
Eric Burris Biography: WESH-TV Meteorologist and Weather Expert
Eric Burris is a well-known meteorologist and weather expert, primarily recognized for his work at WESH-TV in Orlando, Florida.
Early Life and Education:
Meteorology has been a lifelong passion for Eric Burris. Even as a student at Lake Howell High School, he interned in a local newsroom to pursue his interest.
He went on to earn a degree in geosciences from Mississippi State University.
A notable early achievement in his career was accurately forecasting Hurricane Charley in 2004 while still in college, demonstrating his keen understanding of weather patterns from a young age.
Career Path:
After college, Eric briefly worked as an on-air meteorologist in West Palm Beach before returning to Orlando to join WESH-2, where he has been a prominent fixture ever since.
It’s relatively uncommon for meteorologists to spend their entire career in their home state, let alone at a hometown station, which speaks to his strong connection with the Central Florida community.
“Coffee Talk” and Community Engagement:
One of the distinguishing aspects of Eric’s career is his pioneering use of Facebook Live for a daily tradition called “Coffee Talk.”
Every morning, he connects with viewers from Central Florida and around the world, discussing the weather and engaging in personal interactions.
This initiative has fostered a strong sense of community, with viewers sharing personal stories and connecting with Eric on a deeper level.
He often broadcasts from the studio or his home, sometimes with his dog, Stella, making an appearance, further personalizing the experience for his audience.
Approach to Meteorology:
Eric is known for his ability to “take complex situations and make them easy to understand.”
He takes immense pride in his job, understanding the significant responsibility of delivering accurate forecasts and warnings, especially when dangerous weather is anticipated.
Despite being a scientist and a member of the press in a polarized media landscape, he remains committed to his role, even when facing criticism.
Philosophy:
Eric often concludes his “Coffee Talk” sessions with the reminder to “Be the sunshine in someone else’s day,” a sentiment that many Central Floridians feel he embodies through his work and community engagement.
Age:
Eric Burris was born on April 27, 1984, making him 41 years old as of 2025. His zodiac sign is Taurus. He is of White ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Eric Burris has shared some details about his family, though he tends to keep much of his personal life private.
His mother passed away on May 29, 2024, after battling cancer, a loss he shared on his Instagram account, expressing his love and grief.
There is limited information available about his father, as Eric has not publicly disclosed much about him.
Additionally, Eric has not shared any information about having siblings, so it is unclear whether he has any.
His openness about his mother’s passing shows his willingness to connect with his audience on a personal level, even during difficult times.
Wife:
Eric Burris is married to Jeannie Burris. The couple tied the knot on March 25, 2017.
They have two sons, Martin, born in 2018, and Alexander Miguel Burris, born in 2020.
Eric often shares moments from his family life on social media, highlighting their close-knit bond and the joy they bring to his life.
Height, Weight:
Eric Burris stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters). He has undergone a significant weight loss journey, reducing his weight from around 300 pounds to about 200 pounds.
Career and Background:
Eric Burris is a well-known meteorologist currently serving as the First Warning Meteorologist at WESH 2 in Orlando, Florida. He joined WESH in 2012 and has been with the station for over a decade.
Education and Early Career
- Education: Eric attended Seminole State University and later graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Geosciences and Broadcast Meteorology. He also studied at the University of Central Florida (UCF), where he played the baritone for the UCF Marching Knights.
- Early Career: His meteorology career began in high school when he interned at a local Orlando TV station. He gained valuable experience covering hurricanes Charley, Frances, Jeanne, and Wilma.
Professional Experience
- WESH 2: Eric has been a key part of the WESH 2 weather team since 2012. He is known for his accurate and engaging weather forecasts.
- HTV Design: Since October 2014, he has also worked as a graphics meteorologist for HTV Design, supporting Hearst Television’s 26 other weather units by creating clear and comprehensible weather graphics.
Over the years, Eric has become known for his expertise in weather patterns, particularly in forecasting hurricanes and severe weather conditions.
His deep understanding of Florida’s unique weather challenges has made him a valuable asset to the WESH-TV weather team.
Eric Burris as a WESH Meteorologist
Eric Burris is a First Warning Meteorologist at WESH-TV, where he has been forecasting weather for his hometown of Winter Park, Florida, since 2007.
His career in meteorology began while he was still in high school, and he has since gained extensive experience covering significant weather events, including hurricanes Charley, Frances, Jeanne, and Wilma.
Eric is known for his passion for weather and his ability to create clear and comprehensible weather graphics. He also supports Hearst Television’s 26 other weather departments.
Eric’s dedication to his work and his community has made him a beloved figure in Central Florida.
Eric Burris’ Hurricane Forecast
Eric Burris, a meteorologist at WESH-TV, provides detailed and insightful hurricane forecasts. For the 2024 hurricane season, he has highlighted several key points:
- Active Season Expected: The 2024 hurricane season is anticipated to be more intense than usual, influenced by factors such as La Niña and a warm Atlantic Ocean.
- High-Risk Areas: Eric has identified specific “hot spots” along the U.S. coast that are at a higher risk of being impacted by tropical systems. This year, the Gulf coastlines, particularly the eastern Gulf coast, are expected to face above-average threats.
- Pattern Analysis: Eric’s forecast is based on analyzing weather patterns to predict potential storm paths and impact dates. For example, he has noted potential return dates for storm systems affecting South Florida and the Gulf to Carolinas region.
- Historical Accuracy: Eric’s previous forecasts have been notably accurate, predicting the paths and landfall of named storms with high precision.
Eric Burris has had several memorable moments throughout his career as a meteorologist:
- Covering Major Hurricanes: Early in his career, Eric covered significant hurricanes like Charley, Frances, Jeanne, and Wilma. These experiences were pivotal in shaping his expertise and reputation in weather forecasting.
- Groundhog Day Tornadoes: In 2007, Eric returned to WESH-TV to help cover the devastating Groundhog Day tornadoes. His reporting during this event was crucial for the local community.
- Creating Weather Graphics: Beyond his on-air presence, Eric has made significant contributions by developing clear and understandable weather graphics for Hearst Television’s 26 other weather departments. This work has helped improve weather communication across multiple stations.
- Engaging with Viewers: Eric is known for his active engagement with viewers on social media. He frequently hosts live conversations on Facebook and Twitter, making weather information more accessible and interactive.
Eric Burris has received several awards and recognitions throughout his career, reflecting his dedication and expertise in meteorology:
- Emmy Awards: Eric has been recognized with multiple Emmy Awards for his outstanding work in weather broadcasting. These awards highlight his excellence in delivering accurate and engaging weather reports.
- Florida Associated Press Broadcasters Awards: He has also received accolades from the Florida Associated Press Broadcasters for his exceptional coverage of significant weather events, including hurricanes and tornadoes.
His Health Journey
Eric Burris has been quite open about his health journey, which has been both inspiring and transformative. Here are some key points:
Weight Loss Journey
- Starting Point: Eric began his weight loss journey when he weighed around 300 pounds. He decided to make a change for his health and well-being.
- Surgery: In 2018, he underwent gastric sleeve surgery, a procedure that significantly reduces the size of the stomach.
- Results: Following the surgery and adopting a healthier lifestyle, Eric successfully lost about 100 pounds, bringing his weight down to approximately 200 pounds.
Lifestyle Changes
- Diet and Exercise: Post-surgery, Eric focused on maintaining a balanced diet and incorporating regular exercise into his routine. This helped him sustain his weight loss and improve his overall health.
- Public Sharing: He has been transparent about his journey on social media and in interviews, sharing both the challenges and successes. This openness has inspired many of his followers to pursue their own health goals.
Motivation
- Family: One of his main motivations was his family. Eric wanted to ensure he could be there for his wife and sons, leading a healthier and more active life.
Eric’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and the positive impact of making health-conscious decisions.
Net Worth and Salary:
Eric Burris’s estimated net worth is around $500,000 to $1 million. His primary source of income is his career as a meteorologist at WESH-TV.
His annual salary is estimated to be in the range of $50,000 to $100,000, depending on his experience and role at the station.
How Did Weatherman Eric Burris Lose So Much Weight?
Eric Burris, a meteorologist at WESH-TV, underwent a significant weight loss journey, shedding around 100 pounds. His journey began with a decision to improve his health for the sake of his family and himself. Here are the key steps he took:
- Gastric Bypass Surgery: In June 2021, Eric opted for gastric bypass surgery after consulting with his doctor. This procedure was necessary due to issues with his pancreas and insulin production, which made weight loss through diet and exercise alone nearly impossible.
- Diet and Exercise: Post-surgery, Eric adopted a strict diet and exercise regimen. He focused on eating smaller, more frequent meals and prioritized protein intake. This helped him maintain his weight loss and improve his overall health.
- Lifestyle Changes: Eric’s weight loss has allowed him to engage more actively in daily activities, especially with his children. He reports having more energy and a lower resting heart rate, which he monitors using a smartwatch.
Who is the Weatherman on Channel 2 Orlando?
The weatherman on Channel 2 Orlando, also known as WESH-TV, includes several meteorologists:
- Tony Mainolfi: He is the Chief Meteorologist at WESH-TV and has been with the station since May 2005. Tony is responsible for the weekday weather forecasts.
- Other Meteorologists: The weather team also includes Kellianne Klass, Marquise Meda, and Cam Tran, who contribute to the station’s comprehensive weather coverage.
Is Eric Burris Married?
Yes, Eric Burris is married to Jeannie Burris. The couple has a happy and supportive relationship, and they have two children together.
How Old Is Eric Burris?
As of 2024, Eric Burris is 41 years old. He was born on April 27, 1984.
Where Is Eric Burris Working?
Eric Burris is still actively working at WESH-TV as a meteorologist. He continues to be a vital part of the WESH weather team, providing accurate and timely weather updates to the Central Florida community
His commitment to his profession and his engaging style of reporting keep him as one of the trusted figures in Orlando’s weather broadcasting.
Eric is active on social media, often engaging with viewers through live conversations on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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