CBS Sacramento names Jennifer Stanonis chief meteorologist

CBS Sacramento named Jennifer Stanonis chief meteorologist, bringing the Sacramento native back to Northern California to lead weather coverage for KOVR and KMAX beginning July 27.

Stanonis has more than 20 years of forecasting experience and has covered tornado outbreaks, blizzards, wildfires, floods and extreme heat. She will oversee the stations’ weather strategy and forecasting operations for the Sacramento region.

“Joining the CBS Sacramento team and coming back home to serve the community I grew up in is a tremendous honor,” Stanonis said. “Growing up in Northern California, I learned and experienced the complex local microclimates and extreme weather, including flooding rain events, historic mountain snowstorms, wildfires and severe heatwaves. I look forward to keeping our community informed and prepared.”

Stanonis previously worked at WGRZ and WKBW in Buffalo, New York, and KCWY in Casper, Wyoming. She served two tenures at WGRZ, most recently as the station’s main weekday evening meteorologist.

She has received a New York Emmy Award for her weather coverage and holds the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation from the American Meteorological Society.

“Jennifer is one of the most respected meteorologists in the industry, with a proven track record of helping communities navigate severe and rapidly changing weather conditions,” Scott Warren, regional president and general manager of CBS Bay Area and CBS Sacramento, said. “For Northern California viewers, weather coverage isn’t just about forecasting – it’s about providing timely, accurate information that helps people make decisions and stay safe. Jennifer’s experience, deep connection to this region and passion for public service make her the ideal leader for our weather team, and we’re eager to welcome her back home to Sacramento.”

Stanonis is also the author of the children’s book “Willy and Lilly’s Adventures with Weather,” which introduces young readers to meteorological concepts.

She holds a meteorology degree from SUNY College at Brockport and a broadcasting degree from San Francisco State University. She will relocate to Sacramento with her husband and three children.

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