John Gumm Biography: WKRC-TV Chief Meteorologist & Cincinnati Weather Authority
John Gumm is the Chief Meteorologist at WKRC-TV, also known as Local 12 News, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
He has been with the station since October 2005 and was promoted to Chief Meteorologist in March 2020.
Early Life and Education
John is a Cincinnati native and graduated from Glen Este High School.
He pursued his passion for weather at Valparaiso University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology.
During his college years, he was actively involved in the Valparaiso University Storm Intercept Team (VUSIT) and WVUR Radio.
Career
John’s career has taken him across the country, allowing him to experience various weather phenomena. He has worked at:
- WHBF-TV in Rock Island, Illinois
- WCTI-TV in New Bern, North Carolina
- WWL-TV in New Orleans, Louisiana
While at WWL-TV, John won numerous awards, including an Associated Press award for Best Weathercast in Louisiana.
Notably, he reported live for twelve straight hours during Hurricane Katrina, helping to warn viewers about the impending danger.
Professional Achievements
John is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM), an accreditation awarded by the American Meteorological Society.
This certification requires passing a comprehensive examination on theoretical and operational meteorology, forecasting, and general science.
Community Engagement
John is deeply involved in the community. He frequently speaks to school children about weather and enjoys engaging with viewers.
His passion for meteorology started at a young age, and he often shares his journey to inspire others.
Outside of his professional life, John enjoys mountain biking, hiking, swimming, and tinkering with electronics. He is also a fan of the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals, and FC Cincinnati.
Age:
John Gumm’s exact age isn’t publicly available, but he graduated from Glen Este High School and Valparaiso University, suggesting he is likely in his 40s or early 50s. He is of Caucasian ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Information about John Gumm’s parents and siblings is not widely available. He has kept details about his family background private, focusing more on his professional life.
Wife:
John Gumm is married to his longtime partner, Jennifer. The couple has been together for over two decades and they have two children. They reside in Cincinnati, Ohio, where John works as the Chief Meteorologist at WKRC-TV.
Career and Background:
John Gumm has been a significant presence at WKRC-TV, also known as Local 12 News, since October 2005. He was promoted to Chief Meteorologist in March 2020.
John’s forecasts are a staple on Cincinnati’s top-rated afternoon and evening newscasts, airing at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 10 p.m., and 11 p.m.
His role involves not only delivering weather updates but also interpreting complex meteorological data to provide accurate and timely forecasts.
John’s journey in meteorology began after he graduated from Valparaiso University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology.
His career took him across the United States, allowing him to experience a wide range of weather conditions.
He has worked at several TV stations, including WHBF-TV in Rock Island, Illinois; WCTI-TV in New Bern, North Carolina; and WWL-TV in New Orleans, Louisiana.
One of the most notable moments in his career was during Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
While working at WWL-TV in New Orleans, John reported live for twelve straight hours, warning viewers about the impending hurricane.
His efforts were widely appreciated, and he received numerous letters and emails from people he helped convince to evacuate the city.
WHBF-TV (1997–1999)
- Location: Rock Island, Illinois.
- Role: Meteorologist.
- Responsibilities: Delivered daily weather forecasts, tracked severe weather patterns, and provided updates on regional climate conditions.
- Notable Work: Gained early experience in broadcast meteorology, refining his ability to communicate complex weather phenomena to the public.
WCTI-TV & FOX 8/14 (1999–2002)
- Location: New Bern, North Carolina.
- Role: Meteorologist.
- Responsibilities: Covered coastal weather patterns, including hurricanes and tropical storms, which are frequent in the region.
- Notable Work: Developed expertise in storm tracking and emergency weather reporting, preparing residents for severe weather events.
WWL-TV (2003–2005)
- Location: New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Role: Meteorologist.
- Responsibilities: Provided forecasts for a region prone to hurricanes and extreme weather.
- Notable Work: Covered Hurricane Katrina (2005), delivering 12 hours of continuous live coverage, warning residents about the impending disaster. His reporting helped many evacuate in time.
WKRC-TV (2005–Present)
- Location: Cincinnati, Ohio.
- Role: Meteorologist (2005–2020), Chief Meteorologist (2020–Present).
- Responsibilities: Leads the weather team, provides forecasts for the Cincinnati area, and engages with the community through educational outreach.
- Notable Work: Became the Chief Meteorologist in March 2020, overseeing weather reporting for Local 12 News.
Additional Role: Hurricane Baby, LLC (2010–2021)
- Position: Co-founder & CEO.
- Focus: Provided weather-related services, possibly including forecasting tools or educational resources.
Notable Achievements
- Hurricane Katrina Coverage: One of John’s most notable moments was his live coverage during Hurricane Katrina while working at WWL-TV in New Orleans. He reported for twelve straight hours, helping to warn viewers about the impending danger.
- Awards: John has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including an Associated Press award for Best Weathercast in Louisiana.
John Gumm works alongside a talented team of meteorologists, anchors, and reporters at WKRC-TV. Some of his colleagues include:
- Tera Blake – Meteorologist known for her engaging weather reports.
- Eric DoBroka – Provides forecasts and severe weather updates.
- Liz Bonis – Health reporter and anchor.
- Adam Clements – News anchor and reporter.
- Kristen Cornett – Reporter covering various local stories.
- Jen Dalton – Anchor and journalist.
- Sheila Gray – Veteran news anchor.
- Christian Hauser – Reporter covering investigative stories.
- Bob Herzog – Popular morning anchor.
- Kyle Inskeep – Evening news anchor.
- Meghan Mongillo – News anchor and reporter.
- Marella Porter – Reporter covering breaking news.
This team collaborates to deliver comprehensive news and weather coverage for Local 12 News in Cincinnati.
Net Worth and Salary:
John Gumm has built a successful career as a meteorologist, and his financial earnings reflect his expertise in the field.
Net Worth
- Estimated to be between $1 million – $5 million.
- Accumulated through his long-standing career in broadcast meteorology, spanning over two decades.
Salary
- Earns an annual salary ranging between $40,000 – $110,500.
- His earnings come from his role as Chief Meteorologist at WKRC-TV, along with potential additional income from endorsements, speaking engagements, or other ventures.
Is John Gumm Married?
Yes, John Gumm is married to his longtime partner, Jennifer, and they have one child. They reside in Cincinnati, Ohio.
How Old Is John Gumm?
John Gumm was likely born between 1974 and 1975, making him around 49–50 years old as of 2025. He celebrates his birthday on February 5th.
Where Is John Gumm Working?
John Gumm is currently the Chief Meteorologist at WKRC-TV (Local 12 News) in Cincinnati, Ohio.
He has been with the station since October 2005, initially serving as a meteorologist before being promoted to Chief Meteorologist in March 2020.
Current Roles at WKRC-TV
- Chief Meteorologist – Leads the weather team and provides forecasts for Cincinnati and surrounding areas.
- On-Air Weather Presenter – Appears on Local 12’s top-rated afternoon and evening newscasts at 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 10 p.m., and 11 p.m..
- Severe Weather Coverage – Delivers critical updates during storms and extreme weather events.
- Community Engagement – Speaks to school children about meteorology and participates in local charity events.
- App Development – Works on weather-related applications in his spare time.
John Gumm continues to be a trusted voice in weather forecasting, bringing nearly three decades of experience to his role.
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