Today we’d like to introduce you to Dalencia Jenkins
Hi Dalencia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Unlike most meteorologists, I feel like I realized my passion for weather a little later than most. Up until my sophomore year of high school, I was convinced I was going to be an actress on the Disney Channel. But one evening, I was watching tornado outbreak coverage on The Weather Channel, and something inside me clicked.
I was fascinated by several things that night. First, the tornadoes themselves—how did they form? Why were they so common in certain states like those in Tornado Alley? But what truly captivated me was the female meteorologist covering the storm. Her delivery of life-saving information was compelling, and I saw her as both a brilliant scientist and a polished television presence. That moment changed everything for me. From that day forward, I never looked back. My love for weather became such a defining part of my life that family, friends, and relatives all started calling me “the weather girl.”
I attended several weather camps, which only solidified my passion. Eventually, a meteorologist introduced me to what would become my alma mater—Salisbury University. There, I double-majored in Geography & Atmospheric Sciences and Communication Arts Multimedia Journalism. I was heavily involved in SUTV, serving as a student meteorologist and later as an E-board member. Salisbury and the Delmarva Peninsula became my home for the first six years of my adult life.
Right after college, I landed my first on-air TV Meteorologist job at WBOC in Salisbury, MD. I soaked up every second at this well-respected station and formed lifelong friendships. Now, I’m in Baltimore at WBAL, another highly regarded station in Maryland. I love the people I work with and often reflect on the vision I had for myself back when I first dreamed of being a TV meteorologist. It’s an incredible feeling knowing that I’m making that little girl—little Dalencia—so proud.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was raised in the church, and my faith has always been a central part of my life. I believe that it’s through God’s grace, mercy, and favor that I am where I am today. Along the way, there have been challenges, but they’ve ultimately helped shape me into both a stronger person and a better meteorologist.
One recurring challenge has been overcoming imposter syndrome. I was fortunate to advance in my career fairly quickly, but I often second-guessed myself on even the most basic things. Over time, I’ve built more confidence in my abilities, and now I’m focused on learning from the incredible professionals in broadcasting who I am lucky to be surrounded by.
Another challenge, common in broadcasting, is handling negative opinions from viewers. As a young Black woman on TV, I’ve occasionally encountered criticism online, in emails, and even through letters, whether it’s about my appearance or my forecasting abilities. Through these experiences, I’ve learned that while criticism can feel loud at times, there are always many more people in your corner supporting you. I’ve been fortunate to receive encouragement from so many, and I try to make sure I express my gratitude for that. Over time, I’ve also learned how to better differentiate between genuinely helpful feedback and comments that aren’t constructive.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a broadcast meteorologist at WBAL-TV 11 News in Baltimore, where I have been forecasting the weather for the Baltimore area since January 2023. You can catch me on air every weekend morning starting at 5 AM, and I also fill in on other shifts, including the noon shows on some weekdays.
Beyond forecasting, one of the most rewarding parts of my job is engaging with the community, especially through school visits and career days. I love speaking with the next generation about meteorology, weather safety, and the science behind forecasting. It’s something I’m incredibly passionate about because not too long ago, I was in their seats, attending camps and looking up to meteorologists who took the time to inspire me.
I am most proud of these presentations and the connections I make with students. When parents reach out to tell me their daughters see me as a role model, it means everything to me. I don’t take that responsibility lightly, and I hope to continue inspiring young minds to explore careers in STEM.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I feel incredibly blessed to not only be working my dream job but also to be doing it alongside people I truly call friends. Work brings me so much happiness, but outside of that, I love exploring new Baltimore restaurants with friends and spending time with my little brother, who is finishing up his MBA at Morgan State University.
Being on this side of the Bay Bridge also makes me happy because it means I can take a quick trip down I-95 to visit my parents. Another simple joy of mine is watching aircraft land at the Thomas A. Dixon Jr. Aircraft Observation Area at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weatherwoman98/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weatherwoman98
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalencia-jenkins-a35255171
- Twitter: https://x.com/DalenciaWBAL
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@weatherwoman98?lang=en
