Marina Jurica Biography: CBS/KCAL Meteorologist, Age, Husband

Marina Jurica: CBS Los Angeles Meteorologist | Biography & Career

Marina Jurica is an Emmy award-winning meteorologist and environmental reporter for CBS/KCAL in Los Angeles.

She joined CBS News Los Angeles in September 2023 after working with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where she contributed to Earth missions like SWOT, Sentinel-6, and the Perseverance Mars rover landing.

Before that, she spent 20 years as an Emmy-winning meteorologist in various dynamic weather markets across the U.S., including Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Orlando, Lexington, and Fresno, where she became the first female Chief Meteorologist.

Marina holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in atmospheric science and music performance from UCLA and Mississippi State University.

She is currently pursuing a PhD in climate science, focusing on atmospheric effects on melting glaciers. Beyond her scientific work, she is passionate about educating future scientists and hosts segments like “Bite-Sized Science” and “What on Earth” on KCAL.

Fun fact: Marina is also an accomplished opera singer and has performed on Broadway and with orchestras like the Hollywood Bowl. She enjoys traveling with her family and exploring dinosaur digs around the world.

Age:

Parents and Siblings:

Marina Jurica was born to Croatian parents, both of whom were originally from Croatia. She speaks Croatian fluently and often travels back to her parents’ homeland.

Marina’s upbringing was enriched by her cultural heritage, which likely influenced her passion for storytelling and science.

However, there isn’t much publicly available information about her siblings or other family details.

Husband:

​Marina Jurica is married to Todd Preston, who has been actively involved in theatrical productions.

In 2016, he served as the technical director for the Orlando Light Opera’s production of “The Student Prince,” where Marina played the lead role of Kathie.

The couple has a son named John, who has shown a keen interest in paleontology. Marina often shares their family experiences on social media, including attending sports events together.

Additionally, Marina and John have engaged in educational activities, such as demonstrating how to make a potato clock, showcasing their shared enthusiasm for science.

Marina’s social media posts also reflect her pride in her Croatian heritage, highlighting family moments that celebrate their cultural background.

Height:

Marina Jurica stands at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm) and weighs around 130-150 lbs (59-68 kg). Her estimated body measurements are 34-26-36 inches (Bust-Waist-Hips).

While these figures are not officially confirmed, they align with her on-screen presence and industry standards.

Career and Background:

Marina’s career spans over 20 years as a meteorologist in dynamic weather markets, including Minneapolis, MN; Cincinnati, OH; Orlando, FL; Lexington, KY; and Fresno, CA, where she became the first female Chief Meteorologist.

Prior to joining CBS/KCAL, she spent four years at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA, contributing to Earth missions such as SWOT, Sentinel-6, NISAR, ICE-SAT2, and the Perseverance Mars rover landing.

Academically, Marina pursued undergraduate and graduate studies in atmospheric science and music performance at UCLA and Mississippi State University.

She is currently working towards a Ph.D. in climate science, focusing on atmospheric effects on melting glaciers in regions like Greenland and Alaska.

Beyond her scientific endeavors, Marina has a rich background in music. She received a full scholarship to UCLA for opera performance and has performed on Broadway, held numerous musical theater leads nationwide, sung with orchestras from the Hollywood Bowl to the Orlando Philharmonic, and performed the national anthem for various professional sports teams.

CBS/KCAL Los Angeles (September 2023–Present)

Marina joined CBS/KCAL Los Angeles as a meteorologist and environmental reporter.

Her role is centered on making science accessible and engaging through her unique segments, “Bite-Sized Science” and “What on Earth.”

These programs focus on climate change, environmental conservation, and how science impacts everyday life.

Marina also leverages her deep expertise in climate science to report on pressing environmental issues affecting the Los Angeles area and beyond.

Her position at CBS/KCAL aligns perfectly with her passion for educating the public and inspiring future scientists.

NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (2019–2023)

Before moving back into broadcast media, Marina worked at NASA’s JPL for four years.

She was directly involved in high-profile Earth missions like SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography) and Sentinel-6, which focus on monitoring global water bodies and changes in sea level due to climate change.

Additionally, she played a role in communications surrounding the Perseverance Mars rover landing, connecting space exploration to the broader scientific community.

Marina’s time at NASA reflected her commitment to understanding climate change and exploring solutions through advanced technology.

CBS47 Fresno

Marina made history during her time at CBS47 Fresno, where she became the first female Chief Meteorologist in the region.

Her tenure as Chief Meteorologist involved tracking and presenting weather patterns unique to California’s Central Valley, including severe droughts and heatwaves.

She also mentored up-and-coming meteorologists, sharing her knowledge and encouraging the next generation of weather professionals.

Marina’s groundbreaking role showcased her leadership and expertise in dynamic weather conditions.

Other Markets (Spanning Two Decades)

Marina’s career as a meteorologist took her to several notable weather markets across the U.S., where she tackled diverse and challenging weather patterns. Her experiences include:

• Minneapolis, Minnesota: Known for its harsh winters and severe storms, Marina honed her skills in forecasting extreme weather events in the Midwest.

• Cincinnati, Ohio: Marina gained experience covering spring tornadoes, summer storms, and unpredictable seasonal changes.

• Orlando, Florida: In Florida, she specialized in hurricane forecasting, helping communities prepare for and respond to severe tropical storms.

• Lexington, Kentucky: Marina reported on everything from flash floods to snowfall in this region, which is known for its varied weather.

Marina Jurica has been involved in several notable projects and coverage throughout her career:

• NASA Collaborations: Before joining CBS/KCAL, Marina worked with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. She contributed to significant Earth missions, including the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission, Sentinel-6, and the Perseverance Mars rover landing. Her work focused on understanding climate change and its effects on our planet.

• Climate Science Reporting: Marina is passionate about climate science and has covered topics like the atmospheric effects on melting glaciers. She uses her platform to educate the public on how space technology can help us adapt to environmental changes.

• Educational Segments: At KCAL, she hosts science-focused segments such as “Bite-Sized Science” and “What on Earth,” which aim to make complex scientific concepts accessible to a broader audience.

• Dynamic Weather Markets: Over her 20-year career as a meteorologist, Marina has reported on diverse and challenging weather conditions in cities like Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Orlando, Lexington, and Fresno. She was also the first female Chief Meteorologist in Fresno.

• Community Engagement: Marina actively engages with the community by speaking to classrooms worldwide, inspiring the next generation of scientists.

Jurica has received several accolades throughout her career, showcasing her expertise and dedication:

• Emmy Award: Marina is an Emmy-winning meteorologist, recognized for her exceptional work in dynamic weather markets across the U.S., including Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Orlando, Lexington, and Fresno.

• NASA Contributions: While at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Marina played a significant role in Earth missions like SWOT, Sentinel-6, and the Perseverance Mars rover landing. Her contributions to climate science and space exploration have been widely acknowledged.

• Community Engagement: Marina has been honored for her efforts in educating future scientists. She speaks to classrooms worldwide, inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in science and meteorology.

• Musical Achievements: Marina’s talents extend beyond meteorology. She received a full scholarship to UCLA for opera performance and has performed on Broadway, with orchestras like the Hollywood Bowl, and for professional sports teams.

Marina Jurica’s colleagues at CBS/KCAL Los Angeles:

• Pat Harvey – A prominent anchor known for her long-standing career and impactful journalism.

• Kalyna Astrinos – Morning anchor with expertise in breaking news coverage.

• Chris Holmstrom – Weekend anchor and reporter focusing on diverse community stories.

• Amber Lee – Meteorologist covering weather and environmental topics.

• Juan Fernandez – Anchor recognized for his engaging delivery and community-focused reporting.

• Jamie Yuccas – Reporter covering a wide range of important topics.

• Evelyn Taft – Meteorologist with deep knowledge of weather patterns in Southern California.

Each contributes uniquely to the success of CBS/KCAL.

Net Worth and Salary:

Based on available data, meteorologists in Los Angeles typically earn an average annual salary of $124,070, with a range from $70,141 to $181,320, depending on experience and market size.

Marina Jurica, with her extensive experience and Emmy-winning background, likely earns on the higher end of this spectrum.

As for net worth, while exact figures aren’t public, her long career in prominent markets, combined with her work at NASA and CBS/KCAL, suggests a net worth potentially in the range of $1 million to $3 million, which is common for high-profile meteorologists in major markets.

Is Meteorologist Marina Jurica Married?

How Old Is Meteorologist Marina Jurica?

Marina Jurica is 47 years old, born on May 12, 1977.

Where Is Meteorologist Marina Jurica Working?

Marina Jurica is currently working as a meteorologist and environmental reporter at CBS/KCAL Los Angeles. She joined the station in September 2023 and has taken on roles that blend science, storytelling, and education. Her key responsibilities include:

• Weather Forecasting: Providing accurate and engaging weather updates for the Los Angeles area.

• Environmental Reporting: Covering climate science and environmental issues, focusing on how space technology can help us adapt to global changes.

• Educational Segments: Hosting science-focused programs like “Bite-Sized Science” and “What on Earth,” aimed at making complex scientific concepts accessible to viewers.

• Community Engagement: Inspiring future scientists by speaking to classrooms worldwide and sharing her passion for climate science.

Marina Jurica is active on social media platforms. You can follow her to stay updated on her latest work and insights:​

• Instagram: @marinajuricainspace​

• X (formerly Twitter): @MJuricaCBS47​

• Facebook: @MeteorologistMarinaJurica​

On these platforms, she shares content related to her work as a meteorologist and environmental reporter, including science segments and personal interests.