Jesse Hawila is a meteorologist at WFAA in Dallas, TX, specializing in weather forecasting and reporting for television and digital outlets.
1) Who are you? Texas born and raised, Jesse is thrilled to be in his home state forecasting some of the world's most extreme weather: the same weather that instilled his passion for meteorology. Being a meteorologist is the only thing he's ever wanted to do with his life. Since he was 5 years old, Jesse was obsessed with the weather and the impacts it has on our day-to-day lives. He's an American Meteorological Society Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) which is the most prestigious certification offered to broadcast meteorologists. Jesse is also an avid storm chaser who has researched tornadoes and extreme weather all over the country. From tornadoes, extremely large hail, destructive winds and even blizzard conditions, Jesse has driven thousands of miles all over the country and seen it all firsthand. He attended college at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana where he received his degree in Meteorology. He's worked in Lafayette, IN, Fort Wayne, IN and Kansas City. In each city, he's covered tornadoes, ice storms, and snowstorms.
2) What are your interests? Besides the weather, Jesse's biggest passion is music. He loves all music as long as it was written honestly and with a purpose. Death metal, progressive metal, blues, folk, indie rock, classic country.... you name it! Jesse is also a drummer and a big fan of local music. He also loves stand up comedy (Bo Burnham is his favorite) and video games (Nintendo Nerd). He's a father to two beautiful children and a happily married man. When he's not inside playing video games, Jesse can be found outside fishing, biking, hiking and drinking about a pot of coffee a day.
3) What do you like about working at WFAA? WFAA is like my home. I love working here because I’m allowed to be me. Authenticity is important to me. On air and on social media, people get to know the real Jesse Hawila. I don’t have to be a stuffy personality who GIVES you the weather. I get to talk WITH you about the weather. Our team feels like family. It’s such a beautiful feeling to look forward to seeing your coworkers every day. Everybody cares about each other and what we do as a team. We always work together to bring excellence to everything we do.
4) What's one thing people would be surprised to learn about you? You may be surprised to learn that I’m a Metalhead. I love complex, fast and intense metal. Between the Buried and Me, Death, Animals As Leaders, and Protest The Hero are some of my favorites, just to name a few. On the opposite end of the rock spectrum is my all time favorite band... Manchester Orchestra. Have I mentioned how much I love music?
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