Betsy Kling, WKYC Channel 3’s first female Chief Meteorologist, has been Cleveland’s trusted weather voice for more than 20 years. In 2025, at age 50, she remains an Emmy-winning broadcaster, community leader, and STEM advocate while balancing her role as a wife and mother. This is the full story of Betsy Kling’s life, career, family, and achievements.
Early Life and Education
Betsy Kling was born on March 3, 1975, in Copley, Ohio. She grew up with her sisters, Toni and Fran, in a household led by her mother, a seamstress who instilled resilience and creativity in her children.
She attended Bowling Green State University, where she studied journalism with a minor in meteorology. To complete her meteorology training, she later enrolled at Mississippi State University.
Her dedication earned her two of the highest honors in broadcast weather: the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation from the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the Seal of Approval from the National Weather Association (NWA).
Career Journey
Kling began her broadcasting career in Fort Wayne, Indiana, at WKJG-TV before moving to Jacksonville, Florida, where she worked at WTLV/WJXX.
In March 2003, she joined WKYC Channel 3 in Cleveland, a move that brought her back to Northeast Ohio. By 2008, she had become Cleveland’s first female Chief Meteorologist, a historic achievement in local broadcasting.
At WKYC, Kling is more than a forecaster. She also serves as an Executive Producer, writer, and host, shaping the way stories are told across the station. As of 2025, she co-anchors “What’s New” at 4 p.m. with Jay Crawford and “What’s Now” at 5 p.m., delivering trusted forecasts and local updates. Her approachable style makes her forecasts clear, relatable, and easy for viewers to understand.
Awards and Recognition
Betsy Kling’s work has been celebrated with numerous honors over her two-decade career. She has won multiple regional Emmy Awards, including recognition for her 2023 special Inside Artemis, her 2020 Orion: The Next Frontier program, and coverage of the Columbia Shuttle tragedy in 2003.
She has also received All-Ohio Excellence in Journalism awards, recognition from the Ohio Associated Press for Best Regularly Scheduled Weather, and the prestigious Chuck Heaton Award in 2015 from the Press Club of Cleveland, honoring fairness and community service.
In 2021, she was honored as Broadcaster of the Year by the National Weather Association. She remains the only person to win the NWA Member of the Year award twice, in 2004 and 2021.
Locally, Cleveland Magazine named her Best Weather Forecaster every year from 2015 through 2023. She was listed among its “Most Interesting People,” featured on its cover, and also recognized by Cleveland Scene as Best Anchor/Personality. In 2019, Crain’s Cleveland named her a Notable Woman in STEM.
Nationally, she has served on the American Meteorological Society’s Board on Broadcast Meteorology and held leadership roles in the NWA, helping shape the future of her profession.
Growing STEM: Betsy Kling’s Signature Initiative
In 2018, Kling launched “Growing Curiosity: Girls in STEM,” a campaign aimed at inspiring young women to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The program evolved into the “Growing STEM” series, which airs weekly on WKYC and highlights success stories from across the STEM community. This initiative has become one of her most impactful contributions, combining her passion for science with her dedication to mentorship.
She also created Weather Education Day in partnership with Cleveland’s baseball team, introducing students to the science of weather in a fun and engaging setting.
Personal Life and Family
Betsy Kling married fellow journalist Paul Thomas in 1999. Together, they are raising two daughters, Josie (born 2008) and Violette (born 2015), in the Cleveland area. Despite her busy career, Kling has often spoken about how her family keeps her grounded and motivated.
She is also active in community life, frequently speaking at schools, civic organizations, and charitable events. She was inducted into the Rudolph H. Garfield Circle of Caring by Hattie Larlham in 2012 and emceed the 2025 YWCA Greater Cleveland Women of Achievement Awards.
Betsy Kling’s Net Worth and Salary in 2025
As of 2025, Betsy Kling’s net worth is estimated between $2–3 million. Reports place her annual salary between $80,000 and $120,000 or higher, reflecting her long-standing role and credibility at WKYC.
Why Betsy Kling Remains Influential in 2025
Betsy Kling is more than a meteorologist. She is Cleveland’s first female Chief Meteorologist, an Emmy-winning broadcaster, a mentor and STEM advocate, and a trusted voice in Northeast Ohio homes for over 20 years. Her combination of scientific expertise, storytelling, and community involvement has made her a role model for aspiring broadcasters and young scientists alike.
Conclusion
Betsy Kling’s career is a testament to resilience, leadership, and passion. From her early days in Copley to her groundbreaking role at WKYC, she has built a legacy defined not only by her forecasts but also by her impact on the community. As she continues her work in 2025, Betsy Kling stands as a pioneer in Cleveland broadcasting, an advocate for STEM education, and a trusted guide through the ever-changing skies of Northeast Ohio.
FAQs About Betsy Kling
What makes Betsy Kling unique among meteorologists?
Betsy Kling was the first woman to be named Chief Meteorologist in Cleveland. She combines broadcast experience with advanced meteorology credentials, making her both a communicator and a scientist.
How long has Betsy Kling been with WKYC?
She joined WKYC in 2003, meaning she has been with the station for over 20 years.
What is “Growing STEM”?
“Growing STEM” is Betsy Kling’s weekly WKYC series that highlights stories in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It grew out of her 2018 campaign “Growing Curiosity: Girls in STEM.”
Has Betsy Kling been recognized nationally?
Yes. Beyond local Emmy Awards, she has been honored by the National Weather Association as Broadcaster of the Year (2021) and is the only person to twice receive the NWA Member of the Year award.
What is her role outside of WKYC?
She serves on professional boards with the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association, helping set standards and guiding the future of broadcast meteorology.
