On Friday, February 2 (aka Groundhog Day), we had a blast surprising Action News JAX Mike Buresh for his selection as 2024 National Weatherperson of the Year. Mike’s commitment to excellence and to bringing resilience knowledge to his viewers is inspiring and consistent with outstanding weather professionals across the nation.

Mike describes himself as not just a weather expert but a “weatherholic” whose lifelong passion for meteorology began in his early years in rural Iowa.

After graduating from Iowa State University in 1987, Mike earned the American Meteorological Society’s “Seal of Approval” and has gained a reputation for his precise and timely weather forecasts. His career highlights include providing accurate warnings and tracking information for weather events, including tornadoes, waterspouts, floods, and local tropical cyclones.

Our NWP award committee cited Mike’s enduring support of the resilience cause as central to his selection. As with previous honorees, his commitment to strengthening homes and safeguarding families aligns with his role as a trusted source of information during severe weather events. Thousands of Jacksonville area residents commented on his commitment to keeping them informed and prepared for weather of all kinds.

More than 7,500 of the 24,000 votes for Mike included favorable comments. Here is a sampling:

• As an emergency manager in Mike’s viewing area, he truly goes above and beyond to be a response partner and a genuine part of this community. Mike has augmented my annual pre Hurricane Season training regimen, been a guest speaker at countless regional conferences, and if all of that wasn’t enough, he is also a staunch champion of the children’s cancer fundraising efforts. Mike is genuine – the real deal. He is fully vested in his community and goes the extra mile to make those around him better!
• Mike’s passion for accurate forecasting and his care for and concern for the safety of his viewing audience is evident every time he takes the air. He is the consummate professional and a great human!
• I was raised in Buffalo, NY, where accurate weather information can be the difference between life and death. Once I moved to Jax and saw Mike Buresh handle several major weather events, including Irma, I greatly appreciated his ability to be precise with his information. He has most assuredly saved lives during several severe weather events here in the First Coast.

Since the award announcement, many social media users have reacted and applauded his selection as well.

• @MikeFirstAlert truly deserves every ounce of this praise and then some. Congratulations on winning this national honor! Thank you for sharing your gifts and genuine heart with us all! We love and appreciate you, Mike! @FederalAlliance @CoxMediaGrp #firstalertwx @ActionNewsJax
• Congratulations!!! Well deserved. I’ve been watching Jacksonville TV weathercasts since George Winterling’s days, and you are among the best, sir. ☔️ 🌞
• Congratulations to my former fellow meteorology student from 40 years ago; I am so proud of this acknowledgment! Thank you for sharing your vulnerability!!!!!
• Congratulations on such a special honor. Making a successful career out of a childhood interest is more than most of us do & something to be applauded. We’re all happy you followed your dreams. 🌞⛅️🌧️😎

Our 2024 finalists included Dr. Phil Klotzbach, Research Scientist – Colorado State University (CSU); Bryan Norcross, Meteorologist and Hurricane Specialist – FOX Weather; Nicondra Norwood, Meteorologist – FOX 8 WVUE; and William (Bill) Read, Meteorologist and former Director – National Hurricane Center.

Nominators cited the finalists for outstanding leadership through standout forecasting, education, and life-saving information during extreme weather events. All received high marks from award voters for their contributions to the cause of disaster safety and resilience.

Past National Weatherperson of the Year award winners include:

• 2014 – Jim Cantore, On-Camera Meteorologist, and Co-Host, “AMHQ” – The Weather Channel
• 2015 – Max Mayfield, former National Hurricane Center Director
• 2016 – Alex Garcia, Chief Meteorologist – KABB-TV, San Antonio, TX
• 2017 – Dr. Richard Knabb, Hurricane Expert & Tropical Program Manager – The Weather Channel
• 2018 – Ada Monzón, Chief Meteorologist, AMS Fellow – CBM-WIPR-TV, Puerto Rico
• 2019 – James Spann, Chief Meteorologist – ABC 33/40, Birmingham, AL
• 2020 – Joe Snedeker, Morning Meteorologist – WNEP Newswatch 16, Scranton, PA
• 2021 – Ginger Zee, Chief Meteorologist – ABC News
• 2022 – Ken Graham, Director – National Weather Service
• 2023 – Matthew Cappucci, Meteorologist – MyRadar, Capital Weather Gang

We established this award to coincide with the celebration of National Weatherperson’s Day on February 5, the birthday of the pioneering weather observer John Jeffries. Jeffries’ work in the 1780s paved the way for many aspects of meteorology today.

Make sure to bookmark this link and be ready to vote for the 2025 National Weatherperson of the Year in December.