Joe Lauria: FOX 4 Kansas City Meteorologist | Bio, Age, Wife

Joe Lauria | FOX 4 Kansas City Meteorologist Biography & Weather Updates

Joe Lauria is an award-winning American meteorologist serving as the evening news meteorologist for FOX 4 Kansas City (WDAF-TV) since January 1995.

He delivers weather forecasts weeknights at 5, 6, 9, and 10 p.m., aiming to provide viewers with unique insights beyond typical weather apps.

Early Life and Education

Born in New Rochelle, New York, Lauria developed a fascination with weather at age 10, particularly clouds and snowstorms, with winter remaining his favorite season due to the challenge of forecasting snowstorms.

Lauria graduated from St. Louis University in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in meteorology.

Career Path

His career began with local radio forecasts at KMBZ-AM and WHB-AM, followed by roles as Chief Meteorologist at WCEE-TV in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, KFKF-FM in Kansas City, and WAYK-TV in Orlando, Florida.

He served as Chief Meteorologist at KOSA-TV in Midland, Texas, for six years, where he was voted the best Weathercaster of the year for Texas by the Associated Press.

At FOX 4, his forecasts have been certified as the most accurate in the Kansas City area by WeatheRate.

Professional Certifications and Memberships

He has also been honored as the Best Weathercaster in Missouri by the Missouri Broadcasters Association and in Kansas by the Kansas Broadcasters Association.

Lauria holds the prestigious Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation from the American Meteorological Society (AMS), a distinction held by fewer than 650 people.

In addition, he has been actively involved with the AMS, serving as president of the Kansas City Chapter in 2001–02, 2002–03, and 2014, and as vice president from 2008–2013.

He is also a member of the National Weather Association (NWA), with both organizations granting him their Seal of Approval for excellence in weather broadcasting.

Lauria has contributed to the weather community by judging TV candidates nationwide for AMS certification.

Personal Interests and Life

Beyond forecasting, Lauria is known for his community engagement, delivering dozens of speeches and severe weather seminars annually.

He maintains a weather blog, “Joe’s Weather Blog,” on FOX4KC.com, offering detailed Kansas City forecasts. A notable career highlight was guiding viewers through the May 2003 Kansas City tornado outbreak.

Outside of work, Lauria enjoys traveling, sports, and golf, having achieved a hole-in-one. He promotes local golf fundraisers through FOX 4 and his “Joe’s Golf Tournaments” initiative.

Additionally, Lauria resides in Olathe, Kansas, with his wife, Jaye Lynn, and their two cats, and enjoys Kansas City’s Italian restaurants and golf courses.

Age:

Parents and Siblings:

Joe Lauria was born and raised in New Rochelle, New York. He developed an interest in weather at the age of 10, fascinated by clouds and snowstorms.

Details about his parents and siblings are currently under review and will be updated when available.

Wife:

Joe Lauria is married to his wife, Jaye Lynn. The couple resides in Olathe, Kansas, along with their two cats. Further details about their family life are kept private.

Height, Weight:

Joe Lauria stands at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) tall and weighs around 145 lbs (63 kg).

Career and Background:

Joe Lauria earned a bachelor’s degree in meteorology from St. Louis University in 1984.

His career began at WCEE-TV in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, followed by roles as Chief Meteorologist at WAYK-TV in Orlando, Florida; KFKF-FM in Kansas City; and KOSA-TV in Midland, Texas, where he was named the best Weathercaster of the Year for Texas by the Associated Press.

He joined FOX 4 Kansas City in January 1995 and has been delivering evening weathercasts since.

Early Passion for Weather

Joe Lauria’s fascination with meteorology began in his childhood while growing up in New Rochelle, New York.

He was captivated by cloud formations and snowstorms, which sparked his lifelong interest in weather forecasting.

His favorite season remains winter, due to the challenge of predicting snowstorms.

Chief Meteorologist Roles

KOSA-TV (Midland, Texas)

Lauria served as Chief Meteorologist at KOSA-TV for six years, where he became a trusted voice in Texas weather forecasting.

His expertise in predicting severe weather patterns earned him the Associated Press Best Weathercaster of the Year award for Texas.

During his tenure, he covered major storms, heat waves, and tornado outbreaks, ensuring viewers received accurate and timely weather updates.

WAYK-TV (Orlando, Florida)

At WAYK-TV, Lauria took on the role of Chief Meteorologist, focusing on Florida’s dynamic and unpredictable weather patterns.

Given Florida’s susceptibility to hurricanes, tropical storms, and extreme humidity, Lauria’s forecasts played a crucial role in keeping residents informed.

His ability to break down complex meteorological data into clear and actionable insights made him a valuable asset to the station.

KFKF-FM (Kansas City, Missouri)

Lauria expanded his meteorological expertise into radio broadcasting at KFKF-FM, where he provided daily weather forecasts for Kansas City listeners.

His ability to communicate weather updates concisely made him a favorite among radio audiences.

Additionally, his forecasts covered seasonal shifts, severe thunderstorms, and winter storms, ensuring listeners were well-prepared for changing conditions.

WCEE-TV (Mt. Vernon, Illinois)

Lauria worked as a meteorologist at WCEE-TV, gaining valuable experience in Midwest weather forecasting.

The Midwest is known for its volatile weather, including tornadoes, blizzards, and extreme temperature fluctuations.

Lauria’s time at WCEE-TV helped him refine his skills in severe weather prediction, which later became a cornerstone of his career.

FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV

Lauria joined FOX 4 Kansas City in January 1995 as the Evening News Meteorologist. He delivers forecasts at 5, 6, 9, and 10 p.m. each weeknight.

His approach to weather reporting is educational and engaging, ensuring viewers understand the science behind forecasts.

Radio Forecasts

Lauria has also provided forecasts for KMBZ-AM and WHB-AM, expanding his reach beyond television.

Professional Certifications

• Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation from the American Meteorological Society (AMS)—a prestigious certification held by fewer than 650 meteorologists.

• Seal of Approval from both the AMS and the National Weather Association (NWA) for excellence in weather broadcasting.

Leadership Roles

• President of the KC Chapter of AMS (2001-02, 2002-03, and again in 2014).

• Vice President (2008-2013).

Awards & Recognitions

• Best Weathercast in Missouri award from the Missouri Broadcasters Association.

• Emmy Nomination for his coverage of the 2019 Linwood tornado.

Joe Lauria works alongside a talented team of meteorologists and journalists at FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV. Some of his colleagues include:

• Karli Ritter – Morning Meteorologist

• Alex Countee – Weekend Morning Meteorologist

• Jacob Lanier – Meteorologist

• John Holt – Evening News Anchor

• Christel Bell – Evening News Anchor

• Pat McGonigle – Morning News Anchor

• Abby Eden – Reporter

Net Worth and Salary:

Joe Lauria’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $5 million, accumulated primarily through his career as a meteorologist.

His annual salary as an evening news meteorologist at FOX 4 Kansas City ranges from $40,000 to $112,519, with specific estimates citing around $108,000 per year.

Exact figures vary due to his private nature and differing source reports.

Is Joe Lauria Meteorologist Married?

Yes, Joe Lauria is married to his wife, Jaye Lynn. The couple resides in Olathe, Kansas, along with their two cats.

How Old Is Joe Lauria Meteorologist?

Where is Joe Lauria Meteorologist Working?

Joe Lauria is currently working as the evening news meteorologist at FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV, delivering weathercasts each weeknight at 5, 6, 9, and 10 p.m.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Weather Forecasting: Provides accurate and engaging weather reports for Kansas City viewers.

• Severe Weather Coverage: Offers real-time updates during storms, tornadoes, and extreme weather events.

• Educational Segments: Breaks down complex meteorological concepts to help viewers understand weather patterns.

• Community Engagement: Participates in local events and weather-related discussions to keep the public informed.

Lauria has built a reputation for precision, reliability, and clear communication, making him a trusted meteorologist in Kansas City.

Joe Lauria is active on multiple social media platforms where he shares weather updates, personal insights, and engages with his audience:

• Instagram: On Instagram, Joe shares photos and videos related to his work and personal life. His handle is @joelauriafox4.

Through these platforms, Joe Lauria provides timely weather information and engages with the Kansas City community.