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
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.
Experts explain why New Smyrna Beach leads the nation in shark bites
New Smyrna Beach holds a title that might make some beachgoers think twice before going in the water: The Shark Bite Capital of the World.
Live updates: Severe thunderstorms in Orlando, Central Florida
The FOX 35 Storm Team is tracking widespread showers and severe thunderstorms in Orlando and across Central Florida.
Strong Pacific El Niño could influence Atlantic conditions
Although events in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans can develop independently, scientists say the two basins can influence one another through changes in the atmosphere.
Orlando Weather: Widespread showers and thunderstorms don't stop the heat
Central Florida is bracing for a stormy Saturday evening as widespread thunderstorms pack wind gusts up to 50 mph, frequent lightning and torrential downpours along the I-4 corridor through 9 p.m.
Orlando rain forecast: Showers, thunderstorms tonight; timeline, main threats
The rainy season continues in Orlando and Central Florida. We're tracking scattered showers and thunderstorms Thursday afternoon and evening, some that could be on the stronger side.
Orlando weather: Evening storms in Central Florida before Father's Day
Some of these storms could be on the strong or severe side as we are in a level 1 out of 5 risk for severe weather along the east coast.