Robert Johnson, now a meteorologist for NBC10’s First Alert Weather Team, recalls talking with his mom, Delores, when it was time to choose his first school.
“She wanted me to get a great education with a biblical foundation,” he said.
Young Robert, then living in the Somerton section of Northeast Philly, enrolled at Valley Christian School, a ministry of Huntingdon Valley Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed his stay from preschool to sixth grade.
“I really fell in love with the school,” he said. “Valley has a very family feel. I loved my time at Valley. I remember my time fondly.”
Johnson is still acquainted with Susan Caler, who was Head of School while he was at Valley Christian, which at the time went up to only sixth grade.
Johnson spent seventh and eighth grades and his high school years at Calvary Christian.
Next it was on to Penn State. There, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science with a concentration in weather forecasting and communication, along with a minor in Energy Business & Finance.
Johnson, 28, knew his ambition long before he arrived at Penn State.
“I don’t remember a time I didn’t want to be a meteorologist,” he said. “I always loved the weather.”
In the early 2010s, he was part of a program called H.O.P.E.S. (Hurricane’s Outreach Program to Educate Scientists), managed by then-NBC10 meteorologist Glenn “Hurricane” Schwartz. Robert and other teenagers met once a month on Saturday mornings at NBC10, back when it was located in Bala Cynwyd, to learn about atmospheric science and broadcasting.
Schwartz took the group to Penn State, his alma mater, for a tour led by Jon Nese, chairman of the university’s highly regarded meteorology department. Schwartz and Nese co-authored The Philadelphia Area Weather Book.
“This is where I’m going,” Robert recalled thinking during the trip.
While at Penn State, Johnson and the other meteorology students used the same graphics system used by NBC10.
“They trained me well,” he said, adding he is still in touch with Nese..
Fresh out of college, Johnson – who had internships at Channels 6 and 29 – landed a job as a meteorologist at a station in Raleigh, North Carolina. He stayed there for five years before returning home to work for NBC10. He made his debut in March, and can be seen weekdays.
“Five years there made me better here,” he said. “When the opportunity came up, I was so excited to come back home and to sit at the same desk as my first mentor (Schwartz).”
Johnson, who can see the top of City Hall from his desk at NBC10 headquarters at 18th and Arch streets, remains close to Schwartz. He’s part of an eight-person team of meteorologists that includes two assigned to Telemundo 62 and Bill Henley, who is the longest-tenured NBC10 news personality.
“Weather is the most important thing we do. We have some of the best of the best broadcasters here,” Johnson said.
Johnson embraces the Philadelphia region’s four seasons and various so-called “microclimates,” such as the city, suburbs, Jersey shore, Delaware, Lehigh Valley and the Poconos.
“This job has been fantastic,” he said. “I love forecasting the weather. It’s a fun challenge. You’ve got to be on your toes.”
Johnson noted that there are many sources for weather, but believes most folks prefer a TV meteorologist walking them through the forecast minute by minute. He takes a simple approach when the TV cameras are rolling.
“Be honest,” he said. “Be authentic.” ••
You can follow Robert Johnson @rjohnsonTV on X, on Facebook at RobertJohnsonTV and @robertjohnsonweather on Instagram.
