Belinda Jensen Wikipedia | Biography
Belinda Jensen is a well-known American meteorologist who recently retired after a remarkable career at KARE 11 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She wrapped up her final weather forecast from the KARE 11 Backyard in the spring of 2026, officially stepping down as the station’s Chief Meteorologist and KARE 11 Saturday anchor on May 2, 2026.
Belinda’s journey with KARE 11 kicked off as an intern while she was studying at the University of Wisconsin, where she had the chance to learn from the esteemed meteorologist Paul Douglas. After gaining some solid experience with the National Weather Service and an ABC affiliate in Salt Lake City, Utah, she joined KARE 11 as a full-time meteorologist in September 1993. Over the next thirty years, she became one of Minnesota’s most trusted weather authorities, earning the title of Chief Meteorologist in 2005.
Looking back on her retirement, Jensen reflected on her time at KARE 11 as a dream come true. She credited the station for encouraging her to seize new opportunities throughout her 33-year journey, which included reporting for Minnesota Bound, hosting “Grow With KARE,” covering the 2002 Winter Olympics, writing the beloved “Bel the Weather Girl” children’s book series, anchoring KARE 11 Saturday Morning, and ultimately leading the weather department as chief meteorologist.
KARE 11 News Director Matt Kummer praised Jensen for her incredible connection with viewers, highlighting her passion for Minnesota’s ever-changing seasons and her dedication to helping people understand how weather affects their daily lives, which made her one of the station’s most cherished personalities. You May Also Like: Hollie Strano
Before she stepped away from full-time broadcasting, Jensen expressed her pride in the weather team she mentored and developed, including several former interns who became part of KARE 11’s meteorology staff. She also shared her gratitude for working alongside longtime co-anchor Julie Nelson and the many colleagues who became like family to her throughout her career.
Even though she stepped away from her full-time position, Jensen’s exit wasn’t a total goodbye. Starting in the fall of 2026, she still made some guest appearances as a contributor on KARE 11 Saturday Morning, giving viewers the chance to see a familiar face while she savored her well-deserved retirement.
Belinda Jensen Age
As of 2026, Belinda Jensen is 57 years old. She was born on July 22, 1969, in Prescott, Wisconsin, United States, and celebrates her birthday on July 22 each year. Her zodiac sign is Cancer.
Belinda Jensen Education
Belinda Jensen kicked off her academic journey at Prescott High School before moving on to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology. She didn’t stop there; she went on to complete a Master of Science degree in Atmospheric Science at the University of Utah, which really honed her skills in weather forecasting and climate science
Belinda Jensen Nationality
Belinda Jensen proudly holds American nationality and citizenship. She was born and raised in Prescott, Wisconsin, and has dedicated much of her broadcasting career to serving viewers throughout Minnesota. You May Also Like: Larry Mowry
Belinda Jensen Family
Growing up in Prescott, Wisconsin, Belinda Jensen developed a deep love for weather and the great outdoors from a young age. While she occasionally shares anecdotes from her childhood, she tends to keep details about her parents and siblings under wraps, preferring to keep the spotlight on her professional achievements.
Belinda Jensen Husband | David Hopkins
Belinda Jensen is happily married to her longtime partner, David Hopkins. Together, they’ve built a strong and supportive marriage over the years while raising their family in Minnesota. Even with Belinda’s public career, the couple has managed to keep their personal life mostly out of the limelight.
Belinda Jensen Daughter
Belinda and David are proud parents to two wonderful kids, including their daughter, Tanner Hopkins, and their son, Tori Hopkins. While Belinda occasionally shares snippets of family life, she generally prefers to keep her children away from the public eye.
Belinda Jensen Retirement from KARE 11
Belinda Jensen officially wrapped up her time at KARE 11 on May 2, 2026, marking the end of an incredible 33-year journey with the Minneapolis television station. She first joined KARE 11 as a full-time meteorologist in 1993 after interning there and gaining experience with the National Weather Service and an ABC affiliate in Salt Lake City.
Throughout her career, Jensen held the title of Chief Meteorologist, co-hosted KARE 11 Saturday, reported on significant weather events, wrote the beloved “Bel the Weather Girl” children’s book series, and became one of Minnesota’s most beloved television figures. Although she has stepped back from full-time broadcasting, she still makes occasional guest appearances on KARE 11 Saturday Morning.
Belinda Jensen Last Day
Belinda Jensen’s last day as KARE 11’s Chief Meteorologist was May 2, 2026. During her final broadcast, she took a moment to thank viewers for inviting her into their homes for over thirty years and expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her colleagues, mentors, and loyal audience. Her farewell marked the conclusion of one of the most remarkable and celebrated careers in Minnesota television.
How Did Belinda Jensen Lose Weight?
Some viewers have noticed changes in Belinda Jensen’s appearance over the years and have been curious about her weight loss journey. However, Jensen has never publicly shared details about following a specific weight-loss program, diet, or fitness regimen. You May Also Like: Dave Mazza
What’s Belinda Jensen Doing Now in 2026?
After wrapping up her impressive 33-year career at KARE 11 on May 2, 2026, Belinda Jensen has stepped into a new phase of life that’s all about family, faith, education, and giving back to the community.
In her retirement, one of her main focuses is to inspire young minds to explore careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Belinda has expressed her excitement about visiting schools and community events to motivate students—especially young girls—to take an interest in meteorology and the sciences. She’s also looking to expand her writing endeavors, hoping to add more titles to her beloved “Bel the Weather Girl” children’s series. Plus, she’s eager to travel and spend more quality time outdoors with her family.
Giving back to the community is another passion of hers. One of her retirement projects involves auctioning off her collection of signature weather coats, with all proceeds going to a local food shelf. This initiative reflects her deep-rooted commitment to serving the Minnesota community beyond just her weather forecasts.
Belinda’s Catholic faith has taken on a more significant role in her life as well. A member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Edina, Minnesota, she sees retirement as a chance to enrich her spiritual journey. Following her father’s passing in 2023, she has become more engaged with Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and has openly shared how her faith helps her navigate life’s changes. She finds renewed purpose and peace through spending time in nature, attending Mass, and participating in Bible study.
Belinda Jensen Salary
Before she hung up her weather maps at KARE 11, Belinda Jensen was pulling in an estimated annual salary somewhere between $120,000 and $200,000 as the station’s Chief Meteorologist. The exact figure, however, remains a bit of a mystery since it wasn’t made public.
Belinda Jensen Net Worth
As for her net worth, Belinda Jensen is believed to have amassed between $2 million and $5 million. This impressive wealth comes from her long and successful career as a broadcast meteorologist, television personality, author, and her role as Chief Meteorologist at KARE 11, a journey that has spanned over thirty years.
