Popular Fox 32 Meteorologist Bill Bellis Visits Pleasantdale Elementary School

The weather outside was sunny and pleasant but students in second grade at Pleasantdale Elementary School in La Grange had all kinds of weather on the brain when Fox 32 Chief Meteorologist Bill Bellis stopped by for a visit on March 29. As part of their science unit on weather, students received a first-hand account from Bellis about his experience as a meteorologist.

The second graders enjoyed learning about the complex process of forecasting the weather and safety issues during severe weather. Bellis’ field experience and his passion for meteorology sparked discussion and questions about clouds, storms, tornadoes, waterspouts, hurricanes and tsunamis. He also shared his experience of what it is like to be on television and told students about how meteorologists are the only members of the news team who do not read a teleprompter and instead improvise by telling a weather narrative, the use of makeup on television and how the green screen works. At the end of his presentation, Bellis took questions from students, gave a brief weather report for the upcoming week and posed for photos.

A three-time Emmy Award winner, Bellis holds a bachelor’s degree in atmospheric science from the University of Arizona with minors in math, physics, and hydrology. Bellis came to Fox Chicago from KNXV-TV in Phoenix, where he served as chief meteorologist for eight years. Bellis' fascination with weather began after his first ski trip to Stratton Mountain in Vermont. He watched The Weather Channel nonstop looking for snow storms in order to plan his ski trips. When he isn't a meteorologist, Bellis loves to work out and is an avid skier.

Photo Caption: Second graders with Bill Bellis and Matt Vandercar, principal of Pleasantdale Elementary School in La Grange.

Photo Caption 1: Bill Bellis discussed his daily job duties and various forms of weather at Pleasantdale Elementary School on March 29.