If you've lived in the Twin Cities for more than a few years, you probably feel like you know Belinda Jensen. She’s the person who tells you when to wear a parka and when it's safe to finally plant those tomatoes in the "Grow with KARE" garden. Honestly, she’s been a fixture on our screens for so long that she feels like a neighbor.
Naturally, that leads to a lot of curiosity about her personal life. People always want to know: how old is Belinda Jensen? It’s not just about a number on a birth certificate; it’s about a career that has spanned decades of Minnesota blizzards and heatwaves.
The Numbers: Belinda Jensen’s Age in 2026
Let's get right to the point. Belinda Jensen is 57 years old. She was born on January 8, 1969. She just celebrated that birthday earlier this month, actually. If you see some websites claiming she was born in 1971, they're actually a bit off. A long-form profile from The Catholic Spirit and local retrospective pieces confirm she hit the big 50 back in late 2018/early 2019.
It’s kinda wild to think she’s been at KARE 11 for over 32 years. She started there in 1993. Most people don't stay in the same house for 30 years, let alone the same job. But Belinda isn't most people. She’s the Chief Meteorologist, a title she’s held since 2005 when she took over the reins from her mentor, Paul Douglas.
Why Everyone Is Searching for Her Age Right Now
There has been a lot of "retirement" chatter lately.
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In early 2025, Belinda was very open about the fact that she’s looking toward the next chapter. Her kids are grown—her oldest graduated college recently, and her youngest is finishing up high school. When you hit those milestones as a parent, you start thinking about what’s next.
She hasn't set a hard date to leave the "backyard" yet, but she’s mentioned wanting to focus more on:
- STEM education for young girls.
- Writing more of her "Bel the Weather Girl" children's books.
- Traveling with her husband, David.
- Leaning into her faith and community work in Edina.
Basically, she’s at that age where the 10 p.m. news cycle starts to feel a lot heavier than it used to. Even so, she remains a powerhouse in the industry.
From Prescott to the "Super Bowl of Weather"
Belinda didn’t just wake up one day and decide to be a TV star. She grew up in Prescott, Wisconsin, right on the banks of the St. Croix River. She was a self-described tomboy. She spent her childhood outdoors, which is where the obsession with the weather really started.
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She’s one of five kids. Her interest was so specific that in 10th grade, she actually called up Paul Douglas to interview him for a school paper. Imagine being a teenager and just cold-calling the most famous weatherman in the state. That’s the kind of confidence that gets you to the top of the Twin Cities market.
Her academic path was legit, too. She didn't just go for "communications." She has a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and did graduate work at the University of Utah. She actually worked for the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City before making the jump to TV.
The "Ageless" Appeal of a Local Icon
There’s a reason people are constantly Googling how old is Belinda Jensen. She doesn't seem to age. Part of that is her energy. Whether she’s standing in a snowbank or showing off a new perennial, she has this genuine enthusiasm that hasn't dimmed since the 90s.
But it’s also because she’s been a constant in a world that changes way too fast. We’ve seen her through different hairstyles, different co-anchors, and the transition from grainy 4:3 TV to high-definition.
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A Quick Career Timeline
- 1990: Started her TV career in Salt Lake City (she actually "fell into it" when a morning co-host left).
- 1993: Joined KARE 11 as a weekend meteorologist.
- 2003: Birth of her son, Tanner.
- 2005: Promoted to Chief Meteorologist.
- 2007: Birth of her daughter, Tori.
- 2016-2023: Published the "Bel the Weather Girl" series to help kids with weather anxiety.
- 2026: Still leading the weather team at KARE 11 at age 57.
What’s Next for Belinda?
While she’s nearing 60, don't expect her to just disappear. Even if she retires from the daily grind of the newsroom, she’s built a brand that is much bigger than a three-minute forecast. Her work with children’s literacy and science is likely where she’ll spend most of her time.
If you're looking to keep up with her, the best way is to watch the Saturday morning show or check out her book series. She’s also a frequent speaker at local events, especially those focused on women in leadership and STEM.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Aspiring Broadcasters:
- Check the Facts: When searching for celebrity ages, always look for interviews from local, reputable sources like Minnesota Monthly or The Star Tribune rather than generic "bio" sites which often get dates wrong.
- Support Local Literacy: If you have a child who is afraid of storms, Belinda’s "Bel the Weather Girl" books are actually designed by a meteorologist to explain the science in a non-scary way.
- Career Longevity: Belinda’s career is a masterclass in "niche plus personality." She didn't just do weather; she did gardening, children’s books, and feature reporting (like Minnesota Bound), which made her indispensable to the network.
She’s a reminder that age is just a number, but a legacy is something you build every single day you show up for work.