LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A fascination with the weather that began in third grade has blossomed into a full-time career for John Bordash, a high school teacher and founder of the popular JB Weather Facebook page.
John’s interest in meteorology began when his teacher recommended a book on the weather to boost his enthusiasm for reading. It wasn’t long before he became captivated by storms, especially after watching news coverage of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The storm’s immense power sparked a passion in him, and he began tracking hurricanes and drawing weather maps as a hobby.
Although John struggled to find his place during high school, a supportive teacher, Wrenn Heisler, made a significant impact on him. “My life would not be anywhere close to how it is without Mrs. Heisler,” he said. Her encouragement not only helped him navigate his school years but also strengthened his interest in meteorology.
As a freshman in 2013, after some lighthearted teasing from friends about his obsession with weather, John created a Facebook page dedicated to local weather forecasting. His goal was simple: to prove he could do it. The page, JB Weather LLC, quickly gained a following and now boasts 48,000 devoted followers.
John’s weather forecasts have become a trusted source of information for the local community. “This community is full of devoted followers, and they are the biggest reason that JB Weather has grown as much as it has—through sharing the word,” he said. “Their support over the 11 years has been astounding.”
The community’s encouragement has gone beyond weather, extending to John’s personal and professional life. Followers have rallied behind him as he pursued his college education, and their kind words and prayers supported him through difficult times. The outpouring of support even allowed JB Weather to evolve into a part-time job.
While the accuracy of weather forecasting is never guaranteed, and some followers express frustration when predictions are off, John remains undeterred. “Negative interactions can make my job hard, especially since I am so passionate and devoted to my work. But that community support will always power through,” he said.
Today, in addition to running JB Weather, John teaches at a local school. He credits his former teachers with inspiring him to enter the profession, and he now finds joy in working with students every day.
“I love my profession,” he said. “The kids in my class are so much fun.”
JB Weather continues to serve as a dependable resource for weather updates, proving that John’s childhood love for meteorology has grown into something much larger—something that has had a lasting impact on his community.
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