“A meteorologist’s number one job is to protect the public and their property.” — Katie McGraw
Katie McGraw is an American broadcast meteorologist currently working at WEWS‑TV News 5 Cleveland, where she anchors weekend morning and midday forecasts. Born on May 23 in the mid‑1980s, she studied meteorology at Ohio University, earning a Bachelor of Science with minors in Mathematics and Communications. In 2025, she is trending for her coverage of Cleveland’s winter storms and severe weather alerts following the departure of longtime chief meteorologist Mark Johnson. Her challenges include adapting to the evolving digital media landscape, balancing career demands with personal privacy, and covering increasingly extreme climate events.
Timeline Overview
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1980s | Born May 23 in Ohio |
| 2004 | First job at Wickliffe Aquatic Center as lifeguard and aerobics instructor |
| 2000s | Studied Meteorology at Ohio University; worked at Scalia Laboratory for Atmospheric Analysis |
| 2010s | Reporter/meteorologist at WHIZ (Zanesville, OH) and Erie News Now (Erie, PA) |
| 2018 | Weekend meteorologist at WDRB News in Louisville, Kentucky |
| 2021 | Joined WEWS‑TV Cleveland as weekend morning meteorologist |
| 2025 | Trending for severe weather coverage and role in Cleveland’s weather team |
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Katie McGraw |
| Birthdate | May 23 (mid‑1980s) |
| Birthplace | Ohio, USA |
| Age | Late 30s (as of 2025) |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Education | Ohio University – B.S. Meteorology, minors in Math & Communications |
| Profession | Meteorologist |
| Employer | WEWS‑TV News 5 Cleveland |
| Known For | Weekend forecasts, severe weather alerts |
| Spouse | Married (husband’s name not publicly disclosed) |
| Children | Not publicly disclosed |
| Net Worth | Estimated $300,000–$600,000 |
Early Life & Education
Katie McGraw was born and raised in Ohio, where her parents encouraged her pursuit of science and communication. While she keeps their names private, she often credits her family for instilling resilience and curiosity.
She attended Ohio University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and minors in Mathematics and Communications. During college, she worked at the Scalia Laboratory for Atmospheric Analysis, refining her forecasting skills.

Career Background
Early Roles McGraw’s first job was at the Wickliffe Aquatic Center as a lifeguard and aerobics instructor in 2004. She later gained forecasting experience at WHIZ in Zanesville, Ohio, and Erie News Now in Pennsylvania.
WDRB Louisville She worked as a weekend morning meteorologist at WDRB News in Louisville, covering severe weather events and community forecasts.
WEWS‑TV Cleveland In March 2021, McGraw joined WEWS‑TV News 5 Cleveland as a weekend morning meteorologist. She also delivers midday forecasts and contributes to community weather coverage.
Certifications McGraw holds the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) seal from the American Meteorological Society, one of the highest honors in broadcast meteorology.
Trending News (2025)
- Severe Weather Coverage: McGraw is trending for her coverage of Cleveland’s winter storms and severe weather alerts, helping residents prepare for hazardous conditions.
- Weather Team Spotlight: Following the departure of longtime chief meteorologist Mark Johnson in May 2025, McGraw has been highlighted as part of the remaining weather team at WEWS.
- Community Engagement: Her approachable style and clear communication continue to trend locally, especially during high‑impact weather events.
Challenges & Achievements
Challenges
- Extreme Climate Events: Covering increasingly frequent snowstorms, floods, and air quality alerts.
- Public Visibility: Balancing personal privacy with her growing public profile.
- Digital Media Evolution: Adapting forecasts for social media and mobile platforms.
Achievements
- Earned CBM seal from AMS.
- Built a career across Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Cleveland.
- Trusted voice in severe weather coverage.
- Recognized for community engagement and approachable style.
Family & Parents
Katie McGraw was born into a supportive family in Ohio. Her parents encouraged her pursuit of science and communication, instilling resilience and curiosity. While she keeps their identities private, she often credits them with shaping her career path.
McGraw is married, though she keeps her husband’s identity private. She occasionally shares glimpses of her family life, emphasizing the importance of balance between career and home.
Salary & Net Worth
- Salary: Estimated $50,000–$90,000 annually as a WEWS meteorologist.
- Net Worth: Approximately $300,000–$600,000.
Legacy
Katie McGraw’s legacy lies in her ability to blend meteorological expertise with approachable communication. From lifeguarding to forecasting severe storms, she has built a career defined by resilience, accuracy, and connection with viewers.
As she continues to cover Cleveland’s extreme weather in 2025, McGraw remains a trusted figure in American meteorology, inspiring future journalists and representing the enduring importance of local weather reporting.









