This local meteorologist is doing big things for pediatric heart patients + their families

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From sunny skies to dangerous storms, we rely on our local meteorologists to help us prepare for the days and weeks ahead. But there’s more to WVTM 13’s Chief Meteorologist Jason Simpson than keeping Birmingham weather-aware. Read on to learn a few fun facts about him including a peek at a charity he co-founded that’s raising big funds for Children’s of Alabama’s Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center.

1. He really does love weather

Originally from Holly Pond, a small town near the City of Cullman, Jason decided to turn his life-long fascination of the weather into a career. He enrolled in college at Mississippi State where he learned all about meteorology/atmospheric science as well as broadcasting. Fun fact: Jason’s first time live on air was when he was still a student at Mississippi State. 

Wondering what type of weather Jason most enjoys reporting on? The answer is summer storms. 

“They’re big. They’re heavy. They’re loud. They’re rarely severe, so there’s not a major threat to life and property. Watching them explode… man, they can be impressive.”

Jason Simpson, Chief Meteorologist, WVTM 13

Watch Chief Meteorologist Jason Simpson deliver live, local, late breaking weather coverage every weekday evening on WVTM 13.

2. Children’s of Alabama is close to his heart

Devoted husband and father of three kids and a dog, Jason is a family man. So when his youngest child, Brody, was born with a heart defect, life became much more challenging. 

Though Jason and his family lived in Huntsville, Brody’s health needs required a great deal of time in Birmingham at Children’s of Alabama. Here, Brody received life-saving surgeries and essential medical care at the hospital’s Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center. 

“The only pediatric heart center in Alabama is right here in Birmingham. One in every 100 kids has a heart defect. Most of them are going to get funneled through Children’s of Alabama. They can’t stay in Huntsville. They can’t stay in Montgomery or Mobile. They have to come here to Birmingham.”

Jason Simpson, Chief Meteorologist, WVTM 13

For Jason and his family, the care Brody was provided at Children’s of Alabama was more than they could have hoped for. The doctors, nurses and staff became their second family.

“I don’t know how to adequately put in words what it means that a group of doctors and nurses at Children’s do everything they can to make sure your child gets to come home with you. How do you put that in words? You’re eternally grateful for it.”

Jason Simpson, Chief Meteorologist, WVTM 13

3. He helped organize a charity for kids with heart defects

Through the hardships of having a child with a congenital heart defect and undergoing surgeries, Jason and his wife, Lacey, had an incredible support system rallying behind them. They even met three other families at Children’s of Alabama, each with a young boy born with a congenital heart defect. 

Grateful for the love, support and care given to their children by the doctors, nurses and staff at Children’s of Alabama, the four families came together to organize a special charity—the Captain D’s Castin’ ‘N Catchin’ Fishing Tournament. All funds raised benefit the Pediatric and Congenital Heart Center of Alabama.

This year’s tournament marks the seventh annual event, taking place on Saturday, April 29 at Goose Pond Colony in Scottsboro. During the event, amateur and pro fishers cast their lines with hopes of reeling in the biggest catch. There is also lots of family-friendly fun with food trucks, vendors, a kids’ zone and more.

“We’ve turned this thing into the largest charity fishing tournament in the country. At the end of last year’s tournament, we raised $965,000. This year’s tournament is our million dollar year. We’ll cross the million dollar threshold this year.

We’ve already gotten results from this. We have kids that aren’t going into kidney failure after surgery anymore because of this money. We have new research that is rippling across the country.” 

Jason Simpson, Chief Meteorologist, WVTM 13

Want to support Children’s of Alabama’s Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center? Donate here.

4. He’s a huge Milo’s Hamburger’s fan

If you’re a fan of Milo’s Hamburgers, you’re not alone. It’s one of Jason’s favorites, too. And a main reason he loves it will make your heart melt.

“Milo’s is a favorite of mine as well as my kids. That’s what Brody had every time he had surgery at Children’s of Alabama. When his surgery was successful and he came back to recovery, I’d walk over to Milo’s to get us a double cheeseburger. That was like our victory celebration.” 

Jason Simpson, Chief Meteorologist, WVTM 13

You’ll also find Jason and his family around Birmingham enjoying local favorites like Railroad Park, Vulcan Park and Insomnia Cookies. 

Stay in the know—get local news and weather with WVTM 13.

5. He had big shoes to fill at WVTM 13

With 22 years in the field of meteorology, Jason joined the WVTM 13 weather team last summer and was promoted to Chief Meteorologist this past fall.

While glad to be back in The Magic City, Jason knew he had big shoes to fill—he’d be taking over for Jerry Tracey who stood as Chief Meteorologist for WTVM 13 for 37 years.

“My predecessor, Jerry Tracey, was a legendary guy. As you can imagine, getting the honor of standing in his stead…it’s a really big deal.”

Jason Simpson, Chief Meteorologist, WVTM 13

Watch Chief Meteorologist Jason Simpson deliver live, local, late breaking weather coverage every weekday evening on WVTM 13.

Learn more about the WVTM 13 team and stay up-to-date on local news and weather —check out their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

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