Jamie Simpson

Storm Center 7 Chief Meteorologist

BIO

I grew up in Massachusetts, where I experienced a lot of hard-hitting New England weather—powerful summer storms, torrential spring rains, and blizzards and Nor’easters in winter. I decided to study Meteorology at Penn State University, and graduated in 1992.

After graduation I became a meteorologist for the United States Golf Association, forecasting and monitoring weather for championships including the U.S. Open. I then returned to Penn State, where I went on to receive a Masters degree in Meteorology. I appeared on a daily weather magazine that was broadcast on public television stations across Pennsylvania. After grad school I worked as a television meteorologist in Minnesota and a staff meteorologist at The Weather Channel.

In March of 1999, I came to Dayton and WHIO-TV to be the morning and noon meteorologist. In 2003, I became Chief Meteorologist. You can see me on News Center 7 weeknights at 5, 5:30, 6, and 11. I love the Miami Valley for the always-changing weather conditions. I’m recently married and in 2009 my wife and I welcomed our first child, a son. When I’m not working you can find me hiking or biking the trails of the Miami Valley.

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Q & A

Where were you born? Worcester, Massachusetts (the place no one can seem to pronounce)

Where did you grow up? A picturesque New England town just outside Worcester

What was your favorite TV show then? Honestly can’t remember any in particular

What was the first thing you ever wanted to be? Professional athlete

How might someone have described you in high school? The one who fit in with any group of students

What was your first job? Painting during the summer

What was your first job in television? Paid – Morning Meteorologist at the NBC affiliate in Rochester, MN Unpaid – Doing weather on a show at the PBS station that broadcasts out of Penn State

What do you like about your job? Every day I have the privilege to give viewers information that could make their day a bit better or safer.

What do you not like about your job? The very long days that sometimes come during severe weather season.

What might people be surprised to know about you? I coached a high school track team to a 4th place finish in the 1997 Minnesota state track meet.

What is the hardest thing you ever did? Completing my Master’s Thesis in Meteorology at Penn State

What would be a perfect day for you? Waking up with the windows open and birds singing, two great cups of coffee, a good walk in the woods with my dog, a great dinner on the grill, and good company … and it wouldn’t rain!.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to go into the business? It’s tough, and a business that is getting more and more competitive every day. If you aren't totally committed and dedicated, and willing to work harder than everyone else out there, it will be tough to succeed.

If you could only keep one 5-minute tape from your career what would be on it? The last minute on the air at each of the stations I have worked at, to see the changes over the years.

Favorites

Favorite book: No particular favorite, but anytime I find a used book on the weather I snatch it up. The collection is always growing!

Favorite CBS show: Right now I am enjoying the Amazing Race quite a bit

Favorite dream car: 1960s Shelby Cobra

Favorite food: Italian

Favorite hobby: Trying to become a good gardener

Favorite Miami Valley place: Sugarcreek Reserve for a good walk or run with my dog

Favorite movie: The Natural

Favorite music: Jazz & Rock (oh yeah, ‘80s pop too … that’s when I was in high school

Favorite travel destination: Mountains, Mountains, & More Mountains