Molly Bernard: The Fearless Forecaster Behind WISN 12’s Weather Watch

When a massive “bomb cyclone” buried Omaha under record-breaking snow and sent the Missouri River over its banks in 2019, one young journalist was in the thick of it. For Molly Bernard, weather isn’t just a green-screen backdrop—it’s a lifelong fascination born from a childhood fear of the very storms she now tracks with precision.

Today, as the Weekday Morning Meteorologist at WISN-TV in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Molly has become a staple for thousands of viewers. Whether she’s tracking lake-effect snow or sunny summer days, her journey from a storm-wary child in Kansas City to a leading Midwest forecaster is a masterclass in turning fear into a formidable career.

Quick Facts: The Molly Bernard Snapshot

From Storm Fear to Storm Chasing: Early Life

Growing up in the heart of “Tornado Alley,” Molly Bernard didn’t always love the wind and rain. In fact, it was quite the opposite. Born and raised in the Kansas City Metro, she spent her early years genuinely afraid of severe storms.

However, that fear eventually morphed into curiosity. She wanted to understand why the sky turned green and how the wind worked. This pivotal shift led her to the University of Kansas, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, along with a minor in Mathematics.

Insight: Molly wasn’t just a student; she was a researcher. During her time at KU, she served as a student research assistant, writing programs to eliminate data outliers and modeling correlations in complex atmospheric data sets.

A Career Built on Midwestern Resilience

Molly’s career timeline is a tour of the Midwest’s most challenging weather patterns:

• St. Joseph, Missouri: She began at the FOX, NBC, and CBS affiliates (News-Press & Gazette Company), cutting her teeth on morning forecasts and learning the art of multimedia journalism—shooting, editing, and writing her own stories.

• Omaha, Nebraska: Moving up the river to KETV NewsWatch 7, she worked as the weekend morning meteorologist. It was here she covered the historic 2019 floods, a career-defining event that tested her ability to report on life-altering environmental disasters.

• Milwaukee, Wisconsin: In July 2020, Molly joined WISN 12. Her arrival was met with excitement from a city that values its “Weather Watch 12” team as the most trusted in the region.

Personal Life: Is Molly Bernard Married?

One of the most frequent questions fans ask is: “Is Molly Bernard married?” It is important to distinguish the WISN meteorologist from the actress Molly Bernard (known for the TV show Younger), who is married to Hannah Lieberman. The meteorologist Molly Bernard tends to keep her personal romantic life private.

As of late 2025, she has not publicly announced a wedding or a spouse. Instead, her “primary partner” in adventure is her beloved dog, Andy. The two are frequently seen exploring the hiking trails of Southeast Wisconsin.

Beyond the Forecast: Hobbies and Impact

When the cameras are off, Molly is an avid runner and reader. A die-hard Kansas Jayhawks fan, she is known to follow KU basketball with a passion that rivals her love for a well-formed cold front.

Her transition to Milwaukee also meant embracing a new sports culture. While her heart remains with the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, she has quickly integrated into the Milwaukee community, often seen at local charity events like the WISN 12 Day of Giving.

Salary and Net Worth 2026

While public figures’ exact finances are rarely public, industry standards for a major-market meteorologist in a city like Milwaukee suggest a salary ranging between $75,000 and $110,000 per year.

Given her decade of experience and her role at a leading Hearst Television station, Molly Bernard’s net worth in 2026 is estimated to be approximately $500,000 to $1 million, largely driven by her steady career in broadcast journalism and specialized scientific background.

Why Viewers Trust Her

In an era of automated weather apps, Molly provides the “human element.” Her background in research means she isn’t just reading a teleprompter; she is interpreting complex data models like Baron Lynx and WSI MAX to tell a story that keeps families safe.

Key Skills & Achievements:

• Precision Forecasting: Specializes in Midwestern lake-effect snow and severe storm tracking.

• Community Engagement: Actively uses her platform to educate local students on STEM and weather safety.

• Technical Expertise: Expert in high-end meteorological software and data analysis.

Conclusion: The Future of Weather Watch 12

Molly Bernard represents the new guard of meteorology: scientifically rigorous, community-focused, and deeply relatable. As Milwaukee continues to face the challenges of shifting climate patterns, voices like Molly’s remain essential.

What is your favorite Molly Bernard weather moment? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Meet the Team: Molly’s WISN 12 Colleagues

• Mark Baden: Chief Meteorologist

• Lindsey Slater: Fellow Morning Meteorologist

• Daji Aswad: Meteorologist

Sources & References

1. WISN 12 Official Bio – Molly Bernard

2. University of Kansas Alumni Records (Class of 2016)

3. Urban Milwaukee – Press Release: WISN 12 Welcomes Molly Bernard

4. KETV Omaha Archives – 2019 Flood Coverage

5. American Meteorological Society Member Directory