
Mike Thomas
Mike Thomas’ fascination with weather started at a young age. Growing up in the small Prince George's County town of Beltsville, MD, Mike vividly remembers the EF3 tornado that tore through the city of College Park, damaging his elementary school at the time. His drive to understand the disaster took him on the meteorology path.
After graduating from DeMatha Catholic High School, Mike attended University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where he double majored in mathematics and physics before wrapping up his degree in Atmospheric Sciences, Meteorology at Penn State University in 2012. His first experience with FOX 5 came in the summer of 2011 when he took a weather internship under the guidance of Tucker Barnes and Tony Perkins.
After graduation, he took a job with Commodity Weather Group in Bethesda, MD, where he focused on learning forecast techniques, weather model analysis, extended range, and seasonal forecasting. Forecasting and advising commodity traders and other meteorologists on the New York Stock Exchange, Mike's forecasts were featured in various articles from USA Today, MSNBC, CNBC, Bloomberg, and Reuters.
Mike got his start in television when he joined the FOX 5 Weather Team in the summer of 2014 as a part-time weekend morning meteorologist. In the fall, he joined the team full-time, reuniting with his old mentor, Tucker Barnes.
Mike applies his weather knowledge each morning by writing the morning forecast and builds the vast majority of weather graphics you see on the show each day. Keeping often complicated weather patterns viral and fun, he went viral in 2015 when he fashioned song lyrics from Taylor Swift and Madonna into weather forecasts. He regularly does "weather talks" on his Facebook page, particularly during snow season.
A part of the FOX 5 Morning Team for the first eight years of his career, Mike covered anything from hurricanes to tornado outbreaks to blizzards, with the great Blizzard of 2016 a favorite highlight of his career. He also filled in with occasional field reporting, traffic, and "Good Day DC" appearances.
Mike was promoted to evening meteorologist in the spring of 2022 to fill the void left by longtime FOX 5 Chief Meteorologist Sue Palka. He writes regularly on fox5dc.com as well, and is the Mid-Atlantic’s "Weather Champion" for the FOX Weather Network.
When not at the station, Mike spends most of his time at his home in Columbia, MD with his golden retriever Sid. In 2016, he was voted as one of the "Top Eligible Bachelors" in Baltimore Magazine. An avid sports fan, he regularly attends local sporting events and continues to play lacrosse, hockey, and volleyball. His passions include learning about technology, history, skiing, hiking, and traveling. A nerd at heart, he loves to learn anything about absolutely everything and is passionate about sharing that knowledge with others.
The latest from Mike Thomas
DC weather: Could more snow hit the DMV this week?
Could another, perhaps better opportunity for snow come later this week?
Could winter weather bring DC snow in December? Examining storm risk early next week
We could see some wintery weather in the D.C. region early next week.
Thanksgiving Weather Forecast: Unsettled conditions, rain possible in DMV for holiday travel
It’s one of the busiest travel times of the year! Ready to visit the family? As the Thanksgiving travel rush approaches, here’s a look at what travelers heading to and from Washington, D.C. can expect from the skies — and how to plan accordingly.
Could we see the Northern Lights in the DMV?
Do DMV residents have a shot at viewing the Aurora this week? Here's what we know.
DMV Winter 2025-2026 Outlook: Earlier first snow, how much snowfall to expect
D.C.'s winter forecast hints at the first significant snowfall potentially arriving before Christmas! Here's the full 2025-2026 FOX 5 Winter Outlook for the Washington D.C. metro, northern Virginia and Maryland.
DC Winter 2025-2026: Here's what weather models say about snow, cold, and storms
We are just about a month into autumn, but many minds are already shifting to the season ahead. Will winter be snowy and cold? Or dry and mild? What is some of the data suggesting that we could be in for in the weeks ahead?
Twin hurricanes: What Humberto, possibly Imelda could bring to DC area
Two strong storms are making their way toward the U.S., with both having potential to become strong hurricanes.
Intense heat, storm risks return to DC this weekend
July is not exactly known for cool weather in the DC region, as it is the hottest month of the calendar year.
DC weather: Here's what to expect for July 4 weekend
With one week to go until the big holiday, thunderstorms do not look like they’ll be in the forecast for the upcoming fourth of July. Here's what to expect.









