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Samara Cokinos – Emmy Award-Winning Meteorologist at WKMG News 6
Samara Cokinos is an Emmy Award-winning meteorologist currently working for WKMG News 6 in Orlando, Florida. She joined the station in September 2017 and serves as the weekend evening meteorologist.
Samara grew up in Pierson, Central Florida, and developed an interest in weather from a young age.
She attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Meteorology and later pursued a Master’s in Aeronautics, Flight Safety & Space Studies.
Before joining WKMG, she worked at KRGV-TV in Weslaco, Texas, where she covered significant weather events, including Hurricane Harvey.
In addition to her meteorology work, Samara is also a podcast producer and host for “Riff On This,” which highlights stories behind the music in Florida.
Cokinos is also a talented photographer and enjoys spending time outdoors. She is also a passionate advocate for women in STEM fields.
Samara is known for her dedication to her profession and her engaging on-air presence. She enjoys exploring the outdoors, traveling, running, and spending time with her loved ones.
Age:
Samara Cokinos is 43 years old as of 2025. She was born on July 9, 1981, which makes her zodiac sign Cancer. She holds American nationality and is of white ethnicity.
Parents and Siblings:
Samara Cokinos grew up in Pierson, Central Florida, on a fern farm. She developed an interest in weather from a young age, inspired by a visit from Danny Treanor, a legendary weather personality in Central Florida, during a Career Day at her school.
Cokinos pursued her passion by earning a degree in Applied Meteorology from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Samara has a sister named Tricia. Information about her parents is not publicly available, as she prefers to keep her personal life private.
Husband:
Samara Cokinos is married, but she prefers to keep her personal life private. Therefore, details about her husband’s name and identity are not publicly available.
However, it is known that Samara and her husband share one child and are leading a happy and quiet married life.
Height:
Samara Cokinos stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters) and maintains an average body weight of around 56 kilograms (123 pounds). Her body measurements are 36-24-36 inches
Career and Background:
Samara earned her Bachelor of Science in Applied Meteorology from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2012.
She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Aeronautical Science, focusing on flight safety and space studies at the same institution.
Her career began with an internship at WKMG in 2012, followed by a position as a meteorologist at KRGV-TV Channel 5 News in South Texas from May 2013 to September 2017.
In 2017, she returned to WKMG as a weekend evening meteorologist.
Early Interest:
- The Spark: It’s fascinating how a single visit from a local meteorologist, Danny Treanor, could ignite such a strong passion in a young Samara. This early exposure to the world of weather forecasting clearly left a lasting impression.
- Fern Farm Influence: Growing up on a fern farm in Pierson, Florida, likely instilled in her a deep connection to the environment and an understanding of how weather patterns can impact livelihoods. This unique upbringing probably gave her a different perspective on weather compared to someone who grew up in a city.
Education:
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Choosing to study at Embry-Riddle demonstrates her commitment to the science behind meteorology. This university is known for its rigorous programs in aviation and aerospace, and its meteorology program is highly respected.
- Hands-on Experience: Interning at WKMG News 6 while still in college was a smart move. It gave her valuable real-world experience in a newsroom setting and allowed her to make connections in the industry. This internship likely played a significant role in her later career.
Early Career:
- KRGV-TV: Her first significant role in television was at KRGV-TV Channel 5 News in Weslaco, Texas, where she worked as a meteorologist for 4 years and 5 months, from May 2013 to September 2017. During her time at KRGV-TV, she covered major weather events, including Hurricane Harvey, which was one of the biggest storms of her career.
- Hurricane Harvey: Covering a major hurricane like Harvey early in her career was undoubtedly a challenging and formative experience. It likely honed her skills in forecasting, communicating complex information under pressure, and understanding the impact of severe weather on communities.
Return to Orlando:
- WKMG News 6: Returning to Orlando and joining WKMG News 6 was a homecoming for Cokinos. It’s a testament to her talent that she was able to secure a position at a major news station in her hometown.
- Community Connection: Being a Central Florida native gives her a unique understanding of the local weather patterns and allows her to connect with viewers on a deeper level.
WKMG News 6:
In September 2017, Samara joined WKMG News 6 in Orlando, Florida, where she currently serves as the weekend evening meteorologist.
Her face was not new to the station, as she had interned there in the summer of 2012, working in the production and weather department.
In addition to her meteorology work, Samara is also a podcast producer and host for “Riff On This,” which highlights stories behind the music in Florida.
She occasionally fills in for traffic reports and contributes to a weather newsletter called “The PinPoint Weather Insider”.
Samara Cokinos has covered several notable weather events throughout her career. Here are a few highlights:
- Hurricane Harvey: While working at KRGV-TV in Weslaco, Texas, Samara covered Hurricane Harvey, one of the most significant storms of her career. The hurricane made landfall about 2.5 hours north of her location, and she provided critical updates and information to keep the public informed.
- Tropical Storm Isaias: At WKMG News 6 in Orlando, Florida, Samara provided updates on Tropical Storm Isaias, helping viewers understand the storm’s potential impact and how to stay safe.
Here’s more about Samara Cokinos’ awards and recognitions in point form:
- Emmy Award: Samara has won an Emmy Award for her excellence in weather forecasting and journalism.
- Community Involvement: Actively participates in local events, such as WKMG’s “Hits the Road” series, engaging with viewers and highlighting local stories.
- Recognition in Publications: Featured in media outlets like Orlando Women Magazine, where she shared her career journey and passion for meteorology.
- Peers’ Respect: Known for her dedication to accurate and timely weather reporting, earning the respect of both peers and viewers.
- Local Contributions: Her work in covering weather events and local stories has contributed to her standing as a trusted figure in the Orlando area.
Samara Cokinos works alongside a talented team of meteorologists, anchors, and reporters at WKMG News 6 in Orlando, Florida. Some of her notable colleagues include:
- Tom Sorrells: Chief Meteorologist at WKMG News 6. He has been a significant influence on Samara’s career, especially during her internship at the station.
- Julie Broughton: A fellow meteorologist at WKMG News 6, known for her engaging weather reports and team coverage during severe weather events.
- Candace Campos: Another meteorologist at WKMG News 6, who often collaborates with Samara on weather forecasts and reports.
- Lisa Bell: An anchor at WKMG News 6, who works closely with the meteorology team to deliver comprehensive news coverage.
- Ginger Gadsden: A news anchor at WKMG News 6, known for her dynamic reporting and anchoring skills.
These colleagues, along with the rest of the WKMG News 6 team, contribute to the station’s reputation for delivering accurate and timely news and weather updates.
Net Worth and Salary:
Samara Cokinos has accumulated an estimated net worth ranging between $1 million and $5 million.
This estimate includes her earnings from her career as a meteorologist, her podcast production work, and any other investments or sources of income she may have.
Her net worth is a reflection of her successful career in broadcast meteorology and her dedication to her profession.
As a weekend evening meteorologist at WKMG News 6 in Orlando, Florida, Samara earns an estimated annual salary ranging between $75,000 and $160,000.
This salary range is typical for experienced meteorologists in major markets. Additionally, her role as a podcast producer and host for “Riff On This” may contribute to her overall income.
Is Samara Cokinos Meteorologist Married?
Yes, Samara Cokinos is married. However, she prefers to keep her personal life private, so details about her husband’s name and identity are not publicly available.
Samara and her husband share one child and are leading a happy and quiet married life.
How Old Is Samara Cokinos Meteorologist?
Samara Cokinos is 43 years old as of 2025. She was born on July 9, 1981
Where Is Samara Cokinos Meteorologist Working?
Samara Cokinos is currently working at WKMG News 6 in Orlando, Florida. She joined the station in September 2017 and serves as the weekend evening meteorologist.
In addition to her meteorology work, Samara is also a podcast producer and host for “Riff On This,” which highlights stories behind the music in Florida.
She occasionally fills in for traffic reports and contributes to a weather newsletter called “The PinPoint Weather Insider”.
Samara Cokinos is active on social media. You can follow her on Instagram at @cokinoswx, where she shares updates related to her work as a meteorologist and personal interests.
She also has a professional Facebook page, Samara Cokinos News 6, where she posts news and weather updates.
Additionally, she is present on X (formerly Twitter) under the handle @CokinosSamaraWx, where she shares weather-related information and engages with her audience.
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