St. Petersburg Welcomes Experienced Meteorologist to Local Weather Team

St. Petersburg Welcomes New Weather Forecaster

St. Petersburg, Florida – A new face has arrived in the Tampa Bay area, bringing a wealth of experience in tropical meteorology and a passion for the outdoors. James Hopkins, who recently joined the team at WTSP, began offering his insights and forecasts through the station’s midday show starting in November 2024. His move to Florida reflects not only a career shift but a lifestyle change as well, aiming for warmer winters.

Background of the Forecaster

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, James spent his formative years in Charlotte, North Carolina. His early encounter with the destructive forces of Hurricane Hugo sparked his interest in weather and led him to pursue a degree in meteorology. He attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he was also dual enrolled at Mississippi State University. It was during this time that he met his wife, which added a personal milestone to his educational accomplishments.

Career Path

James began his career with a forecasting internship at WCCB in Charlotte. His first full-time position led him to KKCO in Grand Junction, Colorado, where he served as a weekend evening forecaster. Over the years, he has lived in various cities, including Savannah, Georgia, Charleston, West Virginia, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, honing his skills and covering diverse weather phenomena. From snowstorms to temperatures plunging to 23 degrees below zero and the challenges of severe weather and hurricanes, James has navigated many weather scenarios throughout his decade-long career.

Award-Winning Coverage

James’s exceptional work has not gone unnoticed. He earned the NWA Seal from the National Weather Association, highlighting his expertise in the field. Additionally, he received two prestigious awards from the WV Broadcasters Association for Best AM Newscast in 2013 and 2015. These awards were in recognition of his comprehensive coverage of significant weather events like Super Storm Sandy in 2012 and a powerful Nor’easter in 2014.

Excited for the Next Chapter

Now residing in the warm climate of Southwest Florida, James is eager to explore everything the Tampa Bay area has to offer. He expresses a love for any activities related to the beach, pool, and the outdoors. His family plays a significant role in this new journey; James has been married for 15 years and shares his life with two daughters and two dogs, keeping the household lively.

What’s Next?

As he transitions into his role at WTSP, viewers can tune in to watch his forecasts weekdays at noon on 10 Tampa Bay Midday. With his extensive background and passion for meteorology, James Hopkins is poised to bring informative coverage of local weather, enriching the community’s understanding of the atmospheric conditions that impact their daily lives.

Conclusion

In summary, James Hopkins’s journey from the eye of a hurricane in North Carolina to the sunny shores of St. Petersburg reflects a commitment to his craft and the communities he serves. As he embarks on this new chapter of his career, he looks forward to engaging with Tampa Bay’s diverse weather patterns while enjoying life in a thriving coastal city.