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
Warmer weather is coming before a strong cold front arrives around Thanksgiving
This chilly fall weather stick around for two more days, then we're challenging record highs ahead of a Thanksgiving Day cold front.
Tropical development is not expected during the next seven days
The tropics are quiet in the final days of hurricane season.
Study finds 80% of recent Atlantic hurricanes are stronger due to climate change
Specifically with Hurricane Beryl, researchers' analysis found that Beryl grew 18 mph stronger thanks to human-amplified climate change.
Celebrating National STEM Day at Space Center Houston: 'We are Space City for a reason'
National STEM Day highlights careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, and Space Center Houston marked the occasion with special exhibits and displays.
Houston scientist who played pivotal role in leading team during extreme weather retiring
Over the course of 30 years with the National Weather Service, one Houston scientist has seen a shift in the way people view forecasts, particularly when it comes to hurricanes and severe weather.
Houston's 'Hot-tober' ranks as one of warmest on record for the month
You've probably heard of the term "Hot-tober" going around this month. ABC13 Meteorologist Elyse Smith explains why this October broke a new record.
University of Houston researchers earn USDA grant to help make crops more weather-resilient
ABC13 Meteorologist Elyse Smith visited UH's rooftop greenhouse during a data collection day within phase one of the project, which the USDA now funds to investigate how to make crops more resilient to extreme conditions.
Texas Forest Service prepares for wildfire risk as Houston drought worsens after month without rain
While much of the region, including all of Harris County, is experiencing dry to moderate drought conditions, you can take steps at home to reduce the risk of wildfires spreading.
Rice University launches new coalition, aims to help front-line communities across the Gulf Coast
As sea levels rise, Houston faces an increasing flood risk in the coming years. That's why Rice University is launching a new center to help coastal communities better weather future storms and become more flood-resilient.
October is about to begin, what does this mean for the end to hurricane season for southeast Texas?
Several named systems are in the Atlantic, and areas in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico are being monitored while a La Niña emerges in the Pacific. Here's what active tropics mean for the rest of the hurricane season.