The Journey of Morgan Kolkmeyer: Chicago’s Esteemed Meteorologist
Morgan Kolkmeyer is a well-known meteorologist and a beloved figure in Chicago’s weather scene. As the early morning meteorologist for WGN Morning News, she has earned a strong following due to her engaging and informative weather reports. Over the years, Morgan has built a reputation for her expertise, dedication, and friendly presence on-air, making her a trusted source for viewers across the greater Chicago area. In this article, we’ll explore Morgan’s journey, her career, her personal life, and why she has become such a beloved personality.
Morgan Kolkmeyer Age
Morgan Kolkmeyer was born on September 3, 1991, making her 34 years old as of February 2026. Over the years, she has gained a significant following, not only for her meteorological expertise but also for her relatable, engaging personality, which has helped her connect with viewers in the Greater Chicago Area.
Morgan Kolkmeyer’s Career in Meteorology
Early Career and Education
Morgan Kolkmeyer’s path to becoming a meteorologist began with a strong academic background. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from Northern Illinois University (NIU) between 2011 and 2013, where she also pursued a Minor in Applied Mathematical Sciences. Her passion for weather grew during her time at NIU, where she honed her skills in meteorology, weather forecasting, and atmospheric analysis. Morgan’s dedication to her craft also led her to join the American Meteorological Society, an influential organization for meteorologists, where she has been an active member since 2011.
Before she became the face of Chicago’s weather news, Morgan also completed an Associate of Arts, Honors at Rock Valley College (2009–2011).
Professional Experience
WGN-TV: Meteorologist (June 2017 – Present)
Morgan Kolkmeyer is best known for her role as the early morning meteorologist for WGN Morning News, a position she has held since June 2017. In her 8+ years at WGN-TV, Morgan has provided Chicago with accurate and timely weather forecasts, starting the day for many Chicagoans. As a meteorologist for WGN-TV, she not only provides the weather updates but also engages with viewers on a personal level, making her forecasts both informative and relatable.
Her commitment to keeping the viewers informed and her ability to forecast with clarity has made her a trusted figure in the community. Morgan’s engaging on-air presence has been an essential part of WGN’s success in delivering morning news.
WREX-TV: Morning and Midday Meteorologist (July 2014 – June 2017)
Before her tenure at WGN, Morgan worked as a morning and midday meteorologist at WREX-TV in Rockford, Illinois. During her 3 years at WREX-TV, she was responsible for delivering weather forecasts for both the morning and midday news segments. Morgan’s time at WREX allowed her to build her skills in meteorology, including preparing extended forecasts, analyzing atmospheric models, and reporting on local weather stories.
FOX 21 KQDS-DT: Weekend Meteorologist (August 2013 – July 2014)
Morgan began her professional career as the weekend meteorologist for FOX 21 KQDS-DT in Duluth, Minnesota, where she worked for a year. In this role, she provided weather forecasts and managed live broadcasts while using tools such as Weather Central for creating weather graphics. Morgan’s experience in Duluth, where she had to take into account lake-effect weather and elevation changes, helped her develop a deep understanding of the intricacies of weather forecasting.
Weather Internships
Before her professional career took off, Morgan also completed internships at several notable stations. At WREX-TV, she worked as a weather intern, helping to build forecasts, analyze weather data, and gain hands-on experience with the chroma key for weather broadcasts. Her internship at WISN-TV in Milwaukee further sharpened her forecasting skills, especially during severe weather outbreaks, and prepared her for the fast-paced nature of live broadcasting.
Morgan Kolkmeyer’s Role at WGN-TV
Morgan’s role at WGN-TV has been pivotal in her success as a meteorologist. As a key member of the morning news team, she is responsible for delivering accurate and timely weather reports every day. Whether it’s preparing for extreme weather conditions or simply giving the daily forecast, Morgan’s presence has become a staple for Chicagoans who rely on her insights to start their day. Her consistent accuracy and positive personality have made her a household name.
Morgan Kolkmeyer’s Husband
Morgan Kolkmeyer is married to Ryan Michel. The couple has been together for several years, with their marriage being a central part of Morgan’s personal life. They tied the knot in April 2018, after getting engaged in June 2017. Their shared life has been a source of joy, and Morgan has occasionally shared glimpses of her family life with her followers on social media, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at her personal world.
Children: Morgan Kolkmeyer’s Family Expands
Morgan and Ryan are parents to two children. They have a son, who was born around 2020, and a daughter born in 2021. Over the years, Morgan has shared several heartfelt moments of her family life, including celebrating her children’s birthdays, sharing homemade birthday cakes, and reflecting on the joys of parenthood. Her social media posts often express her deep love for her family and how fast her children are growing up.
Morgan’s daughter celebrated her 4th birthday in 2025, and her son turned 6 years old in 2025. Morgan often shares fun and touching moments from her family life, making her even more relatable to her audience.
Morgan Kolkmeyer’s Social Media Presence
Morgan Kolkmeyer has a substantial social media following, with 29.1K followers on Instagram. She actively engages with her fans by posting weather updates, personal anecdotes, and family moments. Her social media accounts have become a place where viewers can connect with her beyond the weather forecast. With posts celebrating her children’s milestones, her love for family, and the ups and downs of life, Morgan has created a warm, personal connection with her audience.
Morgan Kolkmeyer’s Impact in the Meteorology World
Morgan Kolkmeyer has made a significant impact in the world of meteorology, especially in the Chicago area. Her ability to break down complex weather patterns into easy-to-understand forecasts has earned her the trust and admiration of her audience. As a meteorologist, she serves as an essential source of information, ensuring that her viewers are prepared for all types of weather, from sunny days to stormy nights.
Her dedication to keeping the community informed, combined with her engaging on-air presence, has made Morgan a staple in Chicago’s news landscape.
Conclusion
Morgan Kolkmeyer’s career in meteorology is a testament to her passion, dedication, and love for helping people. As an early morning meteorologist for WGN Morning News, she continues to inspire and inform, guiding her viewers through the changing weather of Chicago. Her commitment to excellence in forecasting, along with her genuine personality, ensures that Morgan will remain an essential part of Chicago’s weather community for many years to come.
Her work, family, and presence on social media have made her a beloved figure in Chicago, and it’s clear that her future in the field is as bright as ever.
FAQs
1. Who is Morgan Kolkmeyer?
Morgan Kolkmeyer is a meteorologist who works as the early morning weather anchor for WGN Morning News in Chicago, Illinois. She has been with WGN-TV since June 2017 and is known for her accurate weather forecasting and engaging on-air presence. Morgan also has previous experience working at WREX-TV and FOX 21 KQDS-DT. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from Northern Illinois University.
2. How old is Morgan Kolkmeyer?
Morgan Kolkmeyer was born on September 3, 1991, which makes her 34 years old as of 2026.
3. Is Morgan Kolkmeyer married?
Yes, Morgan Kolkmeyer is married to Ryan Michel. They got engaged in June 2017 and tied the knot in April 2018. The couple has two children, a son and a daughter.
