Betsy Kling is a respected Figure in American meteorology, serving as the Chief Meteorologist and evening anchor at WKYC‑3News in Cleveland, Ohio. As of 2025, she is 50 years old, having been born on March 3, 1975, in Copley, Northeast Ohio. With a strong blend of scientific expertise, broadcasting finesse, and community involvement, Betsy stands out as a trailblazer—particularly known for being Cleveland’s first female Chief Meteorologist, a distinction she earned in 2008.
Throughout her over two-decade career, Betsy has become a trusted presence during daily forecasts and severe weather coverage across Northeast Ohio. She is also celebrated for her educational outreach and her advocacy for encouraging girls and women to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Behind the screen, she balances a rich family life with her husband, Paul Thomas, and their two daughters. Her authentic personality, award-winning reporting, and commitment to mentorship have earned her both public respect and industry honors.
Who Is Betsy Kling?
Betsy Kling is a distinguished meteorologist and broadcast journalist based in Northeast Ohio. She joined WKYC Channel 3 in Cleveland in March 2003 and was promoted in 2008 to become Cleveland’s first female Chief Meteorologist, anchoring the 5 PM weather and news segments.
Formally educated in journalism and meteorology, Betsy graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in meteorology, and later earned a Broadcast Meteorology certificate from Mississippi State University. She holds the prestigious Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) accreditation from the American Meteorological Society and the Seal of Approval from the National Weather Association—making her among a minority of women nationwide with both credentials.
Her career spans roles as a weekend meteorologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Jacksonville, Florida, before returning to Ohio. At WKYC, she co-anchored the innovative midday show “What’s New” and the 5 PM “What’s Now” newscast.
Her reporting has garnered multiple Emmy awards, Ohio journalism recognition, and repeated titles by Cleveland Magazine as the Best Weather Forecaster. Betsy also launched “Growing Curiosity: Girls in STEM”, a STEM advocacy initiative under the station’s banner in 2018.
Wiki/Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Betsy Kling |
| Date of Birth | March 3, 1975 |
| Age (2025) | 50 Years |
| Birthplace | Copley, Northeast Ohio, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Height | Approx. 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 60 kg (132 lb) |
| Eye Color | Hazel/Brown |
| Hair Color | Blonde/Brown tones |
| Body Type | Slim/Average |
| Marital Status | Married (since August 1999) |
| Children | Two daughters: Josie & Violette |
| Profession | Chief Meteorologist and News Anchor |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2–3 million |
Early Life and Background
Betsy Kling was born and raised in Copley, Northeast Ohio, with two siblings, Toni Hadad and Fran DiBlasi. Her mother worked as a seamstress, which taught Betsy about resourcefulness and creativity from a young age.
She attended Copley High School, where she exhibited an early interest in journalism and science. She went on to Bowling Green State University, graduating around 1997 with a degree in journalism and a minor in meteorology. She then completed meteorology-specific coursework at Mississippi State University to fulfill broadcast certification requirements.
After college, she began her career at WKJG-TV in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1997, and then moved to WTLV/WJXX in Jacksonville, Florida, as a weekend meteorologist. In March 2003, she returned to her hometown, joining WKYC in Cleveland, where she quickly rose to the position of Chief Meteorologist in 2008.
Throughout her early career journey, Betsy refined her on-air style and built community trust. Her background merges storytelling, science, and local roots—creating a strong foundation for her long-term broadcast success.
Personal Life and Relationships
Betsy is married to Paul Thomas, a longtime television reporter. They first met while working in Fort Wayne and were married in August 1999 in a private ceremony, held amid a thunderstorm, which Betsy fondly remembers.
They have two daughters: Josie, born in 2008, and Violette, born in March 2015.
Betsy and her family live near Cleveland, close to her hometown. She frequently shares stories about her daughters—especially during holiday forecast segments—but maintains her children’s privacy off-camera.
She values a low-key, quality family life—often taking her kids to local parks, the Akron Zoo, or on walks in the rain to experience the weather firsthand. Betsy and Paul both enjoy outdoor games like tennis and fishing, sharing small rituals and nurturing a stable home environment rooted in love and authenticity.
Career and Achievement
Betsy Kling’s career is packed with milestones and affirmations of excellence:
- Weekend Meteorologist Roles (1997–2003)
- At WKJG-TV (Fort Wayne) and WTLV/WJXX (Jacksonville), she gained experience covering tornadoes, hurricanes, and daily weather forecasts.
- Chief Meteorologist at WKYC (2008–present)
- As Cleveland’s first female Chief Meteorologist, she anchors 5 PM newscasts and co-hosts “What’s New” and “What’s Now”, blending news and weather coverage with personality.
- Awards & Recognition
- Multiple Emmy Awards, including team coverage of the Columbia shuttle tragedy (2003), weathercasts (2009, 2012, and later).
- Named Best of Cleveland Weather Forecaster (2015–2018) by Cleveland Magazine.
- Ohio Associated Press and regional journalism commendations for excellence in weather presentation.
- Professional Credentials
- Received the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) certification.
- Awarded the Seal of Approval by the National Weather Association.
- STEM Leadership
- Founded the “Growing Curiosity: Girls in STEM” initiative in 2018 to inspire young girls to pursue science careers.
- Community Engagement
- Regular guest speaker in schools, weather education days for children, and civic group presentations.
Betsy’s career embodies a unique blend of scientific expertise, broadcast innovation, advocacy, and community trust.
Net Worth Overview
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Notes on Calculation |
| 2020 | ~$1.5M | Based on salary, broadcast credentials |
| 2022 | ~$2M | Cumulative earnings, regional recognition |
| 2024 | ~$2–2.5M | Mentorship programs and local speaking |
| 2025 | ~$2–3M | Continued income, awards, modest brand tie-ins |
Experts estimate Betsy Kling’s net worth at around $2 million, possibly rising to $3 million depending on investments and modest honoraria. Her annual salary as Chief Meteorologist and anchor is likely between $90,000 and $110,000. Additional income comes from speaking engagements, mentoring programs, and foundation work.
Major Sources of Income
- Primary Salary
- Chief Meteorologist and 5 PM anchor at WKYC, estimated $90K–110K/year.
- Previous News-Meteorology Roles
- Salaries from Fort Wayne and Jacksonville stations contributed to earnings early in career.
- Speaking Engagements & Education Events
- Honoraria for weather education days and school visits.
- STEM Initiative Leadership
- Role in “Growing Curiosity: Girls in STEM,” possibly involving grants or fundraising honoraria.
- Moderate Sponsorships / Media Features
- Local brand appearances and community events may offer modest compensation.
- Savings & Investments
- Conservative investments and retirement assets built over two decades in broadcasting.
Betsy Kling doesn’t pursue commercialization, but her income reflects stability and thoughtful career growth.
Luxurious Lifestyle
Though successful, Betsy maintains a grounded and modest lifestyle:
- Home & Residence
- Lives in a comfortable Cleveland-area home close to her childhood neighborhood.
- Family Focused Living
- Prefers making memories with her daughters and husband over high-profile engagements.
- Outdoor Activities
- Regular family walks in nature, even in the rain, visits to the Akron Zoo, and simple weekend hikes.
- Personal Style & Wellness
- Maintains a fitness mindset, loves tennis and fishing, and champions a healthy home environment.
- Professional Tools & Space
- Operates from a modern home office for prep work, yet avoids luxury trappings.
Her lifestyle emphasizes emotional richness and purpose over material flair.
Hobbies and Fun Facts
Betsy brings warmth and authenticity through her varied passions and personal quirks:
Hobbies:
- Weather Education – Loves teaching kids about weather via school visits and station events.
- Outdoor Activities – Enjoys fishing, tennis, hiking with family.
- Creative Living – Inspired by her seamstress mother, Betsy appreciates crafts and simple DIY.
- STEM Advocacy – Passionate about encouraging girls to explore science fields.
- Community Storytelling – Mentors interns and shares her journey in broadcasting.
Fun Facts:
- She once jumped into live coverage of a tornado warning with wet hair—and that on-air moment became a defining lesson in readiness.
- Launched Cleveland’s first weather initiative for girls in STEM, which continues yearly.
- She often says she loves rain for how it brings her family together in simple moments.
- Betsy has a friendly ritual: letting her kids help push buttons on the weather map during holiday segments.
- Known for creating weather raps and friendly jingles for storms to keep spirits up during severe events.
Future Prospects
Betsy Kling’s future promises growth within and beyond meteorology:
- 💡 Expanded STEM Leadership – Strengthening the “Growing Curiosity” initiative and mentoring future weather professionals.
- 🎤 Public Speaking – More frequent appearances at school circuits, weather conferences, and civic forums.
- 🧑🏫 Broadcast Mentorship – Training new journalists and meteorologists at regional stations.
- 📺 Media Innovation – Leading new formats bridging science and news, possibly launching online series.
- 📚 Authorship or Educational Writing – Publishing a weather-themed children’s book or STEM resource.
- 🌱 Legacy Building – Creating programs that sustain outreach, education, and community trust in science.
Her trajectory reflects thoughtful expansion in influence, education, and impact.
Impact on Social Media
While Betsy is not a highly monetized influencer, her digital presence reinforces her credibility and civic persona:
- Instagram & Twitter Presence
- She interacts with viewers, shares behind-the-scenes moments, and posts family and weather anecdotes.
- Weather Education Promotions
- Posts support her STEM initiative and encourage viewers to engage with science.
- Community Advocacy
- Showcases partnerships with local nonprofits, school programs, and environmental awareness events.
- Authenticity & Accessibility
- Fans appreciate her authenticity—sometimes showcasing her kids’ involvement or her prep day.
- Regional Influence
- Her networks reflect a trusted voice in Northeast Ohio, with social media amplifying her TV credibility.
Her online engagement is meaningful and mission-driven—not commercial.
Social Media Profile
| Platform | Link |
| Click here | |
| Click here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How old is Betsy Kling in 2025?
A: Betsy Kling is 50 years old, born on March 3, 1975.
Q: Where does Betsy Kling work?
A: She is the Chief Meteorologist and 5 PM anchor at WKYC‑3News in Cleveland, Ohio.
Q: When did she become Cleveland’s first female Chief Meteorologist?
A: Betsy earned the distinction in 2008, five years after joining WKYC in 2003.
Q: Who is Betsy Kling married to, and does she have children?
A: She has been married to Paul Thomas, a television reporter, since August 1999, and they have two daughters, Josie and Violette.
Q: What is Betsy Kling’s net worth?
A: Her net worth is estimated at around $2 million, potentially rising to $2.5–3 million based on contributions and investments.
Q: What are her major accomplishments?
A: She has won multiple Emmy awards, Ohio journalism honors, and is certified by AMS and NWA.
Q: Is Betsy involved in community or educational work?
A: Yes—she founded and leads “Growing Curiosity: Girls in STEM” and regularly engages in weather education and mentoring.
Conclusion
Betsy Kling exemplifies the best of local journalism: scientific credibility, award-winning broadcasting, community leadership, and a strong personal identity. At 50 years old, she continues to break barriers as Cleveland’s first female Chief Meteorologist while shaping future generations through STEM advocacy and mentorship.
Her life reflects a balance of professional excellence, family devotion, and educational purpose. Betsy’s legacy is one of authenticity, curiosity, and impact—both on screen and beyond the weather desk.
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