Q: What made you decide to go in the field of telling the weather?
BS: In small TV markets, you try a lot of different positions. I was a producer, anchor, breaking news reporter and features reporter. One day my news director asks me to deliver the weather. It was a great fit! I always loved math and science, I never really knew it was an option-I never met a TV meteorologist and that became the motivation for me to write my children’s book The Meteorologist in Me. While working full-time, I went back to school to attain my Certificate of Broadcast Meteorology. I believe weather is a great equalizer. No matter your socioeconomic level or background, almost everyone is curious about the weather.

Q: What is a typical day like for you?
BS: TV news has strange hours! I don’t come into work until 3:30p and I get home around midnight. My day starts around 10am catching up on the news I missed through the night and checking our computer weather models. I head to the gym or out for a jog and then it’s time for work. People always ask about hair and makeup - we do it ourselves! So we always have to carve out time for that at the station. Once everything is all set, I produce my own graphics. It’s always important to check in with producers so we have a good understanding about the weather story and its importance in the show on that particular day. For example, if we are dealing with wildfires or an atmospheric river event with flooding rains expected, my weathercasts move to the top of the show. Each day can be different- that’s the fun part about working in local news. A true highlight from my time here in the Bay Area was flying with the Blue Angels over Oakland. You just never know where a job in local news will take you!

Q: When you’re out and about and people recognize you … is there that one question you always get asked?
BS: The one question I was asked last winter was, “How much more rain are we going to get?”

My first full Bay area winter (2016-2017) was the second rainiest ever recorded in California- pulling us out of a drought in the Bay Area. This is the second time I have tracked a historical winter. My first full winter in Philadelphia (my tv market before moving here) ended up being the second snowiest on record. I am starting to think severe weather follows me. Now, the new question this year is...when are we going to get some rain?

Q: I understand you’ve filled in for several national newscasts. Tell us about the adjustment going from local weather to national?
BS: When you fill in nationally, it’s all about broad strokes. You get about 30 seconds to 1 minute to deliver weather highlights for the entire nation. Short and sweet is the name of the game. It’s exciting because my family and friends can see me. It’s always a cool moment.

Q: What are some of the challenges you feel women face today?
BS: Women in media face online bullying or unwarranted comments about our attire and appearance. It’s a difficult part of the job you have to deal with, but if you love what you do it’s such a small piece of the puzzle.

Q: Do you have any advice you can share for those women who may want to purse a career as a Meteorologist?
BS: Do it! I wrote a children’s book called, The Meteorologist in Me. The purpose is to encourage young girls to go into science related fields like meteorology. It’s important for students to be able to read a book that features a strong, smart female lead character. My favorite community service is taking the time to go to schools to answer questions about our industry .It’s a true joy to share my passion for weather and TV news with young minds.

Q: What do you like the most about living in the Bay Area?  
BS: The Bay Area is one of the most beautiful places in the world! I love walking by the water along The Embarcadero on my dinner break. I love taking weekend trips to wine country, Big Sur, Carmel, and Lake Tahoe. I love the restaurants & dancing in Oakland. I love watching the fog roll in along the Golden Gate Bridge. I especially love my neighborhood watching sailboats in Sausalito.

Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work-life balance?
BS: Easy…my motto is: Work hard, play harder. I love my career but also try to remember to nurture the important relationships and friendships in my life. Happiness is in the balance so I prioritize it. Plus, traveling is my true love. I have been to over 25 countries and counting. I try to add a new country every year.

Five Things About Brittney Shipp

1. When you were 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I have always known I wanted to be a storyteller- whether in newspaper or TV news. I would always write down my experiences after family vacations. I think being a TV meteorologist is similar to being a scientific storyteller. You have to find an interesting way to tell the weather story every night to the viewers that invite you into their home.

2. What’s your favorite Movie?
My favorite movie is Somewhere in Time. It’s a little random but I have always loved it.

3. Where's your dream vacation?
My dream vacation is the Maldives!

4. Do you have any hidden talents you share with us?
I picked up the saxophone a few years ago. I play a mean Mary Had a Little Lamb!

5. Do you have a pet? If so, can you share something about them?
I have the sweetest rescue pug named Bella. Her tongue is always hanging out. One look at her and it brings a smile to my face every time.