From Tornado Drawings to Twin Cities Forecasts: The Authentic Story of FOX 9 Meteorologist Jennifer McDermed
Jennifer McDermed, the familiar face of the weather at FOX 9, has built a career on precision forecasting—but it’s her unscripted moments and human connection that have truly made her a star.
From a childhood obsession with tornadoes to an unexpected viral video, McDermed has navigated the high-stakes world of severe weather and local news with a characteristic blend of professionalism and relatable charm.
Picture this: A kindergarten classroom in Atchison, Kansas, buzzing with crayons and dreams. While classmates scribble firefighters and ballerinas, one little girl sketches a swirling tornado—complete with airborne cows. That’s Jennifer McDermed at age five, already hooked on the wild unpredictability of weather.
Fast-forward three decades, and that same spark lights up Minnesota screens as FOX 9’s go-to meteorologist.
But Jennifer’s journey isn’t just about radar maps and rain chances. It’s a tale of grit, giggles amid glitches, and balancing blizzards with baby bottles.
Born on August 8, 1989, Jennifer McDermed is a confident Leo, making her 36 in 2026.
She embodies the sign’s fiery energy, successfully chasing twisters in her youth and now forecasting for the Twin Cities with the warmth of a Midwestern neighbor.
In a world where weather apps promise perfection, Jennifer reminds us it’s the human touch that grounds us.
Her White-American roots, forged in the heart of Tornado Alley, fuel forecasts that feel like friendly advice over coffee.
From tracking EF-4 monsters to welcoming her second child, a baby girl born in June 2025, Jennifer’s life swirls with highs and heartfelt highs.
Fans searching for “Meteorologist Jennifer McDermed age” or her family updates will find more than facts here—a woman who’s as real as the rain she predicts. Stick around as we unpack her whirlwind world.
Roots in the Heartland: A Kansas Girl’s Weather Awakening
Atchison, Kansas—the boyhood home of Amelia Earhart—might seem like quiet farmland, but for Jennifer, it was a front-row seat to nature’s drama.
Her parents raised her as the youngest of three, instilling a deep appreciation for the prairie landscape and its powerful climate.
Nationality is American, and her ethnicity blends German and Irish heritage, adding layers to this tapestry of Midwestern resilience.
But it was severe weather that stole her heart. That kindergarten tornado drawing? Not a phase. Her quote is famous: “I’ve always wanted to be a meteorologist and nothing else.”
By high school at Maur Hill-Mount Academy, she devoured books on atmospheric science. Her early life and upbringing proved that passion can turn “what if” into “watch me.” This foundation is why her predictions hit home for Midwest families facing floods or freezes.
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Birth Date: August 8, 1989
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Zodiac Sign: Leo
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Hometown: Atchison, Kansas
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Parents: Kevin and Theresa McDermed
College Storms and Early Career Milestones
High school diploma in hand, Jennifer headed to Saint Louis University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology in May 2013. She graduated and immediately plunged into the fast-paced world of television.
Her first professional step was a short stint at KQTV in St. Joseph, Missouri. By November 2013, she joined the WHO-TV 13 weather team in Des Moines, Iowa.
These early jobs were her boot camp, teaching her to forecast both brutal blizzards and summer storms.
By December 2015, she moved to KMBC 9 in Kansas City, putting her closer to her family and the notorious Tornado Alley.
She logged significant time chasing severe storms in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, including tracking a major EF-4 tornado near Lyons, Kansas, in 2012 (pre-professional, but a formative experience).
Minnesota Magic: The Rise at FOX 9
Jennifer McDermed joined FOX 9 in Minneapolis-St. Paul in January 2018. She quickly became a staple, delivering forecasts during the weekday and weekend evenings.
Fans often ask, “Is Jennifer McDermed still with FOX 9?” The answer is a resounding yes; she remains a key part of the station’s team, active in 2026.
A significant, career-defining moment occurred in 2021 when a technical glitch on air created multiple, synchronized images of her.
Instead of panicking, Jennifer played along, dancing through her “duplicates” on the screen. The clip went viral, earning millions of views and showing her infectious personality.
This moment humanized her to a national audience, boosting her public recognition beyond the Twin Cities.
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Joined FOX 9: January 2018
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Notable Achievement: Viral “multiplying meteorologist” video
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Current Role: Meteorologist for weekday and weekend evening broadcasts.
Love in the Forecast: Jennifer McDermed Husband and Family
Jennifer’s personal life has blossomed alongside her career in Minnesota.
Is Jennifer McDermed Engaged?
She was engaged to her partner, Giovanni Minelli, an aerospace engineer, in January 2022. The two had been in a long-distance relationship since 2019, with Giovanni proposing at Split Rock Lighthouse on the Minnesota shore of Lake Superior.
Is Meteorologist Jennifer McDermed Married?
Yes. Jennifer and Giovanni Minelli were married on October 1, 2022. Her husband’s background in engineering provides a fun counterpoint to her meteorology, often sparking playful on-air conversations about the science of flight and weather.
Jennifer McDermed Children and Baby News
Jennifer McDermed is a proud mother:
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Son, Francesco (“Frankie”) Vincent Minelli: Born in December 2023. This answers the question, “Did Jennifer on Channel 9 have her baby?” (The first one, yes!).
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Jennifer McDermed 2nd Baby: a daughter, Minelli: Born in June 2025. She and her husband welcomed their baby girl earlier this year.
Active Soul and Wellness Journey
Jennifer’s passion for the outdoors and activity rivals her love for weather. She is a dedicated athlete who enjoys:
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Triathlons and running.
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Hiking and kayaking in the Minnesota wilderness.
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Pickup games of volleyball and basketball.
Fans have often commented on her healthy look, prompting questions about “Jennifer McDermed weight loss.”
While she hasn’t shared specific details, she credits her balanced, active lifestyle and consistent fitness routine for her sustained energy and athletic frame (5 feet 5 inches tall, with an athletic build).
Her Newfoundland dog, Millie (found in 2018), is her perfect partner for outdoor adventures.
Net Worth and Salary (Estimated)
As an award-winning meteorologist who has worked in three major Midwest markets and achieved viral fame, Jennifer McDermed’s financial standing has grown steadily throughout her career.
| Area | Estimate |
| Annual Salary (FOX 9) | $85,000 – $120,000 |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1 Million – $3 Million |
| Source Growth | Steady progression from local to major market; includes social media/brand engagement. |
Disclaimer: These are publicly estimated figures based on media industry averages for meteorologists in major markets and should not be considered exact facts.
Legacy and Impact: Beyond the Forecast
Jennifer McDermed represents the modern meteorologist—blending scientific authority with genuine relatability. Her impact goes beyond the screen through:
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Mentorship: Encouraging young women to pursue STEM and careers in meteorology, where female representation remains a focus.
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Humanity: Her viral moments and open sharing of her family life (husband, two children) humanize the news, building an unprecedented level of trust with her audience.
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Community: Active participation in community events and local charities, leveraging her visibility for good causes.
Jennifer McDermed’s blend of Midwest grit and on-air sparkle assures her legacy as a beloved and highly competent figure in Twin Cities media.
Her Colleagues at FOX 9
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Ian Leonard: Chief Meteorologist, often cited as a mentor.
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Cody Matz and Keith Marler: Fellow FOX 9 meteorologists.
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Kelcey Carlson and Randy Meier: Evening News Anchors.
📚 Sources & Verification
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FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul Official Personnel Page.
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St. Louis University Alumni Directory (2013 Graduation Record).
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KMBC 9/WHO-TV 13 Archive Reports (2013-2017).
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News Reports covering her 2021 viral video.
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Social Media Posts (Instagram/Facebook) confirming her engagement to Giovanni Minelli (2022).
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Social Media Posts confirming her first child’s birth and second pregnancy (2023-2025).
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Kansas City Star / Des Moines Register Archives (Coverage of her time in those markets).
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Star Tribune / Pioneer Press (Local Minnesota media coverage).
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Broadcast Industry Salary Surveys (General industry data for market size).
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