In the first study of its kind, USGS researchers have found that frogs, toads and salamanders are disappearing from their habitats in the U.S. at an "alarming" rate.
On TV: Personalities
The Weather Network's popular commuter reporter is no stranger to traffic jams. Tom spent 19 years with the Toronto Transit Authority as their media communications and traffic commuter expert. Like many of his colleagues, Tom received his formal on-air training at Ryerson University. Since then, he has become a well-known voice and face on radio and television stations in Toronto. Tom is the veteran on-air personality of The Weather Network, having been on-air since 1995. On The Weather Network, he has 300 traffic cameras at his disposal -- the most extensive network in Southern Ontario. Tom monitors hundreds of emergency communications and transit operations to provide viewers with the latest conditions for their daily commute. Tom and his wife Theresa live in Georgetown and have three daughters and one son. You'll find Tom on weekday mornings on The Weather Network. Tom Reynolds
Suzanne's warm and intelligent presentation has been a mainstay of The Weather Network's broadcast schedule since 1998. Her passion for communication, meteorology, news and lifelong learning make a winning combination for this broadcaster. Suzanne has traveled extensively across Canada and overseas including Europe, India and Australia, and incorporates that first hand knowledge into her presentation. Like many Canadian immigrants, her introduction to winter was dramatic and abrupt. An October blizzard swooped down on Montreal, leaving 10-year-old Suzanne and her little sister to battle their way home from school on foot. Suzanne enjoyed teaching television studio production at Sheridan College and the experience of mentoring young television and film professionals. She has also been a volunteer teacher of English as a second language. She has an extensive broadcast career which includes 10 years with TVOntario's Gemini Award-winning current affairs and children's programs. Suzanne holds a bachelor's degree in Radio and Television Arts from Ryerson University. While she's come to love Canadian winters, summer is her favourite season. You'll often find her by a lake, working in her garden, hiking or backcountry canoeing. She keeps fit year-round with jogging, yoga and an active lifestyle. Suzanne is a self-described outdoor fanatic and spends as much time as possible outdoors, balancing being active with relaxation and solitude. Catch Suzanne on weekday afternoons on The Weather Network. Suzanne Leonard
Nathan Coleman was born in St. John's, Newfoundland but likes to say he grew up near France (St.Pierre et Miquelon) in the community of Grand Bank. He moved to Rothesay, New Brunswick when he was in third grade and got an early start in journalism as a paperboy for the Telegraph Journal. After graduating from Saint John High School, he moved to Nova Scotia to obtain a degree in sociology from Dalhousie University. He returned to New Brunswick during summer sessions to work on 'The Pierre Helene', a fishing boat docked in Beaver Harbour. He studied journalism at NBCC in Woodstock, N.B. from 2005 to 2007 and completed an internship at CTV in Halifax. He stayed on at CTV and worked as a Video Journalist for the next two years before moving to South Korea in 2009. He taught English there as he traveled throughout Southeast Asia and also directed a short documentary about life at an English kindergarten in the Gangnam neighborhood of Seoul. He appeared LIVE from Seoul on CP24 after the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il to discuss rising political uncertainty on the Korean Peninsula. He's happy to be backing home in Atlantic Canada and is excited to share stories about the weather and people living in the place he considers the friendliest on earth. Nathan Coleman
Nicole believes that all Canadians share a deep interest in the weather because of the profound effect it has on our daily lives. The weather can play a positive role, but can also be the root of many disastrous situations. This powerful relationship that we have with the weather compels us to study its phenomenon on a daily basis. Some of Nicole's favorite memories outdoors include a big family ski trip to the beautiful hills of Mont Tremblant, summers lake side at camp in Ontario and an unforgettable rainy spring in Vancouver studying voice work at the UBC campus. Nicole's path to broadcasting started as a love for arts and drama, which led her to study Theatre at Queen's University. Upon completing her degree, Nicole returned to her native Toronto and pursued roles in both theatre and film. However, through years of auditions, Nicole found herself drawn to hosting work instead and began working as a presenter for various networks such as Global, Rogers and The Score Television Network. From this experience her passion for broadcasting grew; in order to hone her skills as an on-air presenter, Nicole enrolled in the Broadcast Journalism program at Seneca College. Nicole was offered a position at The Weather Network in 2009. She is very enthusiastic to be a part of such an esteemed weather information team. In her role as a weather broadcaster, Nicole is committed to provide accurate, informative and enjoyable forecasts for years to come. One of Nicole's top travel goals is to take the time to travel across Canada to experience each beautiful province. You can catch Nicole on weekday evenings on The Weather Network. Nicole Karkic
Born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario, Gary Archibald is happy to be back in Canada on The Weather Network covering stories about Canadian weather and sharing in its ongoing, fascinating saga. Gary's original career path was focused on science - he graduated with a B.Sc. (Hon) from the University of Toronto, and had thoughts of becoming a psychologist. However, his first loves of photography and the art of telling stories with pictures and sound have led him in an entirely different direction... After pursuing photographic work professionally, Gary found himself working in front of the camera as a model and actor. He has modeled for Roots Canada, Sony, Harry Rosen, Danier Leather and many other high-profile clients. Gary has also appeared in numerous television commercials, and he made his motion picture debut in 2004's hit comedy Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle. Realizing a potential career in media, Gary went back to school to study Broadcast Journalism at Centennial College. After starting his career as a television writer and editor, he returned to working in front of the camera, this time as a reporter and anchor. He started with Rogers Television, covering junior hockey with the Ontario Hockey League, then with The Weather Network (2002-2004), Global Television, and the A-Channel. From the top media market in Canada to the top media market in America and the world, NBC scouted Gary in 2006, which is when he went off to work in the Big Apple. For three years Gary was a mainstay for the NBC Universal family of top-rated programs and networks. Gary enjoys playing football (which he also coaches), hockey, baseball, tennis and downhill skiing. He loves to listen to music, paint and write poetry. Fall is his favourite season. You can catch Gary on weekday evenings on The Weather Network. Gary Archibald
Is there anything more fun than weather? It's like sports: the situation is always changing, people are always either rooting for or against it, and (as long as our Earth keeps spinning) anything can happen. I joined The Weather Network family back in 2006 after six years in radio, four years at another television station and, before that, four years in the entertainment world. I came to performance by way of stage - first as an actor and then growing as a comedian and professional public speaker. My mother was a dance teacher and my dad, an engineer who moved us all over the world. I have been in sandstorms in Saudi Arabia, hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, strange coastal anomalies in southern Spain and a tornado in Barrie back in '85. I graduated on the Dean's Honour List and with an Award for Academic Excellence from Mohawk College's Communications Program. Since being at The Weather Network I have: quickly achieved my CMOS accreditation , assisted in launching our Sirius Satellite Radio feed, filed active weather reports and news reports as well as assisted in producing specialty programming segments. When I am not working weather angles, I am a huge fan of the arts and sports. I love soccer (futbol) and before work, I can be found at my favourite neighbourhood park running drills...then drilling soccer balls into the net. Learning comedy from some amazing touring artists, I went on to attend two years at the Second City Comedy Improv School in Toronto, then formed a comedy troupe of my own that I wrote for and played in for five years. I try to bring a bit of levity to my daily afternoon broadcasts (on and off the camera) and to my daily tweets. Weather can be funny and serious at the same time; think of the cruel joke Chinook winds are to Calgary; think of the fact that the Great Lakes are ice cold for most of the summer - then by winter they have heated up nicely, only to now work as a lake effect snow engine! Hilarious....and I love it! Chris Mei
Kim MacDonald is a familiar face to anyone who watches The Weather Network. She made her debut in May 1998, the first day The Weather Network began broadcasting nationally from its new home in Mississauga. A native of St. Catharines, Ontario in the beautiful Niagara region, Kim attended Brock University where she received her BA in Culture and Language Communications. She continued her education in the radio/television/film course at Niagara College, and has since earned her . Kim's first jobs were in radio as a news announcer and morning show co-host first at CHOW in Welland and then on to 610CKTB and 97.7 HTZ FM. In her spare time, Kim volunteered at the local cable station, honing her skills as a television journalist, while still working full time in radio. Kim loves the great outdoors but will not turn down an all inclusive resort somewhere warm! Catch Kim on weekday mornings on The Weather Network. Kim MacDonald
Chris Scott is a meteorologist and forecast operations manager at The Weather Network. Chris first joined The Weather Network as a part-time meteorologist in 1998, before rejoining full-time in 2000 after completing his Master's. You can see Chris on The Weather Network during special interviews and active weather coverage. Chris leads a dedicated staff of 24 meteorologists who produce thousands of weather forecasts daily for television, web, wireless, and numerous commercial clients across Canada. Prior to his current position, Chris co-anchored the prime-time television slot at The Weather Network for four years and has been featured as an expert on Canada AM and Discovery, and has been interviewed for numerous radio shows and newspapers. Additionally, he was the project leader on the first phase of a national lightning detection network installed by The Weather Network in 2007. Chris has a Master of Science degree in Atmospheric and Space Science from The University of Michigan and a Combined Honours degree in Atmospheric Chemistry and Atmospheric Science from York University. He has presented at scientific conferences and has published papers on lake-effect snow and air quality. Chris' research interests encompass high-impact weather events such as tornadoes, lightning, hail, hurricanes, and winter storms. Chris Scott
Martin Bélanger is a meteorologist and The Weather Network's Briefing Services manager. Martin leads a team of 30 meteorologists who provide custom graphics, forecast products and consultation services for television, web and numerous commercial clients across Canada. Prior to his current position, Martin managed the meteorology department at MétéoMédia, The Weather Network's French counterpart in Montréal. He was also an on-air meteorologist and severe weather specialist covering tornadoes, hurricanes and winter storms for MétéoMédia. Martin has been featured as an expert on CBC, CTV, Global, TVA, TQS and numerous radio stations. He has also been quoted in many newspapers. Additionally, Martin was responsible for the planning and management of the installation of lightning sensors and operation of our national lightning detection network. Fascinated by the diverse atmospheric phenomena, Martin graduated from the University of Québec in Montréal with a bachelor's degree in Mathematics-Meteorology. He has also completed studies in radio and television. Martin is a member of the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographical Society , the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association. Martin Bélanger
Kevin received an Honours Bachelor of Arts from York University and also attended the Ryerson School of Journalism. He then worked at Rogers Cable TV as a reporter and talk show host for the program "For Your Information." Kevin joined The Weather Network in 2000. What he really takes pride in is working outdoors: being able to tell it like it is and letting the audience know what they should, and should not, be wearing. Born in Toronto, Ontario, and raised in Unionville, Ontario, Kevin has been fascinated with Canadian weather since experiencing the blizzard of 1977. To Kevin rain, hail, wind, snow, sun, and heat are all enjoyable! He thinks he might be crazy, but he enjoys all the seasons Canada has to offer and would not have it any other way. "It would be boring to have the same forecast, day in and day out," he says. Kevin likes to travel at least once a year to a new destination. In his spare time, he likes to watch movies, work out, go to the beach and spend time on a patio with friends. You can catch Kevin on weekday mornings on The Weather Network. Kevin YardeT
With an avid love of the outdoors, it's no surprise that Emily Vukovic came to work at The Weather Network. She's lived in many parts of Canada and really appreciates the diverse weather every province has to offer. Emily received an Honours degree in Sociology from the University of Western Ontario before realizing her love for broadcasting. She then completed the Broadcast Journalism program at Seneca College and began her career on air at an 80's pop radio station in Kingston, Ontario. Emily soon made the leap to television, moving over to CKWS for her start in weather broadcasting. After a few years, the opportunity came up to join The Weather Network. Emily has been part of the dynamic team since 2006. Emily soon made the leap to television, moving over to CKWS for her start in weather broadcasting. After a few years, the opportunity came up to join The Weather Network. Emily has been part of the dynamic team since 2006. When she's not busy bringing you your most up-to-date forecasts as you start your morning , Emily can be found gardening, working out, traveling or spending time with her husband and beloved golden doodle "Roxy". Summer is Emily's favourite season, so if you don't see her on TV, you'll most likely find her on the beach. And in the winter, she'll be on a plane going somewhere hot! Emily Vukovic
Jaclyn grew up in a small town near Windsor, Ontario. This is where she would spend hot summer nights watching thunderstorms with threats of tornadoes. Developing a love of music at a young age, Jaclyn began piano lessons at six years old and singing lessons at thirteen. She went on to perform in local musical theatre productions. After studying Musical Theatre at the University of Windsor, Jaclyn performed at Deerhurst Resort, recorded two independent albums and toured Europe performing "Grease", in which she played the role of Sandy. Ready for a new challenge, Jaclyn moved into the world of media. She started working with Rogers TV in Barrie, Ontario as the host of "Restaurantours", and was co-host of "Daytime" before discovering that her true passion is weather. Jaclyn is currently a third year student at the Mississippi State University where she is studying Broadcast/Operational Meteorology. She completed a weather internship at City TV Toronto in 2010, and then worked as Weather Anchor for Global TV Regina, Saskatchewan. While there, Jaclyn experienced her first storm chase, following three tornadoes in the U.S. This included witnessing and reporting nationally on the destruction in Joplin, Missouri in May 2011. Moving east, Jaclyn took on the Weather Anchor role at Global Toronto. She is now very pleased to be with The Weather Network, Canada's top source for weather. Jaclyn enjoys running, cooking and gardening in her spare time. She also has taken part in numerous charities over the years. Jaclyn Whittal
Gemini-nominated Carrie Olver has been a steadfast member of The Weather Network's on-air broadcasting team since 2004. Carrie first burst onto the Canadian airwaves in 1988, logging over 5000 live television hours as a host on The Shopping Channel. She was then quickly recruited to work in the U.S., where she became homesick for her Canadian roots and returned to host The Discovery Network's internationally syndicated show "Spectacular Spas." With 75 episodes under her belt and a Gemini nomination for her hosting and interviewing skills, Carrie decided it was time for a change and joined The Weather Network team. Covering everything from "Snowmageddon" to the "Dog Days of Summer", she has a keen interest in all things weather-related. Carrie's passion for animals prompted her to get involved with ongoing fundraising efforts for The Humane Society. Her charitable efforts extend not only here at home but on the other side of the world as well. A passion near and dear to her heart is helping to draw awareness and raise money for the victims of the Japanese Tsunami and earthquake of 2011. Born in Moosejaw, Saskatchewan, she now calls Oakville, Ontario home. Carrie is a mother of two and is just waiting to adopt that next cute little furry face, always looking to expand her family for an animal in need. You can catch Carrie on weekday mornings on The Weather Network. Carrie Olver
Since the time she uttered her first words, Kasia Bodurka was labeled a "chatty Kathy." This was partly due to her name ("Kasia" is Polish for "Kathy"), but mostly for her undeniable gift of gab! For this reason it was no surprise to her former peers and teachers that Kasia ended up in broadcasting. Kasia received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication and French from The University of Ottawa, and later studied Broadcast Journalism at Seneca College. She then went on to produce and host lifestyle television for community TV. She has also covered news, community events and entertainment both as a videographer and a reporter. Kasia joined The Weather Network team in 2011. Kasia Bodurka
Chris began working at The Weather Network in August 1999 and all these years later, still loves coming to work everyday. "It's an honour and privilege to do this everyday - talking to Canadians about something that affects us all, all the time." An avid fisherman, recreational golfer and all around outdoor enthusiast, Chris' small-town charm often surprises people to learn he was born and raised in Toronto. He is very proud to have visited 9 provinces: "we live in the most beautiful country in the world" - and looks forward to visiting the Territories...preferably in the summer! Creatively combining 3 of his passions — history, weather and story telling — Chris has woven together five short documentaries commemorating some of Canada's biggest weather events. Each one has aired on TWN. From June 2011 to July 2012, Chris took a hiatus from on air work to become a producer for the late morning and afternoon shows. "A real eye–opener...putting together a show is a lot of work, but richly rewarding". He is thankful for the opportunity to expand his skill set. Chris returned back to the airwaves July 23, 2012, doing what he does best — delivering a forecast with a side of humour and humility. Chris is happily married and proposed to his beloved in Paris. They were married in Mexico and honeymooned in New Orleans. "I'm an extremely lucky and thankful man". Chris Murphy
Chris St. Clair has been a mainstay on The Weather Network since 1995 and was chosen as "Canada's Most Dependable Weatherman". After a start hosting mornings, Chris can now be seen on weekends. Viewers will also see Chris in the feature series "Weatherwise," which explores and explains all manner of weather phenomena, airing daily on The Weather Network. This program is also widely distributed to schools around the country as a teaching aid. Before joining The Weather Network, Chris held various positions within the broadcast industry, including on-air, research and management. His first job was at CJCH Radio in Halifax in 1978, and from there he went on to work at broadcast outlets in Sarnia, Kingston and Montreal. Chris is a licensed pilot who flies regularly and is type rated (trained) on several different aircraft. "Aviation is my hobby and favourite activity outside of my family," he says. Chris also believes in green living: "I am an advocate for a healthier planet and the best way to be a greener citizen is to better understand our planet and how all of its parts are linked. Understanding the weather, the one thing that we all share everyday, is a good way to start. We are all naturally curious and if I can encourage someone to be just a little more interested in our Earth, then I feel I've done my job". His first book Canada's Weather , from Firefly Books, is a Canadian best seller. The weather and climate of Canada is thoroughly detailed in this full colour, richly pictorial essay. Chris St. Clair lives in eastern Ontario with his wife and daughter. You can catch Chris on weekend mornings on The Weather Network. Chris St. Clair
Nadine was born in Trinidad and Tobago, but moved to Jamaica to attend the University of the West Indies - graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Geography. After graduating from university, Nadine immediately accepted a position at the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, where she spent six years. In 1998 she attained her Class-One Forecasters' Certificate in Meteorology at the Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology. She then returned to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica and represented the Service as one of their on-air meteorologists with Television Jamaica Limited. This is where she started her career in broadcast meteorology. In 2002, Nadine took her love of weather with her to Canada, working at City TV and Global TV in Toronto before joining The Weather Network in 2008. She notes "So much of the atmosphere is unknown - yet it is one of the major components that make life on earth possible. Understanding the way the atmosphere works is an exciting challenge." In her spare time Nadine enjoys reading, swimming, and working in the garden. Nadine Hinds-Powell
Natalie joined The Weather Network in the spring of 2007. While she is most recognized for giving viewers their weekend weather report, some of Natalie's personal highlights include reporting on the floods in Manitoba (spring 2011), covering Hurricane Bill and Tropical Storm Danny on back-to-back weekends (August 2009), and of course, being blown away in the UOIT wind tunnel! Besides her on-camera work at The Weather Network, Natalie also keeps busy behind the scenes as a writer and back-up assignment editor. Natalie came to The Weather Network after hosting Today's Waterloo Region, a 30 minute news program at Rogers TV in Kitchener. She also spent the summer of 2005 interning in Boston at CBS. She worked closely with the I-Team (Investigative Team) and was even sent undercover on a couple of assignments. (Make sure to ask her about the camera glasses she had to wear. It was very James Bond.) Natalie holds a bachelor's degree in Broadcasting and Electronic Media from Appalachian State University. She graduated summa cum laude (4.0 GPA), while playing Division 1 basketball for the Mountaineers on a full athletic scholarship. And just to warn you: "Basketball Natalie" is not as nice as real life Natalie. She's a lot more aggressive, and has been known to throw a few elbows! When Natalie isn't on television, she's watching it! She's also guilty of wasting hours (and hours) on the internet. Natalie Thomas
Growing up just an hour away from the Rocky Mountains, Kelsey is a lover of the outdoors. Some of her fondest memories living in Alberta include hiking in the Kananaskis, camping (even when it was snowing!) and of course, the Calgary Stampede! Music has always been a part of Kelsey's life, and her dad has always said, "if she's singing, she's happy." But it was on the stage where Kelsey spent most of her youth. Following in the footsteps of her big brother, Kelsey starred in several local productions such as Peter Pan & Cinderella. Kelsey cites musical theater as her first love, and still dreams of being on Broadway one day. Her theatre experience opened the door to film & television, where Kelsey had the opportunity to work with Canadian country superstar Johnny Reid in his music video 'Let's Go Higher'. Wanting to make a career out of her love of performing, Kelsey enrolled in the Radio, Television & Broadcast News program at SAIT Polytechnic in Calgary. After a four week internship at CHAT TV in Medicine Hat, Kelsey was offered a job at Global News in Regina as a reporter. Just six months into that position, Kelsey took over the sky as the Weather Specialist for Global Regina's Evening News & News Hour Final. Now enrolled in Mississippi State University's Operational Meteorology program, Kelsey is back in her hometown of Calgary as a reporter for The Weather Network. Kelsey is thrilled to be able to show Canada what her province has to offer! When not at work or studying for school, you can find Kelsey spending time with her husband and family. She adores penguins, and is learning to knit! Kelsey McEwen
Farah's favorite time of the year is autumn. She says, "The weather is perfect. Not too cold and not too warm." She adds, "The changing colour of leaves makes this time of year the most beautiful and romantic." Since joining The Weather Network team in February 2011 as an on-call presenter, Farah has gained an appreciation for the art of weather forecasting. "It's harder than rocket science, because it's changing all the time," she says. Farah has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Ryerson University. Her passion for connecting with people led her to a career in broadcasting. While completing her degree, she did an internship at CTV and worked alongside prominent news anchors, including Lisa Laflamme and Scott Laurie. In 2007, she became a familiar voice on the radio airwaves as a reporter for CFRB News Talk 1010. Interviewing Arnold Schwarzenegger and flying upside down in a fighter aircraft during the CNE Air Show are some of Farah's favorite memories while working in radio. For the following two years, Farah volunteered for Rogers TV, where she was a writer, videographer, editor and on-air host, covering everything from the local entertainment scene to the municipal elections. Her desire to propel forward led her to the green screen world of The Weather Network. "Almost everyone at least once a day thinks or talks about the weather," she says. For Farah, the greatest reward is giving people the forecast to help them plan and prepare their day. When Farah is not in the studio, you'll likely bump into her by the lake jogging or walking her dogs. She's involved in many fundraising events for charities including: Girls Inc., World Vision and The Canadian Cancer Society. Farah Dhalla
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