For nearly a decade, Ella Dorsey has become one of the most recognizable faces on Atlanta morning television.
Known for delivering weather forecasts with confidence and clarity, she has built a respected career in broadcast meteorology while earning praise from viewers and industry professionals alike.
Beyond the forecast desk, Dorsey has also attracted attention for her recent marriage to comedy producer Travis Rice and her steady rise through the television news industry.
From Maryland to Georgia: Ella Dorsey’s Early Life
Ella Dorsey was born on May 2, 1991, in Baltimore, Maryland.
When she was 13 years old, her family relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where she would eventually build the career that made her a household name.
She comes from a media-oriented family. Her father, Gary Dorsey, is a writer and motivational speaker, while her mother, Jan Winburn, worked as a senior digital editor at CNN.
Dorsey has credited her mother’s journalism career as one of the biggest influences behind her decision to enter broadcasting.
Education Sparked a Passion for Weather Science
Determined to pursue meteorology, Dorsey enrolled at the University of Georgia, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Atmospheric Sciences.
She later achieved the prestigious Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation, a credential awarded to a select group of television meteorologists who demonstrate exceptional expertise and professionalism in weather broadcasting.
Building a Career in Television Meteorology
Ella Dorsey began her professional journey shortly after graduating in 2013, gaining valuable experience at several television stations across the southeastern United States.
Her early assignments included roles at WTOC-TV in Savannah, WTVM-TV in Columbus, and WFXG-TV in Augusta before she secured her first full-time meteorologist position at WBIR-TV in Knoxville, Tennessee, in early 2014.
During her two years there, she covered major weather events ranging from tornado outbreaks to winter storms, strengthening her reputation as a dependable forecaster.
Becoming a Familiar Face in Atlanta
In January 2016, Dorsey joined CBS46/WGCL in Atlanta as the station’s weekend meteorologist.
Over the following years, she became a regular presence on weekend and evening broadcasts before moving to the station’s weekday morning lineup in 2020 with the launch of Wake Up Atlanta.
When CBS46 later rebranded as Atlanta News First, Dorsey remained with the station and continued serving as its lead morning meteorologist.
Today, she appears weekdays from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., delivering forecasts while also sharing her interest in climate science and mesoscale weather patterns.
Did Ella Dorsey Leave Channel 46?
Some viewers have wondered whether Dorsey departed Channel 46, but the answer is no.
The confusion stems from the station’s rebranding. CBS46/WGCL simply changed its name to Atlanta News First, while Dorsey continued working there without interruption.
Her transition from weekend broadcasts to weekday mornings took place several years before the station adopted its new identity.
She currently works alongside chief meteorologist Jennifer Valdez and morning traffic anchor Taylor Tucker.
Awards and Professional Recognition
Throughout her broadcasting career, Dorsey has received several honors recognizing both her weather reporting and overall television work.
Among her achievements are an Emmy Award for Outstanding Weathercast, recognition for Best Morning Newscast, and multiple Atlanta Magazine Reader’s Choice Awards naming her Favorite Meteorologist.
She has also been included on the University of Georgia’s prestigious 40 Under 40 list and serves as a board director for the university’s Franklin College.
Love Story With Husband Travis Rice
Away from television, Dorsey celebrated a major personal milestone in 2025.
She married entertainment and comedy producer Travis Rice after the couple met in June 2024.
Interestingly, Dorsey had followed Rice on social media years before they officially met because of weather-related posts he shared during a hurricane.
Their relationship developed quickly, leading to an engagement later that year.
Following a private family wedding in November 2025, Dorsey shared heartfelt messages on social media describing the celebration as one of the happiest moments of her life.
The newlyweds later enjoyed a honeymoon in Paris that December.
Does Ella Dorsey Have Children?
As of 2026, Dorsey has not publicly confirmed whether she has children.
She generally keeps her private life out of the spotlight, choosing to share only selected personal milestones with her followers and viewers.
Clearing Up Online Rumors
From time to time, online speculation has suggested that something happened to the popular meteorologist or that she had left television.
However, there is no evidence supporting those rumors.
Dorsey remains an active member of the Atlanta News First team and continues appearing on the station’s weekday morning broadcasts.
Most of the confusion has resulted from the television station’s name change rather than any departure on her part.
A Respected Voice in Atlanta Broadcasting
More than a decade after launching her television career, Ella Dorsey continues to be one of Atlanta’s most trusted weather personalities.
Her combination of scientific expertise, on-air experience and approachable presentation has earned her a loyal audience, while her professional achievements and growing influence continue to inspire aspiring journalists and meteorologists across the country.
