Meteorologist Vicki Graf can be seen on TVs across the Carolinas as a member of WSOC-TV’s weather team. Hundreds of thousands of Carolinians tune in to Channel 9 daily to watch her hour-by-hour forecasts. The blonde beauty sat down with us to give us a glimpse into her life on and off camera. Meet today’s FACE of Charlotte, Vicki Graf. PinVicki Graf, today’s FACE of Charlotte
Did you know you wanted to be a meteorologist when you were younger?
I knew I always loved weather; I just didn’t know I would make it a career. I started learning about weather from my fourth-grade teacher, Mr. Sullivan. We would go outside and study the clouds and weather patterns. I was always curious to find out what caused weather and the “why” behind it all. Weather became a subject I loved learning about and watching.
What does a typical day look like for you?
There is no typical day for me. News and weather happen 24/7. Normally, I work Wednesday through Sunday. During the week, I usually report on environmental issues around the Carolinas. I guess that’s when you can say I have a more “normal” schedule of 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. I also visit a lot of schools to talk to students about weather and weather safety. It’s one of my favorite parts of the job!
On weekends, I’m up at 3 a.m. Our show starts at 6 a.m., so I have to have the forecast ready, graphics prepared, radio recorded — and then do my makeup and hair. If there is a major weather event, we are fully staffed until the storm has cleared.
Your hours can be pretty crazy. How do you manage work/life balance?
When I’m at work, I keep that my main focus. When I’m at home, I will try and update social media on my days off but, otherwise, I leave work at work.
How do you handle negative feedback that you get as a result of being in the public eye?
I don’t think a lot of people know that we have to buy our own clothes and do our own makeup and hair. It can be tough finding outfits that are TV- and green screen-friendly. I can’t wear patterns or anything green (I would disappear in front of the green screen!), and no one wears suits anymore. In the age of social media, people aren’t afraid to voice their opinions. I try and take any negative feedback with a grain of salt. It stings at first but you have to have thick skin, so to speak. I usually politely respond and then try and not let it ruin my day.
Do you get recognized in public?
Occasionally. It’s usually when I’m coming from work and I have my “face” on. When I’m not at work, I’m usually in my gym clothes with no makeup.
Speaking of makeup, what’s the No. 1 makeup or hair tip you’ve learned from being on air?
Drinking lots of water and try to get at least eight hours of sleep. If you still look tired, get a good concealer; my current favorite is Bare Essentials by Bare Minerals.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I did competitive gymnastics for 13 years. I surprise myself by still being able to do a round-off, back-handspring, tuck. I have also run four marathons — it has always been my goal to run the Boston Marathon.
PinVicki has known she wanted to work in weather since fourth grade.
When you have some down time, how do you unwind and relax?
Where are your go-to places in Charlotte to eat out?
There are so many options, which is why I love this city! Owen’s Deli, Chopt, Pinky’s, George’s Brasserie and Halcyon. Granted, it all depends on the day and who I am with.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Charlotte?
Explore the city. There are so many nice parks and greenways. I also like spending the day on the lake or at the USNWC. Oops … I guess that is more than one thing. I like to spend time outdoors!
PinExploring Charlotte is one of Vicki’s favorite activities when she has down time.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I never asked questions when I was growing up at school and even at college. I was afraid of what people thought of me. You’ll learn so much more if you ask questions.
One last weather question! What’s the best way for regular ol’ people to keep up with the weather?
If you are away from your TV, you can always get the latest forecast with our WSOC-TV Weather App. We are updating it constantly and there is an interactive radar for you to track storms as they approach. We also have a WSOC-TV Weather Twitter and Facebook Page, Snapchat, and we are all on Instagram. We are constantly trying to come up with new ways to make sure everyone is informed on the current weather forecast!
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What are three things you cannot live without excluding friends, family and faith?
1. Coffee … the only thing that gets me out of bed at 3 a.m. My local favorites are Not Just Coffee and Central Coffee Co.
2. Changing weather. I could never live somewhere where it is sunny and 70 degrees every day. That would be boring.
3. My grandma’s wedding ring. She passed away last fall from pancreatic cancer. I started wearing it when I found myself missing her. Now, I wear it every day. It’s a reminder of how precious life is and how much family means to me.
Thank you to Vicki Graf for taking the time out of your busy schedule to sit down with us. We’ll be tuning in for your next forecast!Also, a big thank you to Piper Warlick Photography for the incredible pictures.
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