John Morales: Biography, Age, Wife, Career & More | WTVJ NBC6

Meet John Morales: Chief Meteorologist at WTVJ NBC6-TV

John Morales is a highly respected and long-tenured meteorologist, currently serving as the Chief Meteorologist at WTVJ NBC6-TV in Miami, Florida. He is also recognized as the station’s first hurricane specialist.

Early Life and Education:

• Born in Schenectady, New New York, and raised in Puerto Rico.

• His interest in atmospheric sciences was sparked at a young age, particularly by tropical storms. The impact of Hurricane David in 1979 solidified his decision to pursue meteorology.

• He pursued his undergraduate degree in Atmospheric Sciences at Cornell University. During his time there, he also gained experience in broadcast media as a sportscaster and disc jockey for the student-run radio station WVBR.

• He holds a master’s degree in Environmental Sciences and Policy from Johns Hopkins University.

Career Highlights:

• National Weather Service (NWS):

  Morales began his career in 1984 as a meteorological technician at the San Juan, Puerto Rico NWS Forecast Office. He quickly advanced, becoming a lead forecaster and later served as the chief of the South American Desk at the National Center for Environmental Predictions (now NCEP).

• Pioneer in Spanish-Language Broadcast Meteorology:

  In 1991, he transitioned to broadcast news, becoming the first degreed meteorologist on Spanish-language television in the United States. He served as Chief Meteorologist for Univision (WLTV channel 23) from 1991 to 2002, and then for Telemundo (WSCV Telemundo 51) from 2003 to 2008. During this time, he also became the first Latino to substitute as a meteorologist on NBC’s Weekend Today show.

• WTVJ NBC6-TV:

  In May 2009, John Morales joined WTVJ NBC6-TV in Miami as their Chief Meteorologist, where he continues to serve today, also holding the title of Hurricane Specialist. He is known for his calm and authoritative demeanor during severe weather events and has guided South Florida viewers through numerous hurricanes, including Andrew, Irene, Katrina, Wilma, and Irma.

• ClimaData Corporation:

  Since 1991, he has also led ClimaData Corporation, a commercial weather and consulting firm specializing in forensic meteorology and weather consulting.

• Climate Change Advocacy:

  Morales is a vocal advocate for climate change awareness and education. He has provided climate context on his TV and social media platforms for over 25 years and is a climate change columnist for the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. He has participated in White House conferences on climate change and has been appointed to National Academies of Sciences committees.

Awards and Recognition:

• Multiple Emmy Awards: He has won four regional Emmy Awards throughout his career (1993, 2005, 2010, and 2018).

• American Meteorological Society (AMS):

  He holds the Seal of Approval from both the AMS and the National Weather Association (NWA). He has been recognized with the prestigious distinction of Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) and Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) from the AMS. In 2007, he received the AMS Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Advance of Applied Meteorology. In 2024, he was elected an Honorary Member of the American Meteorological Society, its highest distinction, and is the first Puerto Rican to receive this honor. He is also an AMS Fellow.

• National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle: Inducted for his excellence in broadcasting.

• Science Defender: Named by the Union of Concerned Scientists.

• Cornell University Trustee: In 2023, he was elected to the Board of Trustees at Cornell University.

Contributions and Awards:

• Hurricane Coverage: Morales is renowned for his exceptional coverage of hurricanes, particularly those affecting the Miami area. His expertise and calm demeanor have helped viewers stay informed and prepared during these critical times.

• Awards: Morales has received numerous awards for his contributions to meteorology, including Emmy Awards for his coverage of Hurricane Wilma and a special program about the upcoming hurricane season.

Beyond Weather:

• Community Involvement: Morales is actively involved in the community, often participating in charitable events and educational programs related to weather safety.

John Morales’ dedication, expertise, and ability to connect with viewers have made him a beloved figure in South Florida and beyond.

His contributions to the field of meteorology and his commitment to public safety have solidified his reputation as one of the most respected meteorologists in the industry.

Age

John Morales was born on May 10, 1962, making him 63 years old. His zodiac sign is Taurus.

Morales is of Puerto Rican descent, and he holds American nationality.

Parents and Siblings

John Morales was born in Schenectady, New York, to an Irish-American father and a Puerto Rican mother.

He was raised in Puerto Rico before returning to the United States for his education.

Unfortunately, specific details about his parents’ names or whether he has siblings are not publicly available, as John prefers to keep his personal life private.

Wife

John Morales is married to Carmen Morales. They live together in Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida.

Carmen is known to keep a low profile, and there isn’t much publicly available information about her.

However, it’s clear that she supports John in his career and they share a strong bond.

Height

John Morales is about 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters)  tall and weighs approximately 160–170 pounds (73–77 kg)—a well-proportioned build based on his on-air presence.

John Morales’s Career and Background

Morales is a highly respected meteorologist and the Chief Meteorologist at WTVJ NBC6-TV in Miami, Florida. 

He has been a reassuring presence on South Florida television for nearly three decades, guiding viewers through numerous hurricanes and severe weather events.

Early Meteorological Foundations (1984–1990)

• National Weather Service (NWS), San Juan, Puerto Rico: After graduating from Cornell University in 1984 with a degree in atmospheric sciences, Morales began his career as a meteorological technician. He quickly rose to Lead Forecaster, demonstrating strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of tropical weather systems.
• National Center for Environmental Predictions, Washington, D.C.: Promoted to Chief of the South American Desk, he oversaw forecasting for a vast region, refining his expertise in hemispheric weather patterns and international meteorological coordination.

Univision / WLTV Channel 23 (1991–2002)

• Morales made history as the first degreed meteorologist on Spanish-language television in the U.S.
• At WLTV Channel 23, Univision’s Miami affiliate, he served as Chief Meteorologist, delivering forecasts to a growing Hispanic audience during a time when Spanish-language media was expanding rapidly.
• He earned his first regional Emmy Award in 1993 for the special “48 Horas Antes de la Tormenta,” which educated viewers on hurricane preparedness.

Telemundo / WSCV Channel 51 (2003–2008)

• Transitioned to Chief Meteorologist at WSCV, Telemundo’s Miami station.
• Became the first Latino meteorologist to appear on NBC’s Weekend Today Show, breaking barriers in English-language national media.
• Won a second Emmy Award in 2005 for his coverage of Hurricane Wilma, reinforcing his reputation for calm, science-based reporting during crises.

NBC6 / WTVJ (2009–Present)

• Joined NBC6 Miami (WTVJ) as Chief Meteorologist, where he continues to serve as a trusted voice during hurricane season.
• Guided viewers through major storms including Hurricanes Irma, Andrew, and Katrina.
• In 2010, he earned his third Emmy Award for a special on the upcoming hurricane season.
• In 2017, he received the John Coleman Broadcast Award for life-saving coverage during Hurricane Irma.
• In 2022, he transitioned to the role of Hurricane Specialist, allowing him to focus more on climate education and advocacy while remaining on-air during critical weather events.

ClimaData Corporation (Founded 1991)

• Morales founded ClimaData Corporation, a boutique weather consulting firm specializing in Spanish-language forecasting, forensic meteorology, and climate analysis.
• The firm serves media, legal, and corporate clients, and is a Corporate Member of the American Meteorological Society.

Author & Educator

• Authored Huracanes: Conozca a su Enemigo (2000), a Spanish-language reference book on hurricanes, aimed at improving public understanding of storm science.
• Serves as an adjunct professor of meteorology and contributes to public education through lectures and media appearances.

Climate Advocacy & Recognition

• Participated in White House climate summits under Vice President Al Gore (1997) and President Barack Obama (2014).
• Co-authored studies for the National Academies of Sciences in 2012 and 2017.
• Serves on the board of the CLEO Institute, promoting climate literacy and resilience in underserved communities.
• Editorial fellow and columnist for the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, where he writes on climate-driven extreme weather.

Here are a few highlights:

1. Hurricane Andrew (1992): John Morales was one of the key meteorologists who guided viewers through Hurricane Andrew, one of the most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history. His accurate forecasts and calm demeanor helped many people prepare and stay safe.

2. Hurricane Katrina (2005): During Hurricane Katrina, John provided continuous updates and crucial information to viewers in the affected areas. His reporting helped many understand the severity of the situation and take necessary precautions.

3. Hurricane Wilma (2005): John Morales was instrumental in reporting on Hurricane Wilma, another powerful storm that caused significant damage in Florida. His detailed weather updates and safety advice were invaluable to the community.

4. Hurricane Irma (2017): John Morales’s coverage of Hurricane Irma was widely praised for its clarity and accuracy. He provided real-time updates and safety information, helping viewers navigate the dangerous conditions.

5. Hurricane Milton (2024): Recently, John Morales became emotional while reporting on Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm approaching Florida. His heartfelt warning and concern for the safety of residents resonated with viewers and highlighted the potential devastation of the storm.

Recent Developments

In April 2022, John Morales announced a transition to a new role at NBC6-TV, becoming the station’s first Hurricane Specialist.

This new role allows him to focus on the climate crisis, severe weather, and environmental education and advocacy.

 John is also the founder of ClimaData Corp, a boutique weather data company.

Awards and Recognition

John Morales has received several awards for his contributions to meteorology and broadcast journalism, including the John Coleman Broadcast Award and induction into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Silver Circle for distinguished work in broadcasting.

Net Worth and Salary

John Morales, the Chief Meteorologist at WTVJ NBC6-TV, has an estimated net worth of between $1 million and $5 million.

This wealth has been accumulated over his extensive career in broadcast meteorology.

As for his salary, John Morales earns an annual salary ranging between $100,000 and $400,000.

This range reflects his experience and the critical role he plays in providing weather updates and guidance, especially during severe weather events.

Is John Morales Married?

Yes, John Morales is married to Carmen Morales. They live together in Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida.

Carmen is known to keep a low profile, and there isn’t much publicly available information about her.

How Old Is John Morales?

John Morales is currently 63 years old, born on May 10, 1962.

Where Is John Morales Working?

As of 2025, John Morales continues to serve in a multifaceted capacity centered around weather, climate, and public communication:

Current Roles

• Hurricane Specialist at NBC6 (WTVJ), Miami After stepping down as Chief Meteorologist in 2022, Morales transitioned into this specialized role. He now focuses on hurricane forecasting, climate communication, and on-air analysis during major weather events.

• Founder & Consulting Meteorologist at ClimaData Corporation Morales leads this boutique weather consulting firm, offering forensic meteorology, climate risk analysis, and Spanish-language forecasting for media and corporate clients.

• Editorial Fellow at the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists He contributes thought leadership on climate-driven extreme weather, helping bridge science and public awareness.

• Board Member at the CLEO Institute Actively involved in climate education and advocacy, especially in underserved communities across Florida.

You can find him on:

• Twitter (X): @JohnMoralesNBC6

• Instagram: @johnmoralesnbc6

• Facebook: John Morales NBC6

He often shares behind-the-scenes content from his work at WTVJ NBC6 and updates related to his meteorology career.

Some other notable meteorologists include:

• Dallas Raines – Chief Meteorologist at KABC-TV in Los Angeles, Raines has been a staple of weather broadcasting since 1984. He is known for his engaging presentation style, which includes signature moves like the “Dallas dip” and the “swirl.” His coverage of significant weather events, including hurricanes and Southern California wildfires, has earned him a loyal following. Raines was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2005 but has since overcome it and advocates for early detection.

• Derek Kevra – A prominent meteorologist at WJBK Fox 2 News in Detroit, Kevra has received multiple Emmy awards for his work. He began his career with a meteorology degree from the University of Michigan and has experience covering severe weather, including Hurricane Isaac. He is also committed to community engagement, particularly in promoting weather safety.

These profiles showcase the diverse backgrounds and contributions of these meteorologists to their communities and the field of weather broadcasting.