Jay Cardosi – WLKY Chief Meteorologist | Bio, Age, Wife & Career

Jay Cardosi Biography: Chief Meteorologist at WLKY-TV, Louisville

Jay Cardosi is a four-time Emmy Award-winning chief meteorologist at WLKY-TV in Louisville, Kentucky, where he leads the station’s weather team and appears weeknights at 5, 6, and 11 p.m.

He is a prominent and respected journalist in the Louisville area, known for his weather forecasts and his commitment to public safety during severe weather events.

Early Life and Education:

• Born on the South side of Chicago.
• Attended Catholic schools: St. Patrick’s for elementary school and Bishop McNamera for high school.
• An athletic youth, he played football from ages 6 to 18, even being part of a state championship team at Bishop McNamera. He also played baseball until college, where he switched to fast-pitch softball at Iowa State.
• He put himself through college at Iowa State by working in carpentry. He met his wife, Laura, at Bishop McNamera, and they both attended Iowa State, marrying shortly after graduation.

Career and Recognition:

• Jay Cardosi has become a familiar face in Louisville, having been with WLKY-TV for a significant period. He is responsible for delivering weather forecasts and often interrupts regular programming for vital severe weather updates, a duty he takes very seriously for the safety of the community.
• He is a 4-time Emmy Award Winner, recognizing his excellence in meteorology.
• He was also honored by the Louisville Defender Newspaper with the outstanding professional achievement award.
• While originally from Chicago, he and his wife consider themselves Louisvillians, appreciating the city’s “small, big town” feel and its amenities.

Beyond his professional life, Cardosi is a father to three children and a self-proclaimed “huge football fan.” He also enjoys carpentry as a way to decompress.

Age:

Jay Cardosi was born on September 7, 1966, in Chicago, Illinois, making him 58 years old in 2025. His zodiac sign is Virgo. He is American, likely of Italian descent.

Wife:

Jay Cardosi is married to Laura Cardosi, and they’ve built a life together in Prospect, Kentucky. Laura was born on May 31, 1967, which makes her 58 years old as of 2025. The couple shares a warm and active family life, raising two daughters and a son.

They’ve lived in the Louisville area since Jay joined WLKY-TV in 1996, and their home has been a hub for both family and professional milestones.

Jay frequently credits his family—including Laura—for being his grounding force, especially during high-pressure weather events.

When he’s not forecasting, he enjoys spending time with Laura and their children, often golfing or speaking at local events.

Height:

Jay Cardosi is estimated to stand around 5 feet 10 inches tall, which is approximately 1.78 meters. His weight is likely in the range of 170 to 180 pounds, or roughly 77 to 82 kilograms.

Career and Background:

Jay Cardosi began his broadcast meteorology career in the late 1980s. Before joining WLKY-TV, he worked in Charleston, South Carolina, and Omaha, Nebraska.

He joined WLKY-TV in Louisville in 1994 and quickly rose to the position of Chief Meteorologist.

He holds the AMS Seal of Approval from the American Meteorological Society, highlighting his professional competence.

WOI-TV (Des Moines, Iowa) – Early Career Foundation

Jay Cardosi began his broadcast meteorology career at WOI-TV, an ABC affiliate in Des Moines.

• He worked here for two years, gaining essential experience in live weather reporting and severe weather coverage.

• This role exposed him to the dynamic and often volatile weather patterns of the Midwest, sharpening his forecasting instincts.

• It was also his first opportunity to connect with viewers on-air, laying the groundwork for his engaging communication style.

KETV (Omaha, Nebraska) – Skill Expansion & Teaching

Jay’s next move was to KETV, Omaha’s ABC affiliate, where he served as a staff meteorologist for seven years.

• During this time, he became known for his calm demeanor and clear explanations during severe weather events.

• He also taught meteorology at Creighton University, blending academic rigor with broadcast experience.

• His time in Omaha helped him refine his forecasting techniques and build credibility in a larger market.

WLKY-TV (Louisville, Kentucky) – Leadership & Legacy

In 1996, Jay joined WLKY-TV as Chief Meteorologist, a role he’s held for nearly three decades.

• He leads the station’s weather team and appears weeknights at 5, 6, and 11 p.m.

• Known for his educational approach, Jay simplifies complex weather data for viewers, especially during high-stakes events like tornado outbreaks.

• His long tenure has made him Louisville’s longest-serving weather personality, and he’s earned four Emmy Awards for excellence in broadcast meteorology.

• Jay’s deep understanding of the Ohio Valley’s microclimates has made him a trusted voice in the region, especially during unpredictable weather shifts.

Jay Cardosi works alongside a talented team of journalists and meteorologists at WLKY-TV in Louisville, Kentucky. Some of his notable colleagues include:

• Wayne Hart – Meteorologist, A fellow weather expert who contributes to WLKY’s forecasting and severe weather coverage.

• Eric Zernich – Meteorologist, Often seen co-tracking major weather systems with Jay, especially during high-impact events like tornado outbreaks.

• Madison Elliott – Reporter, Covers a range of local news stories and occasionally collaborates with the weather team on community-focused segments.

• Alex Durham – Reporter, Known for her engaging field reports and coverage of lifestyle and human-interest stories.

• Vicki Dortch – Evening anchor with decades of experience

• John Boel – Award-winning investigative journalist and anchor

• Lauren Jones – Morning news anchor

• Susanne Horgan – Veteran meteorologist

• Matt Milosevich – Weekday morning meteorologist

• Mo Rose – Meteorologist and traffic specialist

Net Worth and Salary:

Jay Cardosi’s exact net worth hasn’t been publicly disclosed, but based on his long tenure, Emmy-winning career, and leadership role at WLKY-TV, his estimated net worth is likely between $1 million and $2 million.

This estimate reflects over three decades in broadcast meteorology, including high-profile roles in Des Moines, Omaha, and Louisville.

As for his salary, chief meteorologists in mid-to-large U.S. markets typically earn between $90,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, market size, and contract terms.

Given Jay’s seniority and Emmy recognition, his salary likely falls toward the upper end of that range.

Is Jay Cardosi Married?

Yes, Jay Cardosi is married to Laura Cardosi. The couple has built a life together in Prospect, Kentucky, and they share three children—two daughters and a son.

How Old Is Jay Cardosi?

As of 2025, Jay Cardosi is 58 years old. He was born on September 7, 1966.

Where Is Jay Cardosi Working?

Jay Cardosi is currently working as the Chief Meteorologist at WLKY-TV, a CBS-affiliated television station based in Louisville, Kentucky.

He’s held this position since 1996, making him one of the longest-tenured weather personalities in the region.

Jay appears on-air during the 5, 6, and 11 p.m. newscasts, leading the station’s weather team and delivering forecasts with a focus on clarity and viewer engagement.

Jay Cardosi is active on social media:

• Facebook: Jay Cardosi WLKY – posts weather updates and videos regularly.

• Twitter/X: @WLKYJayCardosi – shares forecasts and weather insights.