Alex Burkill — The Face of Modern British Meteorology
Who Is Alex Burkill?
Alex Burkill is a British meteorologist and presenter at the Met Office, known for his insightful weather forecasts and approachable communication style. Based in Exeter, England, he combines strong scientific expertise with engaging public presentation — a blend that makes him one of the most recognisable names in UK weather broadcasting.
As both a scientist and communicator, Alex represents the new generation of meteorologists who bridge the gap between technical forecasting and audience understanding. His passion for the atmosphere, clouds and climate change communication has earned him a strong following both inside and outside the Met Office.
Early Life and Education of Alex Burkill
Alex Burkill’s academic journey reflects both curiosity and commitment to science. He studied at Tiffin School from 1998 to 2005, where his interest in mathematics and natural sciences began to develop.
He then attended The University of Manchester, earning a BSc in Mathematics (2005 – 2008). Mathematics formed the foundation of his later work in meteorology, equipping him with the analytical and statistical skills essential for weather modelling and forecasting.
Pursuing his growing fascination with the weather, he completed an MSc in Applied Meteorology at the University of Reading (2010 – 2011), one of the UK’s most respected institutions for atmospheric science. This period marked the transition from theoretical mathematics to the applied science of forecasting — the perfect balance between numbers and nature.
The Meteorologist at the Met Office
After completing his master’s degree, Alex Burkill joined the Met Office in 2011, beginning what has now become a long and distinguished career. Over the last fourteen years, he has worked across multiple departments — from aviation and commercial forecasting to road weather services.
He received comprehensive training in these specialist areas before moving to the Media Services Team, where he now spends most of his time on shift as a presenter and meteorologist. In this role, Alex is responsible for delivering forecasts, analysing atmospheric patterns and communicating vital weather updates to the public.
His experience extends beyond on-screen presentation. Alex also works within the Met Office Press Office, writing news releases, blogs and giving interviews for print, radio and television. His blend of science and storytelling helps make technical topics accessible to millions of viewers and readers across the country.
A Natural Communicator
One of Alex Burkill’s greatest strengths is his ability to explain complex weather systems clearly and calmly. He regularly presents daily weather videos for the Met Office’s online channels and helps script additional content for YouTube and social media.
His approachable tone and deep knowledge make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking clarity on storms, heatwaves or sudden changes in climate patterns. Alex’s work embodies the mission of modern meteorology — not only to forecast the weather but to help people understand it.
Alex Burkill on Television and Media
Over time, Alex Burkill has become a familiar face beyond the Met Office. He presents forecasts on platforms such as Channel 5 News and occasionally contributes to other broadcast outlets. His calm presence, articulate delivery and enthusiasm for clouds and climate have made him a respected communicator in the British weather community.
His colleagues describe him as someone who “lives and breathes the sky.” His passion for clouds — frequently highlighted in his Instagram bio as “☁️ What’s your favourite cloud?” — has even become part of his public identity.
Personal Life — Is Alex Burkill Married? Who Is His Partner?
While Alex keeps most of his private life out of the spotlight, he has shared a few heart-warming moments with followers that confirm he is married and a father.
On 8 August 2021, Alex posted an anniversary message mentioning his wife and baby, writing humorously:
“This year we’re self-isolating and my wife woke me up telling me the baby had done a mega poop.”
Earlier that year, in January 2021, several fellow meteorologists and friends publicly congratulated him on the birth of his son, Joshua. These exchanges show the warmth and respect Alex has within the weather community and give a brief, genuine glimpse into his personal world.
He has not shared his wife’s name or personal details — reflecting a clear boundary between public professionalism and private family life — but it is well known that he is happily married and balances family commitments with his busy career at the Met Office.
Family, Interests and Hobbies
When he is not forecasting, Alex Burkill enjoys Formula One, supporting McLaren F1 and Arsenal Football Club. He often jokes about the relationship between racing and weather, noting that “the weather can have a major impact on the outcome of race weekends.”
His fascination with clouds extends beyond work — it’s both a hobby and a lifelong curiosity. Many of his social-media posts celebrate the beauty and variety of British skies. This visible enthusiasm helps humanise the scientific world he represents.
Alex Burkill Age
Although Alex Burkill has not disclosed his exact date of birth, public academic records suggest he is likely in his mid-to-late 30s as of 2025. Having graduated from Manchester in 2008 and joined the Met Office in 2011, this estimation fits the standard UK academic timeline.
His youthful energy combined with over a decade of professional experience make him both relatable and authoritative — a balance that audiences appreciate in a weather presenter.
Key Milestones in His Career
Early Engineering Experience
Before joining the Met Office, Alex worked at Thales as an ILS Engineer from 2008 to 2010. This period gave him experience in applied technical systems, precision work and data interpretation — skills that later supported his meteorological modelling.
Met Office Leadership Role
In 2023, Alex briefly served as Private Secretary to the Chief Executive at the Met Office, a senior role that involved supporting the CE’s strategy development, managing the executive support team and leading special projects. This demonstrates the trust placed in him at an institutional level.
Transition to Media Presentation
By late 2023, he became a full-time Presenter within the organisation’s Media Services Team. This transition marked his rise from behind-the-scenes forecaster to public-facing meteorologist.
Alex Burkill’s Role in Public Weather Awareness
Through his videos, articles and interviews, Alex plays an essential part in communicating vital weather information to the public. His delivery combines scientific accuracy with warmth, helping people understand forecasts that affect their safety, travel and daily life.
In recent years, he has also contributed to conversations around climate change, explaining how extreme temperatures and shifting weather patterns fit into the wider environmental picture.
His interviews often remind viewers that forecasting is not guesswork but a scientific process that evolves with new data and technology. For Alex Burkill, every forecast is an opportunity to educate as well as inform.
Alex Burkill — The Meteorologist Behind the Clouds
Professional Skills at a Glance
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Meteorology and Forecasting (aviation, commercial, and road weather)
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Climate communication and public engagement
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Media presentation and scripting
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Press and public relations for scientific institutions
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Team leadership and strategic planning
Personality and Public Image
Alex is admired for his authenticity and sense of humour. His posts about weather quirks, family life and F1 bring a human touch to meteorology. To his followers, he is not just “the weatherman from Exeter” — he’s a relatable professional who clearly loves what he does.
Summary — A Modern Meteorologist Who Inspires
In the world of British meteorology, Alex Burkill stands as a symbol of scientific dedication, communication skill and genuine passion for the weather. Over more than a decade at the Met Office, he has evolved from a newly qualified forecaster into a leading public voice on UK weather and climate.
He is married, a father, and someone whose curiosity about clouds continues to inspire audiences to look up and wonder. Whether he is explaining storm systems, analysing heatwaves or sharing a light-hearted social-media moment, Alex Burkill represents what modern meteorology should be: accurate, accessible and deeply human.
