Broussard Native Jobie Lagrange Leaves KATC Weather Team After Over a Year

The meteorologist reflected on the demanding dual role and thanked Acadiana for trusting her with forecasts and stories, but her next move has not been announced.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:31pm

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Jobie Lagrange, a Broussard native, announced her departure from KATC after roughly one year with the Lafayette ABC affiliate, where she worked as both a meteorologist and a multimedia journalist covering Acadiana. Her final broadcast was on Tuesday evening, and she waited until the life-threatening cold weather passed before making her announcement public. Lagrange has not disclosed her next career move, but encouraged viewers to stay in touch.

Why it matters

Lagrange's departure from KATC is notable as she served a dual role at the station, working as both a meteorologist and a multimedia journalist, which she described as a demanding and challenging job. Her willingness to delay her announcement until the dangerous cold weather had passed also highlights her commitment to keeping Acadiana informed and safe during severe weather events.

The details

Jobie Lagrange graduated with a bachelor's degree in atmospheric science from ULM and joined KATC as both a multimedia journalist and a meteorologist, a role she held for about a year. She landed the job after finishing an internship at the National Weather Center, and worked under Chief Meteorologist Rob Perillo, whom she thanked for bringing her onto the team. Lagrange did not sugarcoat the realities of broadcast journalism and weather forecasting, describing the job as 'the most challenging, demanding, and rewarding work' she could have done.

  • Lagrange announced her departure from KATC on Tuesday, January 28, 2026.
  • Her final broadcast was on Tuesday evening, covering the 5, 6, and 10 p.m. newscasts.
  • Lagrange waited until the life-threatening cold weather had passed before making her announcement public.

The players

Jobie Lagrange

A Broussard native who worked as both a meteorologist and a multimedia journalist at KATC for about a year.

Rob Perillo

The chief meteorologist at KATC, who Lagrange thanked for advocating for her to join the team and for teaching her.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted to wait until the risk of life threatening cold weather was over to make an announcement. I didn't want any attention off of the weather.”

— Jobie Lagrange

“To those who trusted me with not just your forecast but your stories, thank you. For your grace, kindness, patience, and openness.”

— Jobie Lagrange

“To my news coworkers, you are superheroes. Thank you for teaching me a new career from the ground up. Thank you for being my family.”

— Jobie Lagrange

“To my children, thank you for your grace and compassion while I navigated working two brand new jobs right out of college.”

— Jobie Lagrange

“To anyone wanting to try something new, follow their dream, do something unexpected, who feels doubted, terrified, anxious, hopeful, unsure... do the thing. Jump in. There will be amazing people you will meet along the way.”

— Jobie Lagrange

The takeaway

Lagrange's departure from KATC highlights the challenges of the dual role of meteorologist and multimedia journalist, as well as the personal sacrifices required to succeed in broadcast journalism. Her willingness to delay her announcement until the dangerous weather had passed and her encouragement for others to pursue their dreams despite uncertainty underscores her dedication to her profession and her community.