Jacob Lanier Biography: FOX4 Kansas City Meteorologist & AMS Certified Broadcast Forecaster
Jacob Lanier is an American Meteorological Society (AMS) Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM #851) at WDAF FOX4 News in Kansas City, Missouri. He broadcasts on air weekdays at Noon and 4 PM, and on weekend evenings.
Originally from Atlanta, GA, Lanier has experience covering various weather phenomena, including tornadoes, snow, and hurricanes, across the Midwest and Southeast.
He has been forecasting weather on TV for over five years. Before joining FOX4, his first job as a journalist was as a weekend meteorologist at WVUA 23 News in Tuscaloosa, AL. He also joined the WJTV Storm Team 12 in June 2019.
Lanier holds a bachelor’s degree in professional meteorology from Mississippi State University.
While at MSU, he was the head drum major for the Famous Maroon Band and received the “Best Collegiate Weathercast” award from the Louisiana-Mississippi Associated Press in 2019.
He is active on social media, using it to connect with weather enthusiasts and inform the public about impactful weather.
He is also involved in community outreach, speaking to school classes and Scout troops to inspire students to pursue careers in meteorology, broadcasting, or journalism.
Outside of work, Lanier enjoys outdoor activities, working out, playing board games, traveling, and cheering for the Mississippi State Bulldogs and Atlanta Falcons.
Age:
Jacob Lanier’s exact age and date of birth have not been publicly revealed. However, based on his graduation from Mississippi State University in 2019, it is estimated that he is likely in his late 20s as of 2025.
Lanier is of White ethnicity and holds American nationality. He was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, reflecting his strong Southern roots.
Parents and Siblings:
Jacob Lanier grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, where his fascination with severe weather like thunderstorms and hurricanes was nurtured by a supportive family.
His mother, a math major, played a pivotal role in guiding him through the challenging math required for his meteorology degree at Mississippi State University (graduated 2019), while his father encouraged his passion for weather, never pushing him toward a more “practical” career.
Lanier’s childhood memories of watching weather radar with his mother during storms and visiting The Weather Channel solidified his career path in broadcasting.
He has at least one sibling, a sister named Caroline Lanier, though further details about her or other family members are private, as Lanier focuses his public presence on weather forecasting and viewer safety.
Wife:
Jacob Lanier is married to his wife, Breahna Butcher. The couple tied the knot on October 1, 2024, at Tapestry House by Wedgewood Weddings in Laporte, Colorado.
Their wedding featured an in-person ceremony and a digital livestream for guests who couldn’t attend physically
Height, Weight:
Jacob Lanier is estimated to be around 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall and weigh approximately 150–165 pounds (68–75 kg).
Career and Background:
Jacob Lanier is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist at FOX4 News in Kansas City, Missouri.
He appears on-air weekdays at noon and 4 p.m., as well as on weekend evenings.
Lanier has led coverage during significant weather events, including tornado outbreaks and major snowstorms.
WVUA 23 (Tuscaloosa, Alabama) – Weekend Meteorologist
Jacob Lanier began his professional meteorology career at WVUA 23, a local station in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
As a weekend meteorologist, he gained hands-on experience forecasting tornadoes and winter storms, which are common in the Southeastern U.S.
His time at WVUA 23 allowed him to refine his ability to communicate severe weather threats effectively, ensuring viewers stayed informed and prepared.
iHeartRadio (Jackson, Mississippi) – Weekday Radio Meteorologist
Transitioning to iHeartRadio in Jackson, Mississippi, Jacob took on the role of weekday radio meteorologist.
In this position, he provided daily weather updates to listeners, focusing on severe storms, temperature shifts, and local forecasts.
His work in radio strengthened his ability to deliver concise and impactful weather reports, reaching a broad audience across Mississippi.
WJTV 12 News (Jackson, Mississippi) – Storm Team 12 Meteorologist
In June 2019, Jacob joined WJTV 12 News as part of Storm Team 12, covering hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe storms in Dixie Alley, one of the most tornado-prone regions in the U.S.
His expertise in tracking extreme weather events was crucial in delivering life-saving forecasts.
Notably, his coverage of twin EF-4 tornadoes on Easter 2020 earned him the “Best Weather Coverage” award from the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters.
FOX 4 Kansas City (Missouri) – Broadcast Meteorologist
In May 2022, Jacob joined FOX 4 Kansas City, where he became a key member of the FOX 4 Weather Team.
He delivers forecasts during weekend evenings and weekday Noon & 4 PM broadcasts.
His role involves tracking severe weather outbreaks, impactful snowstorms, and climate trends in the Midwest.
His digital coverage of the 2024 total solar eclipse was recognized by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters, further cementing his reputation as a trusted meteorologist.
Notable Achievements
- Awarded “Best Weathercast” by the Associated Press during his time at Mississippi State University.
- Recognized for life-saving coverage of twin EF-4 tornadoes on Easter 2020, earning “Best Weather Coverage” from the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters.
- Honored by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters for his digital coverage of the 2024 total solar eclipse.
Jacob Lanier works alongside a talented team of meteorologists at FOX 4 Kansas City, including:
- Joe Lauria – Chief Meteorologist, known for his expertise in severe weather forecasting.
- Karli Ritter – Morning Meteorologist, providing early forecasts and weather updates.
- Nick Vasos – Occasionally contributes to weather coverage alongside his anchor duties.
- Kristen Palmer – Provides weather updates and assists with forecasting.
- John Holt – Covers weather-related news segments and severe weather events.
- Brea Love – Occasionally reports on weather impacts and community preparedness.
- Crystal Martinez – Covers weather-related stories and assists with severe weather coverage.
- Michelle Bogowith – Midday & Evening Meteorologist, specializing in storm tracking.
- Alex Countee – Weekend Morning Meteorologist, covering local and regional weather patterns.
Each member of the FOX 4 Weather Team plays a crucial role in delivering accurate and timely forecasts to Kansas City viewers.
Net Worth and Salary:
Jacob Lanier’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $1.5 million, accumulated through his career as a meteorologist.
His annual salary as a meteorologist at FOX 4 Kansas City (WDAF-TV) is estimated to range between $30,000 and $90,000.
Another source suggests a slightly different range of $45,193 to $74,307 annually during his time at WJTV in Jackson, Mississippi, though this may not reflect his current earnings at FOX 4.
Salaries for broadcast meteorologists can vary based on market size, experience, and popularity, with Kansas City (DMA #33) being a mid-sized market where median salaries for atmospheric scientists in broadcasting are around $91,020 annually.
Is Meteorologist Jacob Lanier Married?
Yes, Jacob Lanier is married to Breahna Butcher. The couple tied the knot on October 1, 2024, at Tapestry House by Wedgewood Weddings in Laporte, Colorado.
How Old Is Meteorologist Jacob Lanier?
Jacob Lanier’s exact age is not publicly available, but he is estimated to be in his late 20s to early 30s.
Where is Meteorologist Jacob Lanier working?
Jacob Lanier is currently working as a meteorologist at FOX4 News (WDAF-TV) in Kansas City, Missouri.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Weekend Evening Meteorologist – Delivers forecasts during weekend evening broadcasts.
- Weekday Noon & 4 PM Meteorologist – Provides weather updates during midday and afternoon newscasts.
- Severe Weather Coverage – Tracks tornadoes, snowstorms, and extreme weather events in the Midwest.
- Digital Weather Reporting – Engages viewers with online weather updates and interactive forecasts.
- Space & Climate Science Coverage – Shares insights on astronomy, space weather, and climate trends.
Jacob Lanier is active on multiple social media platforms, where he shares weather updates, behind-the-scenes content, and personal insights.
Instagram: @jacoblanierwx
Jacob shares weather forecasts, storm coverage, and glimpses into his life in Kansas City. His profile highlights his role as a Certified Meteorologist at FOX4 Kansas City and his Atlanta roots.
X (formerly Twitter): @JacobLanierWx
On X, Jacob provides real-time weather updates, interacts with viewers, and shares insights into upcoming weather patterns.
Facebook: Meteorologist Jacob Lanier
Jacob’s Facebook page is a hub for weather alerts, live broadcasts, and community engagement.
TikTok: @jacoblanierwx
On TikTok, Jacob shares short-form videos discussing weather phenomena and promoting his segments on FOX4.
Through these platforms, Jacob Lanier keeps his audience informed and engaged with the latest weather developments.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.