Jim Cantore and Jobie Lagrange during a special event. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save Rumors of Jim Cantore being in Lafayette during Hurricane Francine quickly spread like wildfire, but we now know the Hurricane likely wasn't the only reason he came to Lafayette. Broussard native and meteorologist Jobie Lagragne confirms she and the viral meteorologist for The Weather Channel are officially dating after meeting last year.
“I initially did not want him to come to Louisiana because we were getting to know one another privately," Lagrange said. "Family and friends already knew we were close because we had been friends since meeting each other last June," she said. "But we officially decided to come out to the public this past weekend and I remember thinking, 'OK, this is it'.
" Cantore posted a photo on his Instagram of Lagrange and him, with the following caption: "Little did I know when I brought my sweet date Jobie to @euphoriagreenville she was going to bring the Louisiana heat with her." Although the two became acquainted in summer of 2023, Lagrange said she didn't begin officially dating him until she graduated college and received her job. “I did not want him to overshadow anything I was doing or receive favoritism because I was dating him.
So we didn't began dating until I graduated and recieved my job opportunity.” Lagrange graduated with a bachelor's degree in atmospheric science from the University of Louisiana at Monroe over the summer. Growing up, Lagrange said, she always had a passion for weather.
"I remember most of my childhood was pretty nerdy. I enjoyed playing video games and was always interested in science," she said. "Every meteorologist has a storm that impacted them and made them see weather different.
For me that was Hurricane Lili in 2003." She decided to attend ULM was because it is the only school in the state with an atmospheric science program. Studies suggest there may be fewer women working in atmospheric sciences than any of the other geosciences.
According to data from the National Science Foundation Scientists and Engineers Statistical Data System, women represent only 15% of atmospheric and space scientists combined. "As a single mom, not the closest with my family, and my youngest child has autism, it was difficult at times because I was pursuing a career that was rare, especially for women," Lagrange said. "I think that's why me and Jim also connected so much on family values.
We have such strong, similar family and work values. A lot of people think we connect because we both enjoy weather, but it's really the experiences we share." The pair first connected after Lagrange uploaded a video on social media that gained a lot of attention, including the attention of Jim Cantore.
"I remember he reached out to me about his shared experiences after I shared on social media the challenges of being a parent while managing your career." From their first interaction with each other the two begin chatting and "the relationship grew over time," she said. "I think what I like most about Jim is that he is so humble and sweet," LaGrange said.
"His experiences have made him so down to earth. Jim will tell you he did not grow up super wealthy at all. It was just luck.
” Cantore grew up in Vermont and was adopted. The Weather Channel hired him out of college and he first appeared on air in July 1986. At that point, Lagrange wasn't born yet; Cantore is 60 and Lagrange is 31.
However, she said she's not worried about the large age difference. "People forget we are people also with stories," she said. "I knew once we went public alot of people would have opinions.
But to me age is not important when that person brings you peace, and he truly does." Cantore currently makes his home in the Atlanta area. Lagrange said she has no plans to move.
"Although we are long distance right now, we are going to continue dating and grow in our careers." Lagragne sid she is looking forward to staying local and sticking to her roots for now. "Although I am from Broussard I now reside in Lafayette so be on the lookout because I may be on the TV soon in Lafayette pursuing my career further as a MMJ/Meteorologist.
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