Lindsey Slater Biography: Age, Height, Husband, WISN 12 Career, Weather Expert and more

Lindsey Slater is a respected American meteorologist and weather forecaster who built a notable career in broadcast journalism, most recently serving as the early morning meteorologist at WISN-TV (Channel 12) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A Milwaukee native who returned to her hometown after gaining experience in the Deep South and Midwest, Slater became a familiar face to Wisconsin viewers through her relatable on-air style and dedication to keeping communities informed about severe weather. Her unexpected departure from WISN in February 2026 marked the end of nearly a decade with the station, leaving viewers curious about her next chapter.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Lindsey Slater was born on May 15, 1986, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she spent her early childhood before her family moved to Franklin, Wisconsin, when she was in third grade. Growing up in the Milwaukee suburbs, Slater developed what would become a lifelong fascination with weather at a remarkably young age. Her earliest weather memory involves crawling out of her brother’s bedroom window onto her family’s roof with a camera to capture images of approaching storms—an activity she now professionally advises against.

Her passion for meteorology was ignited in fourth grade when her parents bought her a camera specifically for shooting dark clouds and severe weather over their house. “It was a pretty good indicator that I thought weather would be cool,” she later reflected. “Severe weather is fascinating. It can change on a dime.”

Slater attended Franklin High School, graduating in the Class of 2004. Initially, she did not envision meteorology as a career path. Instead, she enrolled at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire in 2004 with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian. However, by her third semester, she found herself unfulfilled despite good grades.

The pivotal moment came when her then-boyfriend (now husband) Mark posed a simple question during one of her weather-related “freakouts” over a storm approaching Eau Claire: “Can you do anything with that, with the weather?” When he suggested she could become like Mark Baden, the chief meteorologist at WISN 12 in Milwaukee, a new career path opened before her.

Slater transferred back home to Carroll University (then Carroll College) in Waukesha, Wisconsin, continuing a family legacy—her father, Dennis Slater, had graduated from Carroll in 1980, and her aunt, Dina (Slater) Ziegenhorn, graduated in 1989. At Carroll, she found the personal connection to professors that had been missing at the larger university. She graduated in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science: Resource Management.

Her education continued while she worked in television. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University in 2010, and later completed a Master of Science in Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management from Millersville University of Pennsylvania. She also holds a Space Weather Certificate, demonstrating her comprehensive approach to atmospheric sciences.

Career Journey

Early Career and Internships (2006–2009)

Slater’s professional meteorology career began with strategic internships during her time at Carroll University. In September 2006, she interned at WISN-TV Channel 12 in Milwaukee—the very station where she would later build her career—working under Chief Meteorologist Mark Baden. This internship proved transformative; as she described it, “The internship with Baden was a game changer. I could totally see myself doing this. It would be scary as heck to get there but could be a lot of fun.”

Additional internships included:

• National Weather Service in Sullivan (March 2007–January 2008)
• WKOW-TV Channel 27 in Madison (May 2008–January 2009)
• Weather Central (August 2008–January 2009) as a graphics assembler, preparing text outlines to accompany weather map graphics for TV clients

WDBD-TV Jackson, Mississippi (2009–2012)

In 2009, shortly after her wedding, Slater and her husband Mark moved to Jackson, Mississippi, for her first on-air television position at Fox affiliate WDBD-TV. She started as a morning meteorologist in February 2009 and later added co-host duties for “Fox 40 A.M.” from January 2011 to June 2012.

Her time in Mississippi provided crucial experience covering severe weather, including the historic tornado outbreak of April 27, 2011, major flooding along the Mississippi River, winter storms, and hurricane coverage. These experiences in the Deep South’s volatile weather patterns would prove invaluable throughout her career.

KSPR-TV Springfield, Missouri (2012–2016)

In 2012, Slater and Mark relocated to Springfield, Missouri, where she served as morning and midday meteorologist for KSPR 33 News. Her arrival came one year after an EF-5 tornado devastated nearby Joplin, placing her in a region hyper-aware of severe weather threats. During her four years there, she covered everything from severe storms to snow and ice events, further honing her forecasting skills.

Return to Milwaukee: WISN-TV (2016–2026)

Slater returned to her hometown in June 2016, joining WISN 12 News as a weekday morning and weekend evening meteorologist. This homecoming fulfilled a personal and professional goal. As she explained, “My husband and I wanted to come back because I have a brother with two daughters and they’re growing up, and he’s got a brother with two sons and we wanted to be there for family… We couldn’t come home for the little things, like Easter brunch or Christmas breakfast.”

Her return also allowed her to reconnect with her mother, whom she describes as “like my best friend,” with weekly get-togethers for baking and volunteering together at the Wisconsin Humane Society.

In July 2019, Slater was promoted to early morning meteorologist (4:30–7:00 a.m.) on “12 News This Morning,” taking over the role when predecessor Sally Severson reduced her schedule. She also appeared on “12 News at 11.”

During her tenure at WISN, Slater became known for her relatable, conversational on-air style. Chief Meteorologist Mark Baden described her approach as making weather “about them”—the viewers. She famously used accessible language like “ponytail day” for windy weather or explaining that cold wind “is just going to hurt your face.”

Slater also leveraged her Carroll University connections to benefit both institutions, advocating for the installation of a WISN weather camera on campus—one of 22 Skycams used by the station. This partnership provided daily visibility for Carroll while enhancing WISN’s weather coverage capabilities.

Beyond broadcasting, she served as an adjunct professor at Carroll University, teaching the next generation of meteorologists and environmental scientists.

Professional Certifications and Memberships

• National Weather Association TV Weathercaster Seal of Approval #1604075
• American Meteorological Society Member
• Space Weather Certificate (Millersville University)

Departure from WISN-TV (February 2026)

On February 27, 2026, viewers noticed Slater’s absence from the morning newscast. Subsequent reports confirmed she was “no longer with” WISN-TV. Her profile was removed from the station’s website, and her LinkedIn page was updated to reflect her departure.

WISN-TV President and General Manager Shawn Oswald informed staff that a nationwide search had been launched for her replacement, though neither the station nor Slater provided public comment on the circumstances of her departure—a standard practice for personnel matters in broadcast journalism.

As of early 2026, Slater has not announced her next professional move, leaving her future plans a subject of speculation among Milwaukee viewers and industry observers.

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

Lindsey Slater married her longtime boyfriend Mark in 2008, shortly after her graduation from Carroll University. Mark served in the military for 20 years, including four deployments, one local activation, and one State Emergency Duty.

The couple’s early marriage involved significant relocations for Slater’s career—first to Mississippi in 2009, then to Missouri in 2012, before finally returning to Wisconsin in 2016. Through these moves, they maintained a strong partnership centered on mutual support for each other’s careers and shared interests.

Pets and Animal Advocacy

Slater and Mark are devoted “cat parents” to three cats: Ripley, Flynn, and Sway—all adopted from the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS). Their first cat, Maverick, was adopted from the Mississippi Animal Rescue League during their time in Jackson.

Animal welfare is a cornerstone of Slater’s community involvement. She volunteers regularly at the Wisconsin Humane Society alongside her mother, and her cats’ status as “WHS Alums” reflects her commitment to adoption and rescue organizations.

Hobbies and Interests

Slater maintains a diverse range of interests outside meteorology:

• Fitness: She spends considerable time at the gym lifting weights, maintaining the physical stamina necessary for early morning broadcast schedules.
• Baking: She regularly bakes sweets with her mother, continuing a family tradition.
• Film: She is a “certified movie buff” who enjoys visiting Marcus Theaters with her husband.
• Automotive: She and Mark attend car shows together, sharing an interest in automobiles.
• Storm Photography: Though she professionally advises against dangerous weather chasing, she maintains her childhood passion for photographing storms through safe, controlled means.

Fashion Philosophy

Unlike many television personalities, Slater has been refreshingly candid about her discomfort with fashion expectations. “I am not a fashion person. Like zero fashion,” she admitted in a 2018 interview. She expressed particular frustration with the industry shift toward dresses, stating, “I hate dresses,” and preferred the simplicity of her early career wardrobe of black blazers and dress pants.

Physical Statistics

Slater has a visible tattoo that reads “This too shall pass,” symbolizing resilience and hope—a fitting motto for someone who has built a career tracking nature’s most powerful and unpredictable phenomena.

Quotes

“The internship with Baden was a game changer. I could totally see myself doing this. It would be scary as heck to get there but could be a lot of fun.” — On her pivotal internship at WISN

“Severe weather is fascinating. It can change on a dime.” — On her passion for meteorology

“It’s more about learning to appreciate every part of the journey. It’s not the end yet. Don’t feel like you’ve gotten to your goal. Where you are at this moment is where you are supposed to be.” — From her keynote speech at Carroll University’s 2019 Alumnae Leadership Luncheon

“I am not a fashion person. Like zero fashion… I hate dresses.” — On her personal style

“I know all the science behind it, and if you ask me I can get super ‘sciencey,’ but at the end of the day, I will say, for example, ‘You know what, the wind is going to be so bad and it’s going to be so cold it’s just going to hurt your face.'” — On making weather relatable

Favorites

• Activities: Weightlifting, baking, storm photography (safely), movie watching, car shows
• Places: Marcus Theaters, Wisconsin Humane Society, Carroll University campus
• Food: Baked sweets (made with her mother)
• Weather Phenomena: Severe storms, tornadoes (from a safe, professional distance)
• Fashion: Black blazers, professional pantsuits (avoiding dresses)
• Community Causes: Wisconsin Humane Society, animal rescue and adoption

Earnings and Net Worth

Lindsey Slater has built a solid financial foundation through her nearly two-decade career in broadcast meteorology. Her estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $3 million, accumulated through:

• Television salaries at multiple stations (WDBD-TV, KSPR-TV, WISN-TV)
• Adjunct professorship at Carroll University
• Speaking engagements and community appearances
• Potential consulting work given her emergency management expertise

During her tenure at WISN-TV, her annual salary was estimated between $45,000 and $120,000, consistent with experienced meteorologists in mid-sized markets.

Her educational background in crisis and emergency management also positions her for potential consulting work with emergency management agencies, disaster preparedness organizations, or corporate risk management—avenues that could significantly increase her earning potential post-broadcasting.

Interesting Facts

1. Third-Generation Carroll Pioneer: Slater continues a family tradition at Carroll University, where her father (Dennis ’80) and aunt (Dina ’89) also graduated.
2. Roof-Top Beginnings: Her earliest weather photography involved climbing onto her family roof through her brother’s bedroom window to capture storms—an origin story she now uses to emphasize weather safety.
3. Veterinary Dreams: She initially pursued veterinary medicine before her husband’s observation redirected her toward meteorology.
4. Military Spouse Challenges: Her husband’s 20-year military career included four deployments, requiring Slater to balance her own career ambitions with the unique challenges of military family life.
5. Cat Adoption Advocate: All three of her cats are Wisconsin Humane Society alumni, and she regularly volunteers there with her mother.
6. Fashion Rebel: She has openly resisted the television industry’s shift toward dresses for female meteorologists, preferring practical blazers and pants.
7. Space Weather Expert: She holds a specialized Space Weather Certificate, demonstrating expertise in solar activity and atmospheric phenomena beyond typical broadcast meteorology.
8. Master’s Level Education: Unlike many broadcast meteorologists who stop at bachelor’s degrees, Slater pursued a master’s in crisis/emergency/disaster management, positioning her as an expert in severe weather response and preparedness.
9. Early Morning Specialist: She thrived in the demanding 4:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. time slot for over six years—a schedule known for burning out many broadcasters.
10. Community Connector: Her advocacy brought a WISN Skycam to Carroll University, creating a lasting partnership between her alma mater and employer.

Did You Know?

• Slater covered the historic April 27, 2011 tornado outbreak while working in Jackson, Mississippi—one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history.
• She arrived in Springfield, Missouri, just one year after the devastating EF-5 Joplin tornado, giving her immediate experience in tornado-recovery coverage.
• She has been a member of the American Meteorological Society’s Committee on the Station Scientist, contributing to professional standards in broadcast meteorology.
• Her departure from WISN in February 2026 coincided with her nearly 10-year anniversary with the station (June 2016–February 2026).
• She is one of the few broadcast meteorologists with both broadcast meteorology degrees and advanced degrees in emergency management.

Social Media Links

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lindseyslater — Updated to reflect departure from WISN-TV
• WISN 12 Alumni Page: Formerly featured at wisn.com/news-team
• Carroll University Alumni Network: Active member and adjunct professor
• Instagram/Twitter: Limited public presence; maintains professional focus through LinkedIn

Note: Slater maintains a relatively low social media profile compared to many television personalities, focusing on professional networking rather than personal brand building.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Lindsey Slater?
Lindsey Slater is 39 years old as of 2026. She was born on May 15, 1986, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Is Lindsey Slater still at WISN-TV?
No, Lindsey Slater departed WISN-TV (Channel 12) in February 2026. She last appeared on February 27, 2026, and has since been removed from the station’s staff page. Her next career move has not been publicly announced.

Who is Lindsey Slater’s husband?
Lindsey is married to Mark, a military veteran who served for 20 years with four deployments. They met while students at Carroll University and married in 2008.

What is Lindsey Slater’s educational background?
Slater holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from Carroll University (2008), a B.S. in Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University (2010), an M.S. in Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Management from Millersville University of Pennsylvania, and a Space Weather Certificate.

Does Lindsey Slater have children?
No, Lindsey and Mark do not have children. They are pet parents to three cats: Ripley, Flynn, and Sway, all adopted from the Wisconsin Humane Society.

What is Lindsey Slater’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is between $1 million and $3 million, accumulated through her career as a broadcast meteorologist and adjunct professor.

Where did Lindsey Slater work before WISN?
Before joining WISN-TV in 2016, Slater worked at KSPR-TV in Springfield, Missouri (2012–2016) and WDBD-TV in Jackson, Mississippi (2009–2012). She also interned at WKOW-TV in Madison, the National Weather Service, and WISN-TV itself during her college years.

Why did Lindsey Slater leave WISN-TV?
Neither Slater nor WISN-TV has publicly commented on the specific reasons for her departure. The station confirmed she was “no longer with” the station and launched a search for her replacement. Personnel matters in broadcasting are typically kept confidential.

What is Lindsey Slater doing now?
As of February 2026, Slater has not announced her next professional move. She updated her LinkedIn profile to reflect her departure from WISN but has not indicated future plans.

Does Lindsey Slater have any tattoos?
Yes, Slater has a tattoo that reads “This too shall pass,” symbolizing resilience and hope.

Conclusion

Lindsey Slater’s career exemplifies the modern broadcast meteorologist—scientifically trained, community-connected, and professionally versatile. From her childhood photographing storms from her brother’s bedroom window to her decade-long tenure at Milwaukee’s WISN-TV, she has maintained an authentic connection to weather and the people it affects.

Her departure from WISN in February 2026 closes a significant chapter in Milwaukee television history. Whether she pursues another broadcasting opportunity, leverages her emergency management expertise in a new field, or focuses on her adjunct teaching and community advocacy, Slater leaves behind a legacy of reliable forecasting, educational outreach, and genuine connection with viewers.

Her story reminds us that meteorology is ultimately about people—keeping them safe, informed, and prepared. As she once told an audience of aspiring professionals, “It’s more about learning to appreciate every part of the journey.” For Lindsey Slater, that journey continues, even if the destination remains unannounced.

If you found this biography informative, please share it with fellow weather enthusiasts, Milwaukee television viewers, and anyone interested in the fascinating world of broadcast meteorology.