Derek Van Dam Profile
Derek Van Dam is an American meteorologist working as the weather anchor for CNN based at the network’s headquarters in Atlanta. He previously worked at eNCA (eNews Channel Africa) where he served as the Chief Meteorologist.
Derek Van Dam Career
Van Dam is a meteorologist who on the weekday and weekend editions of CNN Newsroom, provides weather reports and science bulletins. The American Meteorological Society (AMS) has designated Van Dam as a “Certified Broadcast Meteorologist,” a designation that recognizes excellence in his field.
Van Dam has reported live from every landfalling hurricane in the United States since 2016, including Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas, Hurricane Maria in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Hurricane Irma in Miami Beach, Florida, and Hurricane Nate in Biloxi, Mississippi. He also writes extensively about the climate crisis and its consequences on society. In 2017, he was part of CNN’s special live coverage of the solar eclipse from Tennessee.
The team’s virtual reality coverage of ‘The Eclipse of the Century’ was honored with an Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Innovation in 2018. In 2015, Van Dam flew into the eye of Hurricane Joaquin with the infamous ‘Hurricane Hunters’ U.S. Air Force squadron in search of the doomed ‘El Faro’ cargo ship that sank during the storm as part of Anderson Cooper 360° special coverage. Van Dam was previously credited with raising the quality and standards of weather broadcasting across the African continent in his previous position as Chief Meteorologist at the CIA.
He oversaw a team of seven meteorologists and climatologists while anchoring the station’s flagship news shows’ daily weather bulletins. His humanitarian work with a non-governmental organization based in the United States called “The Compassionate Life Foundation” is what first brought him to Southern Africa. He fell in love with the region and moved to Cape Town in 2008 to pursue a unique position in his field: launching South Africa’s first 24-hour news channel. He was a morning weather anchor at an NBC affiliate in Flint, Michigan, before moving to Africa.
Derek Van Dam’s Age
Van Dam is 40 years old as of 2023. He was born on October 7, 1983, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States. He celebrates his birthday on October 7 every year.
Quick Facts About Derek Van Dam
| Age | 40 years old as of 2023 |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Capetonian Tara Van Dam |
| Net Worth | $1 Million – $5 Million |
Derek Van Dam Height
Van Dam stands at a height of 5 ft 9 in.
Derek Van Dam Family
Information regarding Dam’s parents and siblings is currently under review. However, the information will be updated as soon as it’s available.
Derek Van Dam’s Wife
Van Dam is married to Capetonian Tara Van Dam, they have a daughter Maya Sophia.
Derek Van Dam Salary
Being one of the top journalists for CNN, Van Dam earns an annual salary ranging from $ 20,000 – $ 100,000.
Derek Van Dam’s Net Worth
Van Dam has an estimated net worth of between $1 Million – $5 Million which he has earned through his successful career as a meteorologist.
Derek Van Dam South Africa
Van Dam spent some time in Atlanta prior to moving to South Africa where he assisted in launching South Africa’s first 24-hour news and weather channel (eNews Channel Africa) between 2008 and 2014.
This paved the way for a successful career at CNN & CNN International where he is employed. While still in South Africa, he managed 7 meteorologists and was a huge success. He soon after went back to America and his South African accent is still evident in his speech.
Where is Derek Van Dam from?
Van Dam was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and resides in Atlanta with his wife.
Is Derek Van Dam related to Jean-Claude?
Rumors have been circulating that Van Dam and Jean-Claude are related. However, none of them have cleared this rumor and it is still not known whether the two are related.
Derek Van Dam CNN
At CNN Dam works alongside
- Lynn Smith
- Michael Smerconish
- Sara Sidner
- Dan Simon
- Sunlen Serfaty
- Clare Sebastian
- Jessica Schneider
- Andy Scholes
- Jim Sciutto
- Alex Thomas
- Gary Tuchman
- Nick Valencia
- Bob Van Dillen