Jennifer Stanonis: Meteorologist at WGRZ-TV Buffalo, NY – Biography
Jennifer Stanonis is an American meteorologist currently serving as the weekday evening meteorologist for WGRZ-TV NBC Channel 2 in Buffalo, New York, where she anchors the 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. newscasts.
Background and Education:
- Originally from Northern California (San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento).
- Began broadcasting in high school and continued in college while working at the local NBC station in San Francisco.
- Graduated in three years with a degree in broadcasting from San Francisco State University and was chosen to give the commencement speech.
- Earned a second degree in calculus-based Meteorology from SUNY College at Brockport, graduating at the top of her class in the Honors Program.
- Founded the local Brockport Chapter of the National Weather Association (NWA) and Meteorology Club in 2011.
Career Highlights:
- Holds the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) Weather Seal, the highest seal awarded by the American Meteorological Society.
- Began her television career at the NBC station in Casper, Wyoming (KCWY). There, she covered news and weather, including significant events like tornadoes, severe cold weather, forest fires, and damaging wind and snow. She also covered a Space Shuttle launch at Kennedy Space Center.
- Moved to the highly competitive Buffalo, NY market in 2005 and has worked for both ABC and NBC affiliates.
- At WGRZ-TV, she is part of “Storm Team 2” and has covered numerous major weather events in the studio and in the field.
Notable coverage includes:
- Significant lake effect snow storms (January 2024, November 2023, November 2022, “Snowvember” 2014).
- The New York State record-breaking tornado outbreak (July 2024).
- The historic downtown City of Buffalo tornado (2024).
- The double blizzard of 2014.
- The devastating October Snowstorm of 2006.
- The Hamburg and Cheektowaga tornadoes.
- Numerous other tornado outbreaks and damaging snow and wind events.
- The significant and deadly Christmas Blizzard of 2022.
- Tracking hurricanes and covering local impacts like flooding and tornado outbreaks from remnants.
- Co-anchoring extended coverage of the rare 2024 Total Solar Eclipse over downtown Buffalo.
- Coverage of the impressive 2024 Solar Storm and the Northern Lights across Western New York.
- Received a New York Emmy Award in 2014 for her weather coverage.
- Authored a children’s educational book, “Willy and Lilly’s Adventures with Weather,” which she uses during school weather visits.
- Took a break from television in 2019 to focus on her family and returned to WGRZ-TV in April 2023.
On a personal note, Stanonis is married to Walter E. “Ted” Constantine III, a Buffalo native, and they have three children.
The family enjoys outdoor adventures, often camping with their two puppies. Her love for Buffalo’s four seasons and its supportive community has made it a true home for her and her family.
Stanonis remains active in the community, frequently visiting schools to share her book and inspire young minds about meteorology.
Age:
Jennifer Stanonis was born on April 12, 1982, making her 43 years old as of 2025. Her zodiac sign is Aries. She is of American nationality and Caucasian ethnicity.
Parents and Siblings:
Jennifer was raised in Northern California. Her father was a scientist who encouraged her interest in scientific phenomena, which played a significant role in her pursuit of a career in meteorology. Specific information about her mother and any siblings has not been publicly disclosed.
Husband:
Jennifer Stanonis is married to Walter E. “Ted” Constantine III, a science teacher who works with dyslexic boys in Massachusetts.
The couple tied the knot on May 26, 2012. Ted’s family has a history of philanthropy, including significant contributions to medical research.
Jennifer and Ted have three children: twin boys and a daughter. Jennifer has embraced her role as a mother, often sharing moments from her family life, such as school visits and outdoor adventures.
The family enjoys spending time together, especially exploring nature and camping in their camper. They also keep busy with their two puppies.
Height:
Jennifer Stanonis stands at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) and weighs around 125 pounds (57 kg).
While her precise measurements are not publicly known, averages suggest they may align with the proportions of 34-26-36 inches (86-66-91 cm), showcasing a fit and balanced physique suitable for someone of her height and weight.
Career and Background:
Jennifer’s broadcasting career began in high school and continued through college in San Francisco, where she worked at a local NBC station.
After earning her first degree, she moved to Casper, Wyoming, to work at the NBC station, covering significant weather events such as deadly tornadoes, severe cold outbreaks, large forest fires, and damaging snowstorms.
In 2005, she relocated to Buffalo, New York, to join WGRZ-TV. Throughout her tenure, Jennifer has reported on major weather events, including the January 2024 lake effect snowstorms and the July 2024 record-breaking tornado outbreak in New York State.
She holds the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) Weather Seal from the American Meteorological Society, the highest certification for television meteorologists.
Early Career and Education
Jennifer Stanonis’s passion for broadcasting emerged during her high school years in Northern California, where she contributed to school broadcasts.
She continued honing her skills while attending San Francisco State University, working at the local NBC station (likely KNTV, the NBC affiliate serving the San Francisco Bay Area) as a student.
She graduated with a journalism degree in just three years, earning honors and delivering the commencement speech.
Later, she pursued a second degree—a calculus-based Meteorology Degree from SUNY College at Brockport—graduating at the top of her class in the Honors Program, further solidifying her expertise in weather science.
KCWY-TV (NBC) – Casper, Wyoming
After graduating with her journalism degree, Stanonis moved east to launch her professional career at KCWY-TV, the NBC affiliate in Casper, Wyoming.
This marked her first full-time role in television. During her tenure, she covered both news and weather, gaining experience with significant weather events such as deadly EF-3 and EF-4 tornadoes, severe cold outbreaks, large forest fires, and damaging wind and snow events.
A notable assignment included reporting on the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery in July 2005 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, showcasing her versatility as a journalist.
WKBW-TV (ABC) – Buffalo, New York
In 2005, Stanonis relocated to Buffalo, New York, a highly competitive weather market known for its extreme conditions.
She began her Buffalo career at WKBW-TV, the ABC affiliate, where she forecasted and reported on severe weather events affecting Western New York.
Her time at WKBW included coverage of the devastating October Snowstorm of 2006, a historic event that brought heavy snow and widespread power outages to the region.
She worked at WKBW until 2012, establishing herself as a skilled meteorologist in a city where weather plays a significant role in daily life.
WGRZ-TV (NBC) – Buffalo, New York
In June 2012, Stanonis joined WGRZ-TV, the NBC affiliate in Buffalo, where she has spent the majority of her career.
Initially serving as the weekend evening meteorologist, she covered a wide array of severe weather events, both from the studio and in the field.
Notable events include the pre-Thanksgiving “Snowvember” lake effect snowstorm of 2014, the double blizzard of 2014, the Christmas Blizzard of 2022, the January 2024 lake effect snowstorms, the July 2024 New York State record-breaking tornado outbreak, and the historic downtown Buffalo tornado of 2024.
She also anchored extended coverage of the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse and the 2024 Solar Storm that brought the Northern Lights to Western New York.
Stanonis earned the prestigious Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) Weather Seal from the American Meteorological Society, the highest accolade for a TV meteorologist, reflecting her expertise and credibility.
Her work at WGRZ has been recognized with multiple awards, including a New York Emmy Award in 2014 and an Associated Press award for severe weather coverage.
In October 2019, she stepped away from WGRZ to focus on her family, during which she authored the educational children’s book Willy and Lilly’s Adventures with Weather.
She returned to WGRZ in April 2023 as a full-time meteorologist, taking on the weekday evening role for the 5 PM and 11 PM newscasts, a position she continues to hold as of April 2025.
Jennifer Stanonis has had an illustrious career as a meteorologist, marked by her coverage of numerous significant weather events.
Here are some of her most notable contributions:
- October Snowstorm of 2006: This catastrophic storm caused widespread damage and power outages in Buffalo, New York. Jennifer’s detailed reporting provided critical updates to the community during this challenging time.
- “Snowvember” Lake-Effect Snowstorm of 2014: This historic storm dumped up to seven feet of snow in parts of Buffalo. Jennifer’s live coverage and analysis helped residents understand the severity of the situation and prepare accordingly.
- Double Blizzard of 2014: Jennifer was on the frontlines, covering this rare and devastating weather event that brought Buffalo to a standstill.
- Christmas Blizzard of 2022: This deadly storm created life-threatening conditions during the holiday season. Jennifer’s accurate and timely reporting was instrumental in keeping the public informed.
- Tornado Outbreaks: Jennifer has covered numerous tornado outbreaks, including the Cheektowaga tornado and the Hamburg tornado. Her expertise in tracking severe weather has been a valuable asset to her audience.
- Solar Phenomena: In 2024, Jennifer co-anchored extended coverage of the rare Total Solar Eclipse that passed over downtown Buffalo. She also reported on the impressive Solar Storm of 2024, which brought the Northern Lights to Western New York.
- Hurricane Impacts: Jennifer has tracked hurricanes and covered the local impacts of hurricane remnants, including flooding and tornado outbreaks.
Jennifer Stanonis’s Awards and Recognitions:
Awards
- New York Emmy Award (2014) – For outstanding weather coverage at WGRZ-TV.
- Associated Press Award – For severe weather reporting in Western New York.
Recognitions
- Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) – Highest AMS seal for TV meteorologists.
- Honors at San Francisco State University – Graduated with honors, gave commencement speech.
- Top of Class, SUNY Brockport – Excelled in meteorology degree, Honors Program.
- Founder, NWA Chapter & Meteorology Club (2011) – Leadership at Brockport.
Jennifer Stanonis’ colleagues at WGRZ-TV in Buffalo, New York, who contribute to the station’s dynamic and impactful news and weather team:
- Heather Waldman – Former meteorologist at WGRZ, known for her strong forecasting skills.
- Patrick Hammer – Chief Meteorologist specializing in tracking Buffalo’s dynamic weather patterns.
- Michael Wooten – Anchor and reporter delivering trusted news coverage.
- Claudine Ewing – Reporter with a focus on impactful community stories.
- Maryalice Demler – Award-winning news anchor and journalist.
- Melissa Holmes – Morning show co-anchor with years of experience in journalism.
- Kate Welshofer – Anchor with a creative approach to storytelling.
This collaborative team has played a vital role in making WGRZ-TV a trusted source for weather updates and local news.
Jennifer Stanonis Clothes:
Jennifer Stanonis is known for her professional and stylish wardrobe, often seen wearing elegant and weather-appropriate outfits during her broadcasts.
Her clothing choices reflect a polished and approachable on-screen presence, which complements her role as a trusted meteorologist.
While specific brands or designers she prefers are not publicly mentioned, her style is admired for its sophistication and practicality.
Net Worth and Salary:
Jennifer Stanonis’s net worth is estimated between $500,000 and $7 million as of April 2025.
These figures are based on her long career as a meteorologist at stations like KCWY-TV, WKBW-TV, and WGRZ-TV.
She also earns income from her children’s book, Willy and Lilly’s Adventures with Weather.
Her exact salary is undisclosed. However, it’s likely between $75,000 and $100,000 per year.
This estimate reflects her role as a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist with over 20 years of experience.
She’s also an Emmy winner and currently appears on WGRZ’s weekday evening newscasts in Buffalo.
Is Jennifer Stanonis Married?
Yes, Jennifer Stanonis is married to Walter E. “Ted” Constantine III, a science teacher who works with dyslexic boys in Massachusetts.
The couple tied the knot on May 26, 2012, and they have three children together—twin boys and a daughter. They enjoy family adventures, including nature outings and camping.
How Old Is Jennifer Stanonis?
Jennifer Stanonis was born on April 12, 1982, which makes her 43 years old as of 2025.
Where Is Jennifer Stanonis Working?
Jennifer Stanonis is currently the weekday evening meteorologist for the 5 PM and 6 PM newscasts at WGRZ-TV, an NBC affiliate in Buffalo, New York.
She is part of Storm Team 2, where she delivers accurate weather forecasts and covers significant weather events both in the studio and out in the field.
Jennifer’s role also includes digital reporting and community engagement, such as school visits to educate children about the weather.
Jennifer Stanonis is active on social media. She maintains accounts on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter), where she shares weather updates, personal insights, and engages with her audience.
- Instagram: Her Instagram handle is @jenstanonis, where she posts about her work as a meteorologist and moments from her personal life.
- Facebook: Jennifer has a professional Facebook page, Jen Stanonis, where she shares weather forecasts and interacts with followers.
- X (formerly Twitter): On X, she is active under the handle @JenStanonis, providing timely weather updates and engaging content related to her meteorology work.
Additionally, Jennifer has a YouTube channel, Meteorologist Jennifer Stanonis, where she shares weather-related videos and other content.
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