From storm chasing to prime-time forecasting, Abby Acone has become a household name in Seattle’s weather reporting scene. Her journey from a curious child fascinated by clouds to a respected meteorologist at FOX 13 is nothing short of inspiring. Let’s peel back the layers of Abby’s life and career, exploring what makes her one of the most engaging weather personalities on television today.
The Forecast Calls for Brilliance: Introducing Abby Acone
Abby Acone isn’t just your average weather reporter. She’s a force of nature in her own right, bringing a unique blend of scientific knowledge and charismatic delivery to Seattle’s screens. What sets Abby apart is her ability to break down complex weather patterns into digestible bits that even weather novices can understand and appreciate.
Her forecasts are more than just numbers and wind directions; they’re storytelling sessions that keep viewers glued to their seats. Abby’s enthusiasm for meteorology is infectious, making even the dreariest Seattle day seem fascinating.
“Weather isn’t just a job for me; it’s a passion that I get to share with our viewers every day,” Abby once remarked in an interview with Seattle Magazine.
This passion shines through in every broadcast, whether she’s tracking a major storm system or explaining the science behind a beautiful sunny day.
From Childhood Curiosity to FOX 13 Star
Abby’s journey into meteorology began long before she stepped in front of a green screen. As a child growing up in the Pacific Northwest, she was captivated by the region’s diverse weather patterns. From the misty mornings to the occasional snowfall, young Abby found herself constantly looking up at the sky, wondering what made the clouds move and change.
This curiosity wasn’t just a passing phase. It blossomed into a full-fledged passion that would shape her future career. Abby recalls a pivotal moment in her childhood:
“I remember watching a thunderstorm roll in over the mountains. The way the lightning lit up the sky and the thunder echoed through the valley – it was like nature’s own fireworks show. That’s when I knew I wanted to understand and explain these incredible phenomena to others.”
Her journey to FOX 13 wasn’t a straight path, but rather a series of experiences that honed her skills and deepened her understanding of meteorology. Before landing her current role, Abby cut her teeth at smaller stations, each experience adding a new layer to her expertise.
Academic Pursuits: Storming Through Education
Abby’s educational background is as impressive as her on-air presence. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Washington, where she graduated with honors in 2011. Her time at UW wasn’t just about hitting the books; Abby was actively involved in the student chapter of the American Meteorological Society, often leading storm-chasing expeditions that gave her hands-on experience with severe weather.
But Abby didn’t stop there. Recognizing the importance of communication in her field, she pursued a minor in Communication, which has proven invaluable in her broadcasting career. This combination of hard science and communication skills is what makes Abby’s forecasts both accurate and engaging.
Her academic achievements include:
- Summa Cum Laude graduate
- Recipient of the UW Atmospheric Sciences Achievement Award
- Published research on Pacific Northwest climate patterns
Abby’s education didn’t end with her degree. She’s a firm believer in lifelong learning, regularly attending meteorology conferences and workshops to stay at the cutting edge of weather science.
Measuring Up: Abby’s Physical Stats and On-Screen Presence
While Abby’s intellect and personality are her most striking features, her physical presence on screen is also part of what makes her such an effective communicator. Standing at 5’7″ (170 cm), Abby has a commanding presence that doesn’t overwhelm the screen. Her weight, which she maintains around 130 lbs (59 kg), contributes to her energetic and approachable on-air persona.
But it’s not just about numbers. Abby’s poise during severe weather alerts is particularly noteworthy. When the pressure’s on, and she’s tracking a major storm system, her calm demeanor and clear explanations help viewers understand the situation without causing panic.
Abby’s On-Screen Tips for Aspiring Broadcasters:
- Maintain eye contact with the camera
- Use hand gestures to emphasize key points
- Smile naturally to connect with viewers
- Speak clearly and at a moderate pace
- Dress professionally but comfortably
These physical attributes, combined with her extensive knowledge, create a powerful package that has made Abby one of the most trusted faces in Seattle weather reporting.
Family Ties: The Wind Beneath Her Wings
Behind every successful meteorologist is a support system that helps them weather life’s storms. For Abby, her family has been the cornerstone of her success. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Abby grew up in a close-knit family that valued education and encouraged curiosity.
Her parents, John and Linda Acone, recognized their daughter’s passion for weather early on and nurtured it. They often joke that Abby was the only kid they knew who would wake up early on weekends to watch the Weather Channel.
Abby’s sister, Emma, two years her junior, is a marine biologist. The sisters share a love for science and the natural world, often collaborating on environmental awareness projects in their free time.
This strong family background has contributed significantly to Abby’s relatable on-air persona. She often draws from personal experiences when explaining weather phenomena, making complex concepts accessible to viewers of all ages.
Love in the Forecast: Abby’s Personal Life
While Abby is an open book when it comes to weather, she maintains a level of privacy regarding her personal life. However, we do know that she tied the knot with her college sweetheart, Mark Thompson, in a beautiful ceremony in 2015.
Mark, a software engineer, shares Abby’s love for the outdoors and often accompanies her on hiking trips where she can indulge in her passion for weather observation off-camera. Their wedding, fittingly, took place on a clear summer day that Abby had accurately predicted months in advance.
Balancing a high-profile career with personal commitments isn’t easy, but Abby and Mark make it work through mutual support and understanding. Abby has mentioned in interviews that Mark is her “rock,” always there to lend an ear after a particularly challenging forecast or to celebrate her successes.
The Next Generation: Abby’s Approach to Parenthood
As of 2024, Abby and Mark are proud parents to two young children: a 4-year-old daughter, Sophia, and a 2-year-old son, Ethan. Becoming a mother has added a new dimension to Abby’s weather reporting, especially when it comes to school closures and outdoor activity forecasts.
Abby’s approach to parenting is much like her approach to meteorology – thorough, caring, and always with an eye on the future. She’s been known to use simple weather experiments to teach her children about the science behind her job, fostering the same curiosity that led her to this career.
Juggling family life with unpredictable weather patterns is no small feat. Abby credits her success to:
- A supportive partner who steps up during severe weather events
- Flexible childcare arrangements
- The ability to work remotely when necessary
- A great team at FOX 13 that understands the importance of work-life balance
Abby’s experience as a parent has made her even more relatable to viewers, many of whom are parents themselves looking to plan their family activities around the weather.
Climbing the Career Ladder: From Intern to Weather Wonder
Abby’s career trajectory is a testament to her dedication and talent. Her journey in broadcast meteorology began with an internship at a local Seattle station during her junior year of college. This experience gave her a taste of the fast-paced world of TV weather reporting and confirmed that this was indeed her calling.
Key milestones in Abby’s career include:
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Internship at KOMO-TV Seattle |
| 2011 | Graduated from University of Washington |
| 2012 | First on-air position as weekend meteorologist at KNDU-TV in Tri-Cities, WA |
| 2014 | Moved to KOIN-TV in Portland as morning meteorologist |
| 2018 | Joined FOX 13 Seattle as evening meteorologist |
| 2022 | Promoted to chief meteorologist at FOX 13 |
Each step of her career has been marked by notable achievements. At KNDU-TV, Abby won an award for her coverage of a severe thunderstorm outbreak. Her time at KOIN-TV saw her develop a strong social media following, which she has continued to grow at FOX 13.
Abby’s breakthrough moment came during the historic Seattle snowstorm of 2019. Her accurate predictions and calm, informative updates throughout the event cemented her status as one of the city’s most trusted meteorologists.
Accolades in the Atmosphere: Abby’s Professional Recognition
Abby’s dedication to her craft hasn’t gone unnoticed. Over the years, she has accumulated several awards and honors that recognize her contributions to meteorology and broadcasting.
Some of Abby’s most notable accolades include:
- Emmy Award for Best Weather Anchor (2020)
- Washington State Broadcasters Association’s Best Weathercast (2019, 2021)
- American Meteorological Society’s Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation (2015)
- Seattle Magazine’s “40 Under 40” list (2022)
These awards have not only boosted Abby’s profile within the industry but have also increased viewer trust in her forecasts. Each recognition serves as a reminder of the impact accurate and engaging weather reporting can have on a community.
Cashing in on Climate: Abby’s Financial Forecast
While meteorologists aren’t typically known for astronomical salaries, top talent in major markets can command impressive compensation packages. As the chief meteorologist at FOX 13 in Seattle, a top-20 media market, Abby Acone’s salary is estimated to be in the range of $150,000 to $200,000 annually.
This figure takes into account:
- Her senior position at the station
- The competitive Seattle market
- Her years of experience and accolades
- Additional income from speaking engagements and endorsements
When it comes to net worth, while exact figures are not public, industry experts estimate Abby’s net worth to be around $1.5 million as of 2024. This takes into account her salary, potential investments, and property ownership in the Seattle area.
Abby’s financial savvy extends beyond her paycheck. She’s known to be an advocate for financial literacy, often incorporating money-saving weather tips into her forecasts, such as the best times to run energy-intensive appliances or how to prepare homes for extreme weather to avoid costly damages.
Storming Social Media: Abby’s Online Presence
In today’s digital age, a meteorologist’s job doesn’t end when the camera stops rolling. Abby has embraced social media as a tool to extend her reach and connect with viewers on a more personal level.
Abby’s social media stats:
- Instagram: 75,000 followers
- Twitter: 100,000 followers
- Facebook: 50,000 followers
- TikTok: 25,000 followers
On these platforms, Abby doesn’t just share weather updates. She gives followers a behind-the-scenes look at life as a meteorologist, shares educational content about weather phenomena, and even posts the occasional weather-related meme.
Her social media strategy includes:
- Daily forecast snippets
- Live updates during severe weather events
- Q&A sessions with followers
- Collaborations with other scientists and educators
- Highlighting community events and local businesses affected by weather
This approach has allowed Abby to build a loyal online following that extends well beyond the Seattle viewing area.
Twitter Tempest: Abby’s 280-Character Weather Wisdom
Twitter has become Abby’s go-to platform for real-time weather updates and engagement with her audience. Her Twitter handle, @AbbyAconeFOX13, is a must-follow for Seattle residents looking for up-to-the-minute weather information.
Some of Abby’s most engaging tweets include:
- Live updates during a surprise summer thunderstorm that garnered over 10,000 retweets
- A thread explaining the science behind the “June Gloom” phenomenon that went viral in meteorology circles
- Quick tips for staying safe during extreme heat waves, which local health officials have praised and shared
Abby’s Twitter presence extends beyond just weather reporting. She often uses the platform to:
- Engage in discussions with other meteorologists and climate scientists
- Share interesting weather photos submitted by followers
- Provide context to national weather stories and how they might impact the Pacific Northwest
Her ability to distill complex weather information into bite-sized, engaging tweets has earned her a reputation as one of the most follow-worthy meteorologists on the platform.
Beyond the Green Screen: Abby’s Off-Air Pursuits
When she’s not in front of the camera or analyzing weather data, Abby leads a rich and varied life that informs her work as a meteorologist.
Abby’s hobbies and interests include:
- Hiking and mountaineering in the Cascades
- Photography, especially of weather phenomena
- Gardening and studying how plants respond to climate variations
- Volunteering at local science fairs to inspire the next generation of meteorologists
Her love for the outdoors not only keeps her connected to the weather she forecasts but also gives her a unique perspective on how weather impacts various activities and ecosystems.
Abby is also deeply involved in community work. She regularly speaks at schools about careers in meteorology and the importance of science education. During the wildfire season, Abby volunteers with local organizations to educate communities about fire safety and air quality issues.
These off-air pursuits help Abby maintain a well-rounded perspective that comes through in her broadcasts, making her relatable to viewers from all walks of life.
The Future Forecast: What’s Next for Abby Acone?
As Abby continues to solidify her position as one of Seattle’s premier meteorologists, many wonder what the future holds for this weather wonder. While she remains committed to her role at FOX 13, Abby has expressed interest in expanding her reach and impact.
Some potential future moves for Abby include:
- Hosting a weather-focused podcast to dive deeper into meteorological topics
- Writing a book on Pacific Northwest weather patterns for the general public
- Developing a weather education program for schools
- Taking on a larger role in climate change communication
Abby’s vision for the future of weather reporting is one that embraces technology while maintaining the human touch. She’s been at the forefront of using augmented reality in weather broadcasts and sees this as a growing trend in the industry.
“The future of meteorology is about making weather information more accessible and actionable for everyone,” Abby stated in a recent interview. “Whether it’s through new broadcast technologies or innovative ways of communicating on social media, our goal is to help people make informed decisions based on the weather.”
As climate change continues to affect weather patterns, Abby sees her role evolving to include more education on long-term climate trends and their local impacts. She’s committed to presenting this information in a way that is both scientifically accurate and easily understandable to the general public.
FAQs About Abby Acone
To wrap up our comprehensive look at Abby Acone, let’s address some frequently asked questions about this talented meteorologist:
- What is Abby Acone’s educational background?
Abby holds a Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Washington, with a minor in Communication. - How long has Abby been with FOX 13 Seattle?
Abby joined FOX 13 in 2018 and was promoted to chief meteorologist in 2022. - Is Abby Acone married?
Yes, Abby is married to Mark Thompson. They tied the knot in 2015. - Does Abby have children?
Yes, Abby and Mark have two children: a daughter named Sophia (born 2020) and a son named Ethan (born 2022). - What awards has Abby won for her meteorology work?
Abby has won an Emmy for Best Weather Anchor and multiple Washington State Broadcasters Association awards for Best Weathercast. - How can I follow Abby on social media?
You can follow Abby on Twitter (@AbbyAconeFOX13), Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for weather updates and behind-the-scenes content.
Conclusion
Abby Acone’s journey from a weather-curious child to a respected chief meteorologist is a testament to her passion, dedication, and skill. Her ability to combine scientific expertise with engaging communication has made her a trusted voice in Seattle’s weather reporting landscape. As she continues to evolve in her career, one thing is certain: wherever Abby goes, clear skies and accurate forecasts are sure to follow.
