Elyse Smith
Growing up in the Chicagoland area, Elyse's interest in weather was sparked by a tornado siren that was next to her backyard at her childhood home. Her curiosity for the weather never ceased, eventually leading her to Valparaiso University in Northwest Indiana from which she graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Meteorology with minors in Mathematics & Theatre in 2017. While attending Valpo, Elyse gained experience through her internships with James Spann and Tom Skilling, and served as the Social Chair, Vice President, and President of the Northwest Indiana Chapter of the AMS/NWA. After graduation, she stayed involved with both the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and National Weather Association (NWA), volunteering on several boards and even presenting at national conferences. Elyse is currently serving as the Program Chair of the AMS Early Career Leadership Academy, from which she is a graduate of as well.
And when she's is not at the office or out in the stormy weather, Elyse enjoys yoga, reading a great book, and attempting new recipes. Her favorite sport is football, but don't blame her if her NFL team loyalties lie outside of Texas. And as an avid cruiser, she's ready to plan a vacation from Galveston! Elyse is looking forward to exploring Houston and discovering what this part of the world has to offer.
Elyse's Stories
Rain chances remain slim, Saharan haze expected to blow into Houston
Rain chances remain slim to none for the rest of June, but we do see a pattern change bringing rain chances higher in early July.
How the weather can impact the air quality in Houston
It's on hot, dry, and calm summer days when the air quality across Houston can dip into unhealthy levels for residents.
Tropical development is not expected as a large plume of Saharan dust covers the Atlantic basin
Tropical development is not expected as a large plume of Saharan dust covers the Atlantic basin
Only on 13: Study finds how human-caused sea level rise contributes to frequent coastal flooding
A study released in the journal Science Advances details how a specific element of climate change is leading to extreme water levels across the globe, such as coastal flooding in Southeast Texas.
What is interstate-induced clouds and why do they form over Houston?
Recently weather satellites were able to pick up a layer of clouds that seemed to form right over local highways and the city of Houston.
ABC13 meteorologist provides perspective for Houston on 2026 hurricane season through analog years
The 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook is here, and it hints at a potentially below average season in terms of activity.
Hurricane Preparedness: Understanding potential risks in Southeast Texas
During this Hurricane Preparedness Week, the ABC13 Weather Team is here to help you get ready for the next six months of the year, including identifying potential risks, making a plan, and staying informed.
National Hurricane Center updates forecast products ahead of 2026 season
The National Hurricane Center has unveiled a few changes to some of its forecast products that will begin in the 2026 hurricane season.
2016 Tax Day flood study highlights expansive flood threat for Houston, Harris County
This month marks 10 years since the Tax Day flood decimated portions of southeast Texas. A team of researchers at Rice University is learning more about what the impact would be if the flood were to hit today.
Splashdown for Artemis II looking good, but NASA monitors Pacific storm that could impact landing
The conditions for the Artemis II spacecraft's return to Earth have to be as precise as possible, and NASA's meteorologists are relying on the West Coast's reliably perfect weather to welcome Orion home.