Unlike his KELOLAND Storm Center colleagues – who claim they decided on a weather career during childhood – Jay started his television career very differently. He was a sportscaster in North Dakota, and then moved to KELOLAND to work in the news department in 1985. He transitioned to the Storm Center full-time in the 1990s. 

Jay has spoken about KELOLAND weather events all over the US and overseas. He has attended world conferences in Europe and at the United Nations, and testified about weather communication before the Commerce Committee of the U.S. Senate. 

He is currently the chairman of the International Association of Broadcast Meteorology, based in Dublin, Ireland. Previously, he served as Commissioner on Professional Affairs for the American Meteorological Society for six years, overseeing the certification programs for the 13-thousand member society.  

In his current capacity as chief meteorologist at KELOLAND Media Group, he has been interviewed by several major American newspapers, and by national television networks in a few foreign countries. He has also taught physical climatology and meteorology at South Dakota State University. 

Jay’s formal credentials include the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist and Certified Consulting Meteorologist designations from the American Meteorological Society, and National Weather Association Broadcast Seal of Approval. His diplomas are from St. John’s University (B.A.), Mississippi State University (M.A.), and South Dakota State University (Ph.D. in Atmospheric, Environmental, and Water Resources). 

Awards: 

Television Emmy Awards: “Individual Excellence – Weather Anchor,” National Television Academy, Upper Midwest Chapter, 2023, 2014, 2010, 2006, 2004 and 2001. Emmy Award for “Best Weathercast” in 2010. Additional weather anchor and weathercast Emmy nominations in 2018, 2015, 2014 (2), 2013, 2011 (2), 2009, 2007, 2005 and 2002. 

“Best Weathercast,” medium market, Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association (formerly NBNA). First place 2009, 2007, 2005, 2001, 1999, and 1998; Award of Merit 2014, 2013, 2010, 2004, 2003 and 2000. 

“Broadcaster of the Year,” National Weather Association, 2001. 

“Award for Excellence in Meteorological Broadcasting,” International Association of Broadcast Meteorology, 2011. 

Elected “Fellow of the American Meteorological Society,” 2014.