Rhode Island Breaks Ground With First Female Chief Meteorologist

It’s a forecast full of firsts in the Ocean State.

ABC 6 Providence’s Kristina Shalhoup has been promoted to Chief Meteorologist, making her the first woman ever to hold the title in Rhode Island. The announcement was made on Tuesday, April 22 and is both a historic milestone and a heartfelt homecoming for Shalhoup, who grew up in nearby Easton, Massachusetts.

“It felt like... sunshine and 65 degrees! Ha! It felt really, really good,” she said, describing the moment the promotion became official.

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Coming Home to Make History

After a decade-long journey through five states and multiple media markets, Shalhoup’s return to Southern New England is more than a career move.

“When I was younger, all I wanted was to get out and explore,” she reflected. “Ten years and five states, and multiple cross-country moves later, all I wanted was to come home.”

Now, she’s leading the weather team in the place she calls home, serving a region that helped shape her and shattering a glass ceiling while she’s at it.

“Having the opportunity to serve a community that’s so close to my heart in such a unique way? It's a dream,” she said. “Adding the note of being Rhode Island's first female chief? It's absolutely surreal."

A Career Built on Curiosity and a Leap of Faith

Unlike many in the field who say weather was their childhood dream, Shalhoup’s path was a little more serendipitous.

“I fell completely backward into television and weather,” she explained. “When I was brand new to the TV industry, I had a boss who thought that weather would be a great fit for my personality. Turns out she was right, and I fell in love with it.”

That twist of fate launched a decade of hard work, including going back to school to study meteorology; something she once swore she’d never do after earning her undergraduate degree. Now, the challenge has paid off in a big way.

Forecasting in Four-Season Territory

Shalhoup said New England is one of the most exciting and demanding regions to forecast.

“I’m a four-seasons kinda gal,” she said. “Forecasting snow and forecasting severe weather require different skill sets. It’s fun to forecast in an area where you have to keep everything sharp.”

She’s also excited about what’s ahead for ABC 6’s weather team. While she couldn’t reveal specific plans just yet, she hinted at fresh initiatives launching as summer approaches:

“We have a lot of exciting things in the works," she said. "You’ll just have to tune in.”

Leading by Example

With only 29 percent of broadcast meteorologists and just eight percent of chief meteorologists being women, Shalhoup recognizes the significance of her new role. Not just for herself, but for others watching.

“I’d love to lead with curiosity,” she said, crediting her mother, a science teacher in Braintree as her lifelong STEM role model. “Amazing things can happen when we just continue to ask ‘why?’ I hope I can help others remember that.”

READ MORE: ABC 6 Providence Meteorologist Kristina Shalhoup Predicts Snow

Rooted in Community

When she’s not in the studio, you’ll likely find Shalhoup outdoors, no matter the season.

“If it’s in the elements, I’ll do it,” she said. Whether it’s skiing, hiking, golfing, or simply walking through Rhode Island’s stunning landscapes, she stays connected to the place and people she serves.

“Seriously, how lucky are we to be in Southern New England?” she said. “I really try to make a point of planning outdoor adventures all over our viewing area and beyond. So if you ever have suggestions in your area, let me know!”

A New Era for Weather

As she steps into her new role, Shalhoup isn’t just delivering the forecast, she’s delivering inspiration. Her appointment marks a turning point for women in broadcast meteorology, especially in Rhode Island, where she now stands as a trailblazer for future generations.

“Cheers to bringing the sunshine and weathering the storms together,” she said in her social media announcement.

With passion, perseverance, and a healthy dose of New England grit, Shalhoup is not only making weather history, she’s helping to shape its future.