When Atlanta residents wake up each morning, they turn to a familiar face for their weather forecast: Joanne Feldman. As FOX 5 Atlanta’s trusted morning meteorologist, she’s become an integral part of countless morning routines, delivering weather updates with expertise and warmth that’s earned her both professional accolades and viewer loyalty.
The Early Years
Growing up in Georgia, Joanne’s fascination with weather started early, sparked by her father’s influence as a high school science teacher. Her childhood home became an unofficial weather station, where she’d track storms and study cloud formations with the same enthusiasm other kids reserved for video games.
“I was that kid who’d stand outside during thunderstorms – much to my mother’s concern – just watching the sky,” Joanne once shared during a FOX 5 interview.
Her early passion didn’t go unnoticed. She excelled in science fairs, particularly in projects focused on atmospheric phenomena. This early dedication laid the groundwork for what would become a distinguished career in meteorology.
Joanne Feldman Biography in Tabular Form
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joanne Feldman |
| Profession | Meteorologist and Weather Anchor |
| Current Role | Morning Meteorologist at FOX 5 Atlanta |
| Birthdate | April 11, 1974 |
| Birthplace | Marietta, Georgia, USA |
| Education | – Bachelor’s in Journalism, University of Georgia |
| Master’s | – Master’s in Meteorology, Penn State University |
| Certifications | – Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) |
| NWA | – National Weather Association (NWA) Seal of Approval |
| Career Highlights | – Chief Meteorologist at KFSN-TV in Fresno, California |
| Weekend Meteorologist | – Weekend Meteorologist at KMPH-TV |
| FOX 5 | – Joined FOX 5 Atlanta in 2007 |
| Awards | – Two Emmy Awards for “Best Weathercaster” |
| Special Live Weather Coverage” | – Emmy for “Special Live Weather Coverage” |
| Family | Married to Chris Feldman; they have two children |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Hobbies | Traveling, hiking, reading, and photography |
| Community Work | Mentors aspiring meteorologists and participates in STEM outreach programs |
| Social Media | – Twitter: @JoanneFOX5 |
| – Instagram: @JoanneFOX5 |
Educational Foundation
Joanne’s academic journey reflects her laser-focused commitment to meteorology. After graduating as valedictorian from her local high school, she pursued her dreams at the University of Georgia, where she earned her degree in Atmospheric Sciences with honors.
Her university years proved transformative, featuring:
- Participation in storm-chasing expeditions across the Southeast
- Research on urban heat islands, which became her thesis topic
- Internships at several weather stations, including her first exposure to broadcast meteorology
- Certification from the American Meteorological Society
Professional Journey at FOX 5 Atlanta
Joanne’s path to FOX 5 wasn’t immediate – she earned her stripes through dedicated work at smaller stations, refining her forecasting skills and on-camera presence. When she joined FOX 5’s Storm Team, she brought not just expertise but a fresh approach to weather reporting.
Key Career Milestones:
- Earned Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation
- Won Emmy Award for Best Weather Anchor
- Received multiple recognitions from the Georgia Association of Broadcasters
- Pioneered the use of augmented reality in weather broadcasts
- Created “Weather 101” segment for viewer education
Daily Life as a Weather Expert
A typical day for Joanne starts well before sunrise. Here’s a glimpse into her schedule:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 2:30 AM | Arrival at station |
| 3:00 AM | Weather data analysis |
| 4:00 AM | First broadcast preparations |
| 4:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Live broadcasts and updates |
| 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Community engagement, meetings |
During severe weather events, this schedule adapts immediately to serve public safety needs. Joanne’s commitment to accurate reporting often means extended hours and constant updates across multiple platforms.
Weather Coverage Highlights
Throughout her career, Joanne has covered numerous significant weather events, but two stand out particularly:
Snowpocalypse 2014:
- Provided 12+ hours of continuous coverage
- Coordinated with emergency services
- Helped stranded motorists through social media updates
Hurricane Irma 2017:
- Led evacuation coverage
- Implemented new tracking technology
- Earned industry recognition for comprehensive reporting
Family Life & Personal World
Despite her demanding schedule, Joanne maintains a healthy work-life balance. She’s successfully built a family life while managing her career responsibilities. Her husband, understanding the unique demands of her profession, has been a supportive partner in their journey together.
Joanne’s morning schedule means she’s often home in the afternoons, allowing quality time with family and participation in her children’s activities. She’s known to joke that her early bedtime (around 7 PM) makes her “the most boring dinner party guest in Atlanta.”
Community Connection
Joanne’s impact extends far beyond weather forecasting. Her community involvement includes:
Educational Initiatives:
- Regular visits to Georgia schools
- STEM education advocacy
- Weather safety workshops
Social Media Engagement:
- Active presence on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook
- Real-time weather updates
- Interactive Q&A sessions with viewers
Professional Recognition
Joanne’s excellence in meteorology hasn’t gone unnoticed. Her achievements include:
- Multiple Emmy Awards for weather coverage
- American Meteorological Society’s Award for Excellence
- Georgia Association of Broadcasters’ Best Weather Anchor (multiple years)
- Recognition for innovative use of technology in weather reporting
Career Impact
Joanne’s influence on Atlanta meteorology extends beyond daily forecasts. She’s pioneered several initiatives:
Technological Innovation:
- Introduction of AR weather graphics
- Development of mobile weather alerts system
- Integration of social media with traditional broadcasting
Mentorship Programs:
- Created internship opportunities for aspiring meteorologists
- Established women in STEM mentorship program
- Regular speaking engagements at meteorology conferences
Looking ahead, Joanne continues to innovate in weather reporting while maintaining her commitment to public safety and education. Her work has not only elevated weather forecasting standards but also inspired a new generation of meteorologists.
The highest compliment I receive is when someone tells me they made a better decision because of our weather coverage. That’s why we do this job.
- Joanne Feldman
Through her dedication to accuracy, public safety, and community education, Joanne Feldman has established herself as more than just a meteorologist – she’s become Atlanta’s trusted weather authority, combining scientific expertise with genuine community concern.
The future looks bright for this FOX 5 veteran, as she continues to evolve with new technologies and changing viewer needs while maintaining the personal touch that’s made her a household name in Atlanta weather reporting.
FAQs
Top 10 FAQs About Joanne Feldman
Who is Joanne Feldman?
Joanne Feldman is an Emmy Award-winning meteorologist and weather anchor, best known for her work on FOX 5 Atlanta as the Morning Meteorologist.
How old is Joanne Feldman?
Joanne Feldman was born on April 11, 1974, making her 50 years old as of 2024.
Where is Joanne Feldman from?
She was born and raised in Marietta, Georgia, USA.
What is Joanne Feldman’s educational background?
Joanne holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Georgia and a Master’s degree in Meteorology from Penn State University.
What certifications does Joanne Feldman have?
She is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) and holds the National Weather Association (NWA) Seal of Approval.
Is Joanne Feldman married?
Yes, Joanne is married to Chris Feldman, and they have two children together.
When did Joanne Feldman join FOX 5 Atlanta?
Joanne joined FOX 5 Atlanta in 2007 and has since become one of the station’s most prominent meteorologists.
What awards has Joanne Feldman won?
Joanne has received multiple Emmy Awards, including two for “Best Weathercaster” and one for “Special Live Weather Coverage.”
How tall is Joanne Feldman?
Joanne Feldman stands at 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall.
What are Joanne Feldman’s hobbies and interests?
She enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, and photography in her free time, along with mentoring aspiring meteorologists and participating in STEM outreach programs.
Conclusion
Joanne Feldman is a distinguished meteorologist whose passion for weather forecasting and dedication to excellence have made her a respected figure in broadcasting. With an impressive academic background, including degrees from the University of Georgia and Penn State University, she has built a remarkable career, earning accolades like Emmy Awards for her exceptional weather coverage. Balancing her professional achievements with a fulfilling personal life, Joanne is a devoted wife and mother who also finds time to mentor others and engage in community activities. Her journey at FOX 5 Atlanta, where she’s been a trusted voice since 2007, exemplifies her commitment to delivering accurate and engaging weather updates, earning her a loyal following across Georgia.
