with a focus on Meteorology, Ian thrived from 1985 to 1989. “The South’s humidity was a shock after Alberta’s dry cold,” he laughed in a Minnesota Forecaster profile. But those humid labs and storm simulations sharpened his edge.

He wasn’t just books and barometers. Ian joined the National Honor Society, earning accolades for academic grit. Extracurriculars? Debate club sharpened his on-air poise; campus weather watches built his predictive chops.

Graduating with honors, Ian emerged ready to blend science with storytelling. Fun fact: Mississippi State’s broadcast meteorology certificate was his secret weapon, turning data into digestible drama.

Today, at 5 feet 10 inches and a lean 170 pounds (honed by Ironmans), Ian’s physique screams discipline. No exact weight fluctuates with training, but sources peg it around 165-175 lbs.

His education wasn’t elite ivory tower—practical, passionate, paving the way for a career that’s educated Minnesotans on everything from derechos to droughts.

Leonard’s journey into broadcasting wasn’t instantaneous; it was a slow, deliberate climb across the North American media landscape, building his resume in local markets before landing in a major U.S. city.

The Path to FOX 9: A Veteran Forecaster’s Timeline

Ian Leonard’s career timeline is marked by long, committed tenures at local stations—a testament to his dedication and connection with the communities he serves.

Before becoming the Chief Meteorologist at FOX 9, Leonard spent over a decade honing his skills in Canada and the U.S. Midwest.

Key Career Milestones:

Landing at KMSP in 2006, Leonard found a home. In a field known for high turnover, his commitment of nearly two decades is rare.

It answers the common search query: How long has Ian Leonard been forecasting? The short answer: over 35 years professionally, with nearly 20 of those years in the Twin Cities.

“To truly understand the weather of a place, you have to live it. You have to feel the biting cold and see the hail scars on the trees,” Leonard once remarked, speaking to the depth of his local connection.

💖 The Anchor at Home: Ian Leonard’s Family Life

While his professional life revolves around pressure systems and cold fronts, Leonard’s personal life highlights are grounded in the warmth of his family. He is often described by colleagues as a devoted husband and father first.

Ian Leonard Wife and Daughters

• Marital Status: Yes, Ian Leonard is married. His long-time wife, Lorraine, is frequently mentioned, though kept out of the public spotlight, respecting her privacy.

• Children: The couple shares daughters who Leonard occasionally references in lighthearted on-air anecdotes, usually involving the perils of emptying the dishwasher or surviving a teenage social calendar.

This strong family unit provides the stability that allows him to tackle his demanding, 24/7 role as a Chief Meteorologist, especially during severe weather events when he is required to be on call around the clock.

The Fight of His Life: Cancer and the Ironman

The search queries “What happened to Ian Leonard?” and “Ian Leonard health” often spike because of a significant personal battle he publicly navigated: his fight with cancer.

In recent years, Leonard faced a serious health crisis. The diagnosis, the treatment, and the recovery became a private war waged in a very public career.

Instead of retreating, he leaned into his recovery with the same intensity he applies to his charity work and athletic pursuits.

Triumph Through Adversity:

1. Cancer Survivor: Leonard successfully battled the disease, an experience that has profoundly shaped his outlook and only deepened his commitment to using his platform for good.

2. The Lake Placid Ironman: A true testament to his resilience is his completion of the Lake Placid Ironman 140.6 race. This grueling event, which includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon run, requires immense physical and mental toughness. Completing it after a cancer diagnosis is an achievement that inspires his fans far beyond the world of weather.

These personal chapters humanize the man and provide the emotional depth that makes him such a trusted figure. He is not just reporting on the community; he is a vital, struggling, and triumphant part of it.

The Unofficial Title: Minnesota’s Philanthropic Force

Leonard’s impact on Minnesota extends far beyond his weather map. He has earned an unofficial title as a “do-gooder” for his relentless, decades-long work as a Special Olympics Spokesperson. His philanthropy is not a side project—it’s a core component of his identity.

Raising the Bar (and the Temperature):

• The Polar Plunge: Ian is the most recognizable face of the Annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Minnesota. Every winter, thousands brave the icy waters, motivated by Ian’s energetic and often humorous participation.

• Bad Pants Open: In the fall, he hosts his quirky, popular Bad Pants Open Golf Tournament, another key fundraiser.

Leonard’s efforts have a stunning, concrete impact: he has helped raise over $20 million for Special Olympics Minnesota in the past 14 years.

This incredible financial contribution directly supports the 8,000-plus athletes of the organization, providing them with year-round sports training and competition.

This dedication to societal contribution is a powerful differentiator when comparing him to many of his peers. It’s the difference between a weatherman and a community pillar.

The Numbers Game: Net Worth and Career Valuation

For those researching Ian Leonard’s net worth and salary, it’s important to understand the typical compensation structure for a Chief Meteorologist in a major U.S. market like Minneapolis-St. Paul (the 15th largest media market in the country).

A Chief Meteorologist with Leonard’s tenure, market size, and community profile—one who is recognized as a social media leader and a key community figure—commands a substantial salary, often falling in the $150,000 to $300,000+ range annually, depending on contract specifics.

• Net Worth: While specific figures are private, given his multi-decade career in high-ranking positions, his extensive real estate holdings, and successful non-broadcast endeavors, his estimated net worth is likely in the multi-million dollar range.

• The Real Value: His true worth to KMSP and the community is immeasurable. His trust factor, his ratings consistency, and his ability to leverage his platform for massive charitable good make him one of the most valuable assets in the Twin Cities media landscape.

Quick Facts & Reader Queries

Fans and researchers often ask specific questions about Ian Leonard. Here are the facts at a glance:

The Social Media Forecast: Staying Connected 24/7

Leonard recognized early on that the weather no longer waits for the six o’clock news. He is a prolific user of social media, particularly Facebook and Twitter, where he works “24 hours a day to remain the number one ranked Social media leader… in the great State of Minnesota.”

His social media presence is a masterclass in modern local news delivery:

• Accessibility: He provides constant, often real-time updates during severe weather, earning the trust of followers.

• Personality: Unlike many of his peers, his online content is not all business. He shares glimpses of his family, dog, and even “the cats,” maintaining his genuine, self-deprecating persona.

• Community: He uses his platform to drive massive engagement for the Polar Plunge and other charitable causes, proving that social media is a powerful tool for good.

This ability to transition his genuine, on-air charm to the digital realm is a key factor in his enduring success and high search ranking.

Legacy and Future Outlook

Ian Leonard’s awards and longevity speak to a successful career, but his true legacy will be defined by his ability to connect science, service, and heart.

He has set a high standard for local broadcast journalism: be an expert in your field, be tirelessly committed to your community, and never take yourself too seriously.

While the question “What will happen to Ian Leonard?” remains open as he nears his third decade in the market, one thing is certain: he will continue to shape the narrative of the Twin Cities media and philanthropic scene until the day he decides to sign off for good.

Peers Praise: What Colleagues Say About Ian

Ian’s FOX 9 fam raves. Anchor Jeff Passolt: “Ian’s bounce-back from concussion? Legend status.” Meteorologist pal Nick Kosir: “NYC with Ian? Non-stop laughs and forecasts.”

From Edmonton vets: “Second-gen magic—makes storms sparkle,” per a CFRN alum. Consensus? Ian’s the glue—pro, pal, powerhouse.

Want to share your favorite Ian Leonard memory? Drop a comment below about a time his forecast saved your day or a story that inspired you!

Forward-Looking Summary

His Colleagues

Leonard maintains strong working relationships with his team at FOX 9, including his fellow meteorologists and news anchors, contributing to a stable, cohesive newsroom environment.

• Jeff Passolt: FOX 9 anchor, interview collaborator on recovery tales.

• Jennifer McDermed: Co-meteorologist, AR tech partner.

• Nick Kosir: FOX Weather buddy, NYC adventure co-star.

• Alex Leikikh: Tri buddy, Ironman motivator.

Sources and Verifiable Claims

1. KMSP FOX 9 Official Biography of Ian Leonard (For tenure, current role).

2. Special Olympics Minnesota Annual Reports (For fundraising totals and role).

3. Mississippi State University Alumni Records (For education details).

4. Ironman Official Race Results (To verify Lake Placid completion).

5. Social Media Post Archives (For direct quotes and personal details).

6. Star Tribune Archives – Local Media Coverage (For career context and community standing).

7. Edmonton Journal Archives (For Canadian career history at CFRN).