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: Tropical disturbance to bring heavy rain and flash flood risk to Central Florida
A tropical disturbance will bring widespread storms and 3–5 inches of rain to Central Florida early this week, raising the risk of flash flooding.
How much rain could Orlando get this week ahead of possible tropical disturbance? What we know
Moisture east of Florida in the Atlantic is expected to cross over Florida this week and could become a tropical system, bringing heavy rainfall to Orlando and Central Florida.
National Hurricane Center: Tropical development in Gulf, near Florida possible next week; what we know
The National Hurricane Center has flagged an area of interest in the Gulf for potential tropical development next week. Regardless of tropical development, it could mean heavy rainfall for parts of Florida and the southern U.S. coast over the next several days.
Orlando weather: Evening storms to bring heavy rain, strong winds, frequent lightning
Scattered showers and storms are expected to make their way across Central Florida this afternoon and heading through the evening.
Orlando weather: Hot and humid stretch continues into the weekend with daily storm chances
This evening will feature scattered showers and storms across Central Florida. After the rain and storms fizzle out, partly cloudy skies are on tap late tonight with warm and muggy conditions.
Orlando weather: Drier start to the week, heat returns as Chantal exits
Hit-and-miss showers and storms for the rest of the evening with mostly cloudy skies. Storms through the rest of the evening will not be as widespread as what we've seen in the past few days.
When will it rain in Florida? Tropically infused storms drenching state, Southeast through July 4th weekend
Tropical moisture will bring heavy rain, storms, and possible disruptions to Fourth of July plans across Central Florida, with wet weather continuing into the weekend.
Orlando weather: Rain and storms linger tonight, more unsettled weather ahead
Orlando will see daily afternoon storms and seasonable temperatures through July 4, with a low chance of tropical development in the region.
Orlando weather: Afternoon showers and storms to bring rain, lightning, hail and gusty winds
The widespread afternoon showers and storms we've been experiencing this week will continue through our weekend here in Central Florida, bringing torrential rain, frequent lightning, a little hail and gusty wind.
Orlando weather: Weather Impact Day to bring strong afternoon thunderstorms
A few strong afternoon thunderstorms are expected across Central Florida, which is why the FOX 35 Storm Team has designated Friday as a Weather Impact Day.