Laurel Blanchard
Laurel Blanchard joined the FOX 35 Storm Team as a meteorologist in July 2024.
Laurel's journey into meteorology began at a young age in her hometown of Abington, Massachusetts, where she shared morning weather reports with her great-grandfather, igniting her lifelong passion for weather. Embracing the unpredictable nature of weather, Laurel fondly adopts the saying, "If you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes," a sentiment familiar to New Englanders.
She earned her bachelor of science in meteorology from Millersville University in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and earned minors in mathematics and emergency management. She graduated Cum Laude.
During college, Blanchard served as president of the school's chapter of the American Meteorological Society.
Before moving to Orlando, Laurel worked at WJHL-TV in Johnson City, Tennessee. She covered dozens of severe weather events there. She also taught meteorology classes at Tusculum University's Upward Bound Summer Academy. She also interned at a station in Peoria, Illinois.
Outside the newsroom, Laurel adores her rescue dog, "Honey." She enjoys trying new restaurants and coffee shops, watching movies, crocheting, and local theater. She's eager to explore Orlando and learn more about her new home.
To connect with Laurel or stay updated on her forecasts and activities, you can find her on Instagram, Facebook, and X.
The latest from Laurel Blanchard
Invest 95L forms near Bermuda: Will it impact Florida?
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring two Atlantic disturbances, including Invest 95L near Bermuda and a tropical wave moving off the coast of West Africa.
Central Florida sees cooler temps, spotty showers in the work week
With the cloudy skies today, temperatures stayed cooler and much more comfortable than the scorching heat from last weekend.
Heat wave ends as scattered storms stretch across Central Florida
Central Florida's record-breaking extreme heat stretch is coming to an end, with afternoon temperatures dropping into the low 90s and heat index values easing toward 100 degrees over the next week.
Orlando weather: Afternoon heat, humidity and storms
Central Florida could see some strong and severe widespread storms in addition to afternoon heat.
Extreme heat wave continues: Heat index values top 110 degrees across Central Florida
A Heat Advisory remains active across Central Florida through 8 p.m. Saturday, with dangerous heat indices between 108°F and 112°F expected to trigger additional advisories Sunday.
Orlando weather: Back-to-school forecast brings high heat and lower rain chances
Scattered storms are spreading across Central Florida on Sunday, as an area of tropical moisture moves away.
Orlando weather: Scattered evening showers lead to storm early Monday
Scattered Sunday night showers will lead to widespread thunderstorms Monday afternoon. As the rain subsides later in the week, temperatures will quickly warm up.
Orlando weather: Rain chances peak Sunday ahead of next week's heat
Heavy, slow-moving thunderstorms in Levy and Citrus counties are predicted to drop three to six inches of rain Saturday, prompting localized flash flood concerns.
More black tip sharks moving north? Florida professor studying shark migration patterns
Sharks are like snowbirds. When the ocean temperature gets too cold up north, they travel down to Florida to spend the winter in the warm water. And knowing where these sharks have been – and where different species of sharks are going, could help make swimming along Florida's beaches safe.