Jim Cantore facts for kids

James D. Cantore (born February 16, 1964) is a famous American meteorologist. He is best known for his exciting reports on The Weather Channel. Jim has been a familiar face on TV for many years, helping people understand complex weather events.

Jim Cantore: The Weather Expert

His Amazing Career

Early Life and Start

Jim Cantore grew up in White River Junction, Vermont. He loved weather from a young age. After studying meteorology, he graduated from Lyndon State College in 1986.

Right after college, in July 1986, Jim got his first job at The Weather Channel. He has worked there ever since! He quickly became one of the most recognized meteorologists on American television. Some people even call him the "rock star of meteorologists."

Reporting on Big Storms

Jim Cantore is famous for explaining complicated weather in a way everyone can understand. He often travels to report live from severe weather events. When a big storm is coming, viewers know Jim will be there.

His presence often means a major storm is happening or about to happen. The Weather Channel even made a funny commercial about this. In the ad, Jim tries to go on vacation, but people panic because they think his presence means bad weather is coming!

Jim is best known for reporting live from major hurricanes. He has covered many powerful storms like Andrew, Katrina, Sandy, and Ian. He stands right in the middle of the action to show viewers what is happening.

But Jim does more than just storm reporting. He also helped create the popular Fall Foliage Forecast. This forecast helps people know when and where to see the best autumn leaves. He has also reported on events like Space Shuttle launches and big sports games.

Jim is a member of important weather groups. These include the National Weather Association and the American Meteorological Society. He has even received an award for using satellite technology in new ways.

Narrating Weather Stories

Besides his live reports, Jim Cantore also narrates TV shows. He is the voice for the TWC series Storm Stories. He also narrates the "Local On The 8s" segments, which give local weather updates.

He even appeared in a fun video for a hockey team, the ECHL's Stockton Thunder. He warned fans about a "100% chance of thunder" before their games!

From 2008 to 2018, Jim sometimes filled in for Al Roker on The Today Show. He also reported on the weather for NBC during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

Famous Weather Moments

Jim Cantore has had several moments go viral online. These videos show his dedication and passion for weather.

Fun Viral Videos

On January 28, 2014, Jim was reporting live from the College of Charleston. A student tried to run up to him. Jim quickly reacted and stopped the student without missing a beat! The video of this moment has been watched millions of times.

On February 14, 2015, Jim was covering a winter storm in Massachusetts. He got very excited when he saw "thundersnow"—a rare event where it snows and thunders at the same time! His excited reaction became very popular online.

On October 10, 2018, Jim was reporting during Hurricane Michael in Panama City Beach, Florida. A piece of wood flew past him, and he had to quickly dodge it while live on TV. This video was viewed over 500,000 times in just one hour!

On September 28, 2022, Jim was covering Category 5 Hurricane Ian in Punta Gorda, Florida. A tree branch hit him during the storm's eyewall. This video also went viral, getting millions of views very quickly.

Giving Back

Jim Cantore is also known for his charitable work. His former wife has Parkinson’s Disease, and his two children have Fragile X syndrome. Because of this, Jim supports foundations that help with these conditions.

He does charity work for FRAXA, the Fragile X Research Foundation. He also helps with the Parkinson's Unity Walk. Jim also gives his time to Make-a-Wish Foundation events. He has also worked with the American Red Cross to help people in need.