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
Gulf breeze cranks up, storm chances return to Houston next week
Changes are coming as the Gulf breeze cranks up through the weekend, and next week you'll want to keep the umbrella close by.
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.
Texas wildflowers impacted by drought, leads to patchy, shorter season
ABC13 Meteorologist Elyse Smith explains how the weather can impact the spring bloom of wildflowers in Texas.
ABC13 breaks down which factors NASA looks for in launch of Artemis II
While the launch day forecast is determined by Space Force meteorologists in Florida, the rest of the flight, including re-entry 10 days later of Artemis II, is made and monitored by meteorologists at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
El Niño Watch issued, what it could mean for Houston heading into hurricane season
An El Niño Watch has been issued for June through August. ABC13 Meteorologist Elyse Smith breaks down what you need to know about these conditions ahead of hurricane season.
Spring is around the corner, and it's going to be a warm and dry start for Houston
After witnessing one of the coldest St. Patrick's Day mornings in nearly 50 years, temperatures are swinging in the other direction heading into the weekend.
The connection between drought and wildfire risk in southeast Texas, when to be on alert
The risk of wildfire in southeast Texas increases as our current drought conditions are paired with gusty winds and low humidity.