At 56, KARE 11’s chief meteorologist Belinda Jensen is nearing several milestones. This spring, her eldest child graduates from college and her youngest child graduates from Benilde-St. Margaret’s in St. Louis Park. She’s also planning for her retirement, having logged 32 years at KARE 11 and more than 35 in the industry.
“It’s really exciting,” said Jensen, who attends Our Lady of Grace in Edina and is married to David. “I want to speak more, encourage kids to get into science, speak on STEM, possibly write more books, travel.”
She’s also planning to auction off all her signature coats to support a food shelf. “It’s a funny thing people ask me about. For six months out of the year, that’s my uniform. They’re literally jammed into a coat closet. You can barely get them out when you want to pull one out.”
Q) You grew up in rural Prescott, and spending your childhood outdoors laid the foundation for your career in meteorology. Did it also cultivate your faith?
A) I don’t think I’ve come to that conclusion until now. Now I yearn for the peace and tranquility of even just walking the dog or getting outside. It makes you feel so much better, so it’s obviously Godly.
Q) Your dad, who died in 2023, was a nature lover.
A) Ever since he died, I’m feeding the birds like crazy. I know a lot more about them now. He blessed me with a love of birds.
Q) You’ve become a beloved personality here.
A) I don’t have a different façade when I’m on TV. That comes with flaws, that comes with being real and making mistakes and correcting yourself and laughing at yourself. I think people get a sense of that and mostly people here in this part of the country have no time for fake people or those who have a TV persona. They can’t sink their teeth into what you’re saying because they don’t believe it.
Weather is tangible. It affects everybody, every day. “Don’t forget you’re going to run into snow when you drive up to Grandma’s house.” I’m going to help you plan your day. A lot of news is alarming. My three minutes (that) I get in the middle of the broadcast is really important. Even if you’re forecasting freezing rain, you need to keep a smile on your face. You’re the one part of the news that can be upbeat.
I believe I was put in that position for a reason. It’s something that I can do, and I know how to do it, and it’s easy for me. I think God put me there.
Q) What helps you deal with the scrutiny that comes with being in the spotlight?
A) At first, it’s kind of hard, when you’re young. You get really affected by it. Then you grow some thick skin. If a person reaches out with a comment, even if it’s not constructive or has a mean tone, you just have to chalk it up to the fact that they cared enough to watch and write. They’re invested.
What I have done over the years is I’ll respond (to critical viewers). They don’t expect you to respond. Once you respond, they soften up quite a bit and they usually apologize. If it’s constructive, I write back, “Thanks for commenting, and thanks for watching.” And if it’s really mean, I’ll send a nice response and then they usually just crumble. They can’t believe you responded and then they’re super embarrassed. Sometimes I don’t think they realize you’re just sitting in your office reading it.
Q) Do you feel pressure to look young, being on TV?
A) Oh yeah. That’s for sure. The camera’s pretty unforgiving. There are not enough filters. There’s some maintenance that you have to keep up on.
Being pregnant twice was super fun. You get the funniest comments: “Your stomach is covering Wisconsin! Back up!”
Q) What has helped you cope?
A) There were a number of women ahead of me who I watched move through their decades gracefully. Plus staying healthy and staying in shape allows you to do this job and stay happy. You want to do that for a number of reasons, but it does help with television, too.
There’s only so much you can do. You just have to be yourself and age gracefully and try not to overdo it.
Q) How do you lean on your faith?
A) My faith has been a little bit of a rollercoaster over the years. I would go in and out. I’m leaning on it a lot more than I did before. It’s been a reawakening for me.
After my dad died, a friend asked me to come with her to BSF (Bible Study Fellowship, an interdenominational program). I go every Wednesday. We’re currently reading Revelation. It’s a lot to swallow and the imagery is scary, but it’s also hopeful — remembering that you’re saved, and he has you, he has a place for you.
Q) You’ve been able to share your faith in subtle ways, like the silent retreat you and Julie Nelson (a KARE 11 news anchor) attended at Pacem in Terris, the Catholic retreat center in Isanti.
A) It’s a beautiful place. I love that we were able to do that story and highlight the fact that we both have a strong faith.
I’m also blessed to have an amazing sister with great devotion to her faith. She’s been a great role model to me and has checked me a number of times in my life: Are you sure you want that? Is that really where your heart is?
Q) Does going to Mass put everything in perspective?
A) Yes! Father Kevin (Finnegan, pastor of Our Lady of Grace) is amazing. We’re lucky to have him. And I understand that, big time. I always enjoy being there.
Q) What have you learned from Father Finnegan?
A) He doesn’t take things too seriously. He’s always got a bit of a comedic twist and he’s very self-deprecating. He’s a great leader. He’s such a people person. Even when people bring visitors to Mass, like elderly parents, he makes a point to connect with them. That really matters.
Q) Do you have a go-to prayer or favorite hymn?
A) My mom gave me the peace prayer of St. Francis (of Assisi) that I keep in my prayer.
Q) “Where there is despair, let me sow hope. Where there is darkness, light.” That suits you! Do you have any advice on raising a teenage girl?
A) I don’t have a lot. I’m not winning that game.
Don’t be their friend. Kids need boundaries, even when they fight it. They don’t want them, but they absolutely need them.
Q) What do you know for sure?
A) I like when things are secure and battened down — oh, this is the pattern, this is the plan. But there are seasons of life, and as soon as you get settled in, the winds will change. I know for sure you have to be adaptable and ready for change. Try not to have a lot of worry wrapped around it. Try to think of it as exciting. Trust that God has figured out the path for you and will lead you in the right direction.
