by Pearl Marvell, Yale Climate Connections
June 2, 2026
Meteorologist Irene Sans joins the Eye on the Storm team at Yale Climate Connections for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
Yale Climate Connections: Where are you from, and where do you live now?
Irene Sans: I was born in Venezuela and came to the U.S. at the age of nine. I grew up and studied meteorology in Florida. For work reasons, I have lived in Massachusetts, Texas, and Orlando.
What did you want to be when you were little?
An astronaut … but I stayed on Earth and inside our atmosphere as a meteorologist.
When did you realize you wanted to be a meteorologist and report and write in Spanish and English? Why?
Around age 10, when I watched weather reports on the news, it felt natural to understand what was being explained. I really liked math and science, so meteorology was a great fit because it includes a lot of both. At Florida State University, where I studied meteorology, students did a live 30-minute local weather show. I started doing segments in Spanish because I knew that at the time, there were fewer than six meteorologists in the U.S. doing so – that’s when I realized there was a lot of room to grow and that I would have many more opportunities by developing myself in Spanish-language meteorology.
Who are your idols?
My mom and my dad. Each of them has been one of a kind, and thanks to them, I had a safe childhood, and they encouraged me to confidently and securely take advantage of the opportunities that came my way.
What weather phenomena fascinate you the most?
Hurricanes fascinate me: capturing them from their early stages and trying to decipher all the factors that can influence their development.
When did you realize it was important to highlight the connection between the effects of climate change and extreme weather?
I have been working as a meteorologist for almost two decades; I have seen how weather events have become more extreme not only over the past century, but also in the last 20 years. These impacts have not only become more volatile, but with a larger population living in more exposed areas, they can affect many more people. There needs to be more reliable information to educate the public, especially in Spanish, and to identify ways to mitigate impacts and make better decisions for the well-being of everyone.
Thanks to studies from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication (the publisher of this site), we know that three out of four Latinos (78%) are concerned about global warming; one in three (35%) is “very worried,” including 43% of Spanish-speaking Latinos who are “very worried.” These are extremely high numbers, higher than those of other demographics. Why do you think there is so much concern within Latino communities?
Climate change affects all of us in some way. Hispanics are a large population, not only in the U.S., but also with a significant presence worldwide. First, we are very close to family and friends; we know someone close to us who is affected by weather changes, especially when they are extreme. Also, a large part of the Hispanic community is exposed to adverse weather events that are becoming more frequent; these are affecting our jobs, housing, finances, and even our health. We are living and suffering through these changes, and we feel them in real time.
What can we do to be better communicators about extreme weather and climate change?
To be better communicators about extreme weather and climate change, we must keep learning and stay updated daily. This is a science in which we receive new data and discoveries every day. We must share this information in a reliable and timely manner, offering solutions. We must not only inform those most affected but also those who have the ability and power to implement changes to help and support the population most at risk. In the end, it is everyone’s problem.
What do you hope for the future? Are you optimistic?
I hope there will be more reliable information to share with you, the readers. I hope readers understand and take steps to do their part to help mitigate the impacts of climate change. I would love to see everyone who has the power to implement rules and actions work as a team for the well-being and future of all living beings, without first considering personal gain. Just as we have seen a shift toward more catastrophes, it would be wonderful to see and experience a shift toward a better and healthier future for our planet.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do?
I love going to the gym and taking group exercise classes. I have a 7-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old son who keep me busy with their activities and adventures.
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