John Ahrens Biography: Age, Wife, Career & More | WSOC-TV

John Ahrens is an Emmy Award-winning meteorologist currently serving as the Chief Meteorologist at WSOC-TV in Charlotte, North Carolina.

He has a distinguished career in broadcast meteorology, known for his comprehensive coverage of severe weather events.

Early Career and Education:

• John Ahrens earned a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Kent State University in 1999.

• His early career included forecasting at KTVO-TV in Kirksville, Missouri, located in “tornado alley,” where he gained experience with numerous tornadoes, hail events, and ice storms.

• He later worked at WCBD-TV in Charleston, South Carolina, covering several hurricanes that impacted the Carolinas, including Isabel and Ophelia, and even witnessed Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath in Mississippi.

Joining WSOC-TV and Recognition:

• Ahrens joined WSOC-TV’s Severe Weather Center 9 team in September 2006.

• He received the Seal of Approval from the American Meteorological Society (AMS) in 2002.

• In 2009, he earned the AMS’s highest designation, Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM), a professional recognition of the quality of his weather broadcasts.

• In 2018, Ahrens was awarded an Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Midsouth Region for his coverage of major weather events across the Carolinas in 2017, which included Hurricane Matthew and the wildfires in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Chief Meteorologist Role:

• John Ahrens was named Chief Meteorologist for Severe Weather Center 9 at WSOC-TV in 2024, succeeding the retiring Steve Udelson.

Beyond Meteorology:

• Outside of his work, Ahrens enjoys running, sports, singing, and theater. He is an avid Frank Sinatra fan and occasionally performs some standards.

Age:

John Ahrens was born on July 23, 1978, making him 47 years old as of 2025. Additionally, he is of Caucasian ethnicity and holds American nationality.

Wife:

John Ahrens was previously married to Sobrina Driver. They got married in 2013 but later divorced. They have a daughter named Ahlay Faith Ahrens, who was born in July 2014.

He often shares moments with her on his social media. Beyond this, he hasn’t shared much about his personal life, including details about his parents or siblings.

Height, Weight:

John Ahrens is approximately 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters) tall and weighs around 132 lbs (60 kg).

Career and Background:

John Ahrens has had a distinguished career at WSOC-TV. He joined the Eyewitness News weather team in September 2006 and has since become a trusted figure in weather forecasting for the Charlotte area.

Over the years, he has covered numerous significant weather events, providing critical information and updates to the community.

In 2024, John was promoted to Chief Meteorologist, a testament to his expertise and dedication. His work has earned him several accolades, including an Emmy Award, which highlights his excellence in meteorology and broadcasting.

Additionally, John is known for his engaging and informative weather reports, making complex meteorological concepts accessible to the general public.

His commitment to accurate and timely weather forecasting has made him a respected and reliable source of information for viewers.

John Ahrens received his Emmy Award for his outstanding work in meteorology and weather reporting.

The Emmy Awards are prestigious accolades in the television industry, recognizing excellence in various fields, including news and weather broadcasting.

John Ahrens has covered several significant weather events throughout his career. Here are a few memorable ones:

• Hurricane Isabel and Hurricane Ophelia: While working at WCBD-TV in Charleston, SC, John reported on these hurricanes that impacted the Carolinas. His coverage provided crucial information to residents during these severe weather events.

• Hurricane Katrina: John traveled to Mississippi to witness and report on the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. His firsthand accounts helped convey the severity of the disaster to viewers.

• Tornadoes in Missouri: During his time at KTVO-TV in Kirksville, Missouri, John covered numerous tornadoes. Being in “tornado alley,” he reported on several severe weather events, including tornadoes and baseball-sized hail storms.

John Ahrens has had a remarkable career with several notable achievements:

• Emmy Award: John has been recognized with an Emmy Award for his excellence in meteorology and broadcasting. This prestigious award highlights his skill and dedication to delivering accurate and engaging weather reports.

• Chief Meteorologist: In 2024, John was promoted to Chief Meteorologist at WSOC-TV. This role is a testament to his expertise and leadership in the field of meteorology.

• Coverage of Significant Weather Events: Throughout his career, John has covered numerous major weather events, providing critical information and updates to the community. His work during these events has been crucial in keeping the public informed and safe.

• Community Engagement: John is known for his active involvement in the community. He often participates in local events and educational programs, sharing his knowledge and passion for weather with others.

• Trusted Weather Forecaster: Over the years, John has built a reputation as a reliable and trusted source of weather information. His ability to explain complex meteorological concepts in an accessible way has made him a favorite among viewers.

John Ahrens works with a talented team at WSOC-TV. Some of his colleagues include:

• Allison Latos: An anchor and reporter who has been with WSOC-TV for several years.

• Scott Wickersham: A news anchor who co-anchors the evening newscasts.

• Erica Bryant: Another anchor who co-anchors the evening newscasts alongside Scott Wickersham.

• Steve Udelson: The chief meteorologist who provides weather forecasts for the station.

• Brittney Johnson: An anchor and reporter who covers a variety of stories for WSOC-TV.

Net Worth and Salary:

John Ahrens’ net worth is generally estimated to fall within the range of about $1 million to $5.5 million.

These figures are drawn from sources that consider not only his long-standing career at WSOC-TV but also his earlier roles in the broadcast journalism field.

Over the years, his steady progression—from his earlier stints at local stations to becoming the chief meteorologist—coupled with any potential investments or additional revenue streams (like endorsements or media appearances), contributes cumulatively to this valuation.

Although exact numbers can be hard to pin down, the consistent estimates across different sites suggest that his financial standing reflects a successful career in a competitive industry.

Salary

When it comes to his annual earnings, estimates for his salary reflect the nuances of broadcast journalism compensation.

Some sources indicate a range from approximately $40,000 to $110,500, while others suggest figures more specifically between $65,000 and $110,000 per year.

As a chief meteorologist in a major television market, his salary likely encompasses a base pay along with potential bonuses or performance-related incentives.

Salary figures in this field can vary significantly due to factors like contract negotiations, market dynamics, and the level of responsibility carried by the on-air talent.

Thus, while these ranges provide a useful snapshot of his market value, they also underscore the inherent variability in reporting such figures across different sources.

Is John Ahrens Married?

John Ahrens, the meteorologist, was previously married to Sobrina Driver. They got married in 2013 but later divorced. Currently, it is not publicly known if he is in a new relationship.

Where Is John Ahrens Working?

John Ahrens is currently the chief meteorologist at WSOC-TV in Charlotte, North Carolina. He has been with the station since September 2006, and was promoted to his current role in 2024.

Current Role at WSOC-TV

• Chief Meteorologist: Leads the Severe Weather Center 9 team, delivering forecasts and covering major weather events.
• On-Air Presenter: Provides daily weather updates, severe storm tracking, and emergency weather coverage.
• Environmental Reporter: Occasionally covers climate-related stories and weather trends affecting the region.

John Ahrens is active on social media. He often shares weather updates, personal insights, and interacts with his followers. You can find him on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.