If you’ve turned on the TV in Los Angeles at 5 a.m. lately, you’ve probably seen her. Amber Lee KCAL News remains a fixture of the morning routine for thousands of Southern Californians. She’s the one telling you whether to grab a light jacket or brace for another Santa Ana wind event. But lately, there’s been a lot of noise online. People keep asking if she’s leaving, where she went, or why her schedule shifted.
Honestly? Most of it is just internet chatter. Amber Lee hasn't gone anywhere. She’s still a powerhouse at the station, holding down the fort for the CBS Los Angeles and KCAL morning teams.
The Reality of Amber Lee KCAL News in 2026
The local news world is a revolving door. Anchors come and go like the morning fog in Santa Monica. However, Amber Lee has been a rare constant. She joined the team back in September 2012. Think about that for a second. In an industry where three-year contracts are the norm, she’s been with the same family for over a decade.
Currently, she handles the 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. slot and the 10 a.m. broadcast. It’s a grueling schedule. You’ve basically got to be awake when the rest of the world is in deep REM sleep.
Why the "Where is she?" Rumors Start
People get worried the moment a favorite personality takes a week off for vacation. We’ve all seen it. Someone isn't at the desk for three days, and suddenly the "Did they get fired?" searches start trending. With Amber, her active social media presence usually clears things up, but even then, the algorithm loves a good mystery.
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She recently helped emcee the Irvine Global Village Festival. It’s those kinds of community appearances that keep her visible outside the studio. She isn't just a "talking head"; she’s actually out there in the Inland Empire and Orange County meeting people.
From New Mexico Droughts to L.A. Sunshine
Amber didn't just wake up one day and decide to be a meteorologist. She put in the work. A Southern California native, she actually went to Cal State Northridge for her undergrad before heading out to Quinnipiac University for a master’s in journalism.
But the "science" part of her title—the Meteorologist part—comes from Mississippi State University. That’s a heavy-duty program. It’s not just about pointing at a green screen.
Before the Amber Lee KCAL News era, she was in Albuquerque at KOAT-TV. While she was there, she was named "Reporter of the Year" by the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau. Why? Because she covered a massive drought that was ruining ranchers' lives. She wasn't just talking about the heat; she was exposing how insurance claims were being denied to people who were losing everything.
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That’s the nuance people miss. She has a hard-news background.
Breaking Down the "NEXT Weather" Brand
You might notice the branding has changed. It’s now "NEXT Weather." It’s a bit of a marketing pivot for the station, focusing more on predictive technology and "what's coming next" rather than just what’s happening now. Amber has been one of the primary faces of this transition.
The Golden Mike and AAPI Representation
In 2022, Amber did something that went beyond the 7-day forecast. She hosted a special called "Amplified: The Voices of AAPI Heritage Month." It was the first of its kind for CBS LA. It ended up winning a Golden Mike award.
She speaks Mandarin fluently. That’s a huge asset in a market as diverse as Los Angeles. Whether she’s running the Chinatown Firecracker 10K or reporting on local cultural shifts, that connection to her heritage isn't just a footnote—it's part of why viewers trust her.
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Common Misconceptions About Her Career
People often confuse her with other reporters named Amber Lee, specifically a prominent reporter at KTVU in the Bay Area. Let's be clear:
- Amber Lee (KCAL/CBS LA): Meteorologist, Southern California native, focuses on weather and community features in Los Angeles.
- Amber Lee (KTVU FOX 2): General assignment reporter, based in San Francisco/Oakland, focuses on hard news and crime.
It’s easy to see why the Google searches get messy. If you're looking for the one who tells you about the marine layer in Long Beach, you're looking for the KCAL veteran.
What’s Next for the Morning Team?
The "morning wars" in L.A. are intense. You have KTLA, NBC4, and ABC7 all fighting for those early-morning eyeballs. KCAL has carved out a niche by being "always on."
Amber Lee’s role seems more secure than ever. She’s transitioned from being the "new hire" in 2012 to being the veteran mentor in the newsroom. You'll likely see her continuing to lead the NEXT Weather team, especially as climate patterns in California get more unpredictable. Fire seasons are getting longer, and the "May Gray" seems to last into August some years. We need people who actually know the topography of the Cajon Pass and the basin.
Actionable Insights for Viewers
If you want to keep up with what’s actually happening with Amber without relying on rumors, here is the best way to do it:
- Check the "Meet the Team" page: CBS Los Angeles keeps an updated roster. If someone leaves, their bio is usually pulled within 48 hours.
- Follow the Instagram: She’s very active at @amberleetv. If she’s on vacation, she usually posts about it there, which saves everyone the "Where is she?" panic.
- Watch the 10 a.m. Block: If you miss the early morning rush, the 10 a.m. hour is usually a bit more conversational. You get more of her personality there than in the rapid-fire 5 a.m. hits.
- Support Local AAPI Journalism: Her work on the "Amplified" series is still relevant. Looking into those archived specials gives you a better sense of her depth as a journalist beyond the thermometer.
The bottom line is that Amber Lee remains a staple of KCAL News. Her blend of scientific expertise and genuine local roots makes her hard to replace.