Erica Horvatin Biography: FOX 10 Phoenix Meteorologist, Age, Husband & Career

The Storm Chaser Who Mastered the Desert: A Biography of Erica Horvatin

The crackle of a severe weather alert can make an ordinary day feel like a movie. For millions in Arizona, the calm voice guiding them through those intense moments belongs to Erica Horvatin, the Evening Meteorologist for FOX 10 Phoenix.

But before she became an expert on monsoon storms and scorching desert heat, Erica was a young girl in Chicago with a fear of tornadoes—a fear that would eventually turn into a lifelong, storm-chasing passion.

This is the story of a broadcast veteran whose career has spanned nearly every major U.S. climate, from the snowy High Plains to the sweltering Southwest, highlighting her journey, her expertise, and the personal life that grounds her.

From Fear to Forecast: The Chicago Roots

Erica Horvatin was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Like many Midwesterners, she grew up with dramatic, often frightening, weather. Instead of running from the booming thunder and flashing lights, a young Erica was captivated, even though she admitted to being scared when the tornado sirens would ring.

• A Second-Grade Calling: Her fascination solidified into a career goal surprisingly early. By the time she was in second grade, she knew she wanted to be a broadcast meteorologist, inspired by local weather icons like Tom Skilling.

• Education and the Thrill of the Chase: She pursued this dream by attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, earning a degree in Atmospheric Sciences in 2015.

• The Defining Moment: College wasn’t just about textbooks. Erica took part in a “Field Studies of Convection” course, a storm-chasing trip through the infamous Tornado Alley. It was here that she witnessed her first-ever tornado in Kansas and experienced a massive haboob (a dramatic dust storm) in Oklahoma. These firsthand encounters cemented her dedication to a life spent helping people stay safe from severe weather.

A Cross-Country Weather Journey: Erica Horvatin’s Career Milestones

Erica’s professional path has been a masterclass in adaptability, taking her to four distinct regions of the country and making her expertise incredibly versatile.

From Tornadoes to Touchdowns

Her first on-air job was in Rapid City, South Dakota. It was the perfect proving ground, requiring her to become proficient in predicting the severe, fast-moving weather of the High Plains.

She then moved to South Bend, Indiana, where she not only delivered weekend forecasts but also reported on weather’s impact on local life, including highly popular Notre Dame football games.

It was here that she covered major local crises, like providing live, critical updates during a terrifying moment when a tornado struck a local daycare. Her calm, clear communication during such high-stakes events is a hallmark of her journalistic excellence.

Earning the Seal of Approval

Before landing in Phoenix, Erica spent nearly five years as the morning meteorologist for KRQE News 13 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This desert environment presented a completely new set of forecasting challenges, primarily the monsoon season—a period of intense thunderstorms, flash floods, and massive dust storms.

It was in Albuquerque that she achieved a significant professional milestone: earning the National Weather Association (NWA) Seal of Approval. This prestigious award recognizes broadcast meteorologists who demonstrate exceptional skill in forecasting and communication.

The Phoenix Chapter: Forecasting the Extreme

In 2024, Erica joined the FOX 10 Weather Experts team in Phoenix as the Evening Meteorologist. Arizona’s weather is a dramatic tapestry of extremes: record-breaking desert heat, sudden and dangerous monsoon storms, and surprising mountain snow.

Erica’s extensive background—from the snowdrifts of the Great Lakes to the supercells of Tornado Alley—prepared her perfectly for Arizona’s unique meteorological demands. She often shares her excitement about connecting with the community and helping them prepare for everything from extreme heat advisories to whiteout conditions.

“Erica brings a level of practical, hands-on experience few meteorologists possess, thanks to her storm-chasing days. When she talks about a supercell, she’s seen it from the ground up, and that trust is invaluable to our viewers.”

Beyond the Weather Map: Personal Life & Hidden Talents

What truly humanizes Erica Horvatin is the rich personal life she leads outside of the FOX 10 studio.

The Family Foundation

Erica is happily married to her husband, Jake Meyer. The couple officially tied the knot on July 6, 2019, in a beautiful ceremony at the Danada House in Wheaton, Illinois.

Their wedding registry focused on contributions for a dream honeymoon, a testament to their shared love of travel and adventure. They now share their life together in Phoenix, Arizona.

A Woman of Many Talents

Erica’s hobbies are as diverse as the weather systems she forecasts:

• Outdoor Adventurer: A true Arizonan at heart, she embraces the state’s natural beauty. Her favorite pastimes include hiking, off-roading, camping, and snowboarding in the state’s northern mountain regions.

• Martial Artist: A surprising and impressive talent, Erica holds a black belt in Shotokan Karate.

• Artisan Craftswoman: In a quieter, more focused pursuit, she enjoys leather crafting, creating handmade purses and accessories in her spare time.

While her exact age isn’t public, based on her 2015 graduation date, Erica is generally believed to be in her early-to-mid 30s (White ethnicity, American Nationality). She maintains an active and healthy lifestyle, with an estimated height around 5’5″ to 5’7″.

Financial Snapshot: Net Worth and Salary

As a seasoned meteorologist with experience in multiple large media markets, Erica Horvatin commands a respectable salary. While her precise net worth isn’t disclosed, broadcast meteorologists in major U.S. markets often earn well into the six figures.

Given her seniority, NWA Seal, and role in a top-30 media market like Phoenix, her salary is likely in the $130,000 to $150,000 per year range, placing her estimated net worth comparable to her top-tier peers.

The Lasting Impact

Erica Horvatin’s career arc is a fascinating case study of turning a childhood fear into an ultimate strength. She is a powerful example of the modern journalist: highly educated, technically accredited, and personally relatable.

By combining her scientific knowledge with a deep-seated desire to serve the public, she has established herself as a trusted, authoritative voice in the unpredictable world of weather.

Do you have a favorite memory of a major weather event Erica Horvatin covered? Share your story in the comments below!