Last Updated on 7 days by General
Will Haenni is a valued member of the Newschannel 3 team, having joined in September 2018 as the weekend evening meteorologist. His journey to West Michigan took him from KRCG in Jefferson City, Missouri, where he dedicated a little over two years to his craft.
Will’s academic background includes a bachelor of science degree in meteorology from Valparaiso University in 2016, accompanied by minors in mathematics and digital media. During his college years, he seized valuable internship opportunities with Bryan Busby at KMBC in Kansas City and Tom Skilling at WGN in Chicago. Furthermore, he actively participated in two convective field studies, gaining hands-on experience in forecasting and tracking severe storms in the notorious tornado alley. It was during these field studies that he witnessed the awe-inspiring spectacle of two tornadoes and numerous supercell thunderstorms up close.
Growing up in Kirkwood, St. Louis, Will had a special connection to Grand Haven, where he and his family vacationed every summer. This connection fueled his desire to forge a career in the Mitten State, where he embraces the diverse forecasting challenges, from lake-effect snow to severe weather, that West Michigan presents.
Will’s fascination with weather blossomed during his high school years. With a natural aptitude for math and science, meteorology became the perfect career path, allowing him to merge his interests and make science accessible and meaningful to viewers.
Outside of work, you’ll often find Will on one of the many disc golf courses in and around the Kalamazoo area. He’s an ardent music enthusiast and even plays the French horn. Additionally, he’s been skilled in juggling since the age of 9 and added extreme pogo sticking to his repertoire a few years later. During his college summers, Will showcased his talents through street performances at various locations and events in St. Louis and Kansas City.
Will is deeply committed to serving West Michigan and is always eager to find new avenues for engagement. Whether through in-person interactions, email, or social media, he encourages you to reach out to him with any inquiries or ideas.