Who is Belinda Jensen?
Belinda Jensen is a renowned American meteorologist, author, and educator best known as the Chief Meteorologist at KARE 11 News in Minneapolis-St. Paul. With over three decades of experience in the field, she has become a household name in the Upper Midwest. Belinda is admired not only for her professional accuracy in weather forecasting but also for her warm on-screen presence, commitment to education, and efforts to make weather understandable and less intimidating for viewers of all ages.
Quick Info Table
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Belinda Jensen |
| Birthplace | Prescott, Wisconsin, USA |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly disclosed (Born in early 1970s) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Meteorologist, Author, Educator |
| Current Role | Chief Meteorologist, KARE 11 News |
| Years Active | 1990s–present |
| Alma Mater | University of Wisconsin–Madison (Meteorology) |
| Additional Education | Graduate coursework, University of Utah (Education) |
| Languages Known | English |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Children | 2 (Tanner and Tori) |
| Hobbies | Nature walks, writing, STEM education outreach |
| Residence | Edina, Minnesota, USA |
| Known For | KARE 11, “Bel the Weather Girl” book series |
Early Life and Background
Belinda was born and raised in Prescott, Wisconsin, a small town nestled near the St. Croix River. As one of five siblings, her childhood was rooted in the outdoors, exploring rivers, chasing thunderstorms, and building an early appreciation for nature. Her love for science began in school, where a physics teacher first sparked her interest in weather and the atmosphere. Unlike many who stumbled into broadcasting, Belinda pursued meteorology with clear intent and curiosity.
Belinda Jensen Education
Belinda graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a Bachelor’s degree in Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology. Eager to enhance her skills, she went on to pursue graduate coursework in secondary education at the University of Utah. Her academic background gave her the tools to communicate complex scientific ideas in a way that is both accurate and engaging, an ability that has made her one of the most respected local broadcasters in the U.S.
Belinda Jensen Family
| Relation | Name | Details |
| Husband | David Hopkins | Private citizen, not in media |
| Son | Tanner Hopkins | Born in 2003 |
| Daughter | Tori Hopkins | Born in 2007 |
| Pets | Koda & Kenai | Bernese Mountain Dogs |
| Parents & Siblings | Not publicly named | She is one of five siblings |
Belinda Jensen Career Journey
Belinda began her professional journey with the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, Utah. She then worked at KTVX-TV, an ABC affiliate in Salt Lake City, where she gained valuable on-air experience as a meteorologist and weather producer.
In 1993, she joined KARE 11, an NBC affiliate in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Her professionalism during a live segment covering record-breaking floods instantly earned public and newsroom recognition. She was promoted to Chief Meteorologist in 2005, a position she continues to hold.
She currently anchors:
- KARE 11 News at 5, 6, and 10 PM
- Grow with KARE, a gardening segment
- Minnesota Bound and other lifestyle features
Over the years, Belinda has covered major weather events, natural disasters, and climate trends while also educating the public on safety and preparedness.
Author & Children’s Education Advocate
In addition to her broadcasting career, Belinda is passionate about children’s education. She authored the “Bel the Weather Girl” book series, a collection of educational stories designed to teach young readers about weather in a fun, non-intimidating way. The books address common childhood fears (like thunderstorms or snowstorms) and blend storytelling with scientific accuracy.
Titles include:
- Raindrops on a Roller Coaster
- A Snowstorm Shows Off
- Clouds for Breakfast
…and more.
Her goal is to spark curiosity in STEM subjects among young readers, especially girls.
Belinda Jensen Personal Life and Family
Belinda is married to David Hopkins, and the couple has two children:
- Tanner (born 2003)
- Tori (born 2007)
They live in Edina, Minnesota, along with their beloved Bernese Mountain Dogs, Koda and Kenai. Belinda often shares that family time, nature walks, and community volunteering are central to her life outside work.
Social Media & Public Engagement
Although not a heavy social media user, Belinda is occasionally active on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, mainly sharing educational posts, community initiatives, and weather updates. She also frequently appears at school events, STEM fairs, and charity fundraisers, promoting science literacy and disaster awareness.
Belinda Jensen Net Worth
Belinda Jensen’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million to $5 million, derived from:
Net Worth Table
| Income Source | Estimated Value (USD) |
| Salary from KARE 11 | $90,000 – $120,000 per year |
| Children’s Book Series Royalties | $50,000+ (approximate estimate) |
| Public Speaking & Events | Varies; estimated $10,000+/year |
| Investments & Assets | Confidential |
| Estimated Net Worth | $1 million – $5 million |
Belinda Jensen Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Detail |
| Height | Approx. 5′7″ (170 cm) |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Build | Fit, athletic |
| Style | Professional and warm |
Interesting Facts about Belinda Jensen
- Belinda once interviewed her future mentor, Paul Douglas, as a high school student.
- She covered the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
- Her on-air flood coverage in the 1990s secured her job at KARE 11.
- She’s an advocate for girls in STEM.
- Her children’s book series was inspired by her daughter’s fear of thunderstorms.
- She holds the AMS Seal of Approval for broadcast meteorology.
- Belinda is a skilled public speaker at schools and corporate events.
- She is known for simplifying complex weather for viewers of all ages.
- She grew up in a town of just over 3,000 people.
- She has been with KARE 11 for over 30 years.
FAQs
Q1: Who is Belinda Jensen?
She is the Chief Meteorologist at KARE 11 and author of the Bel the Weather Girl series.
Q2: Where did she grow up?
In Prescott, Wisconsin, a small town near the St. Croix River.
Q3: What books has she written?
She wrote the Bel the Weather Girl children’s book series focused on weather education.
Q4: Is she married?
Yes, to David Hopkins, and they have two children.
Q5: How long has she worked at KARE 11?
Since 1993, totaling over 30 years of service.
Q6: What is her educational background?
She holds a degree in Meteorology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and has done graduate coursework in education.
Q7: Is she involved in community work?
Yes, especially in promoting STEM education and weather safety among children.
Q8: What is her net worth?
Estimated between $1 million $5 million USD.
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