Aaron Mentkowski — Chief Meteorologist and forensic meteorologist at Weather in Detail, LLC — is The New York Times / The Athletic's official weather expert for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, forecasting all 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
When the weather becomes part of the story — heat, storms, wind, or rain delays — Aaron provides the meteorological insight behind The Athletic's tournament coverage.
Venue-specific forecasts for every fixture — kickoff temperature, humidity, wind, and rain risk for all 104 matches.
Translating the science of extreme heat, cooling breaks, and severe-storm timing into terms players and fans understand.
Real-time weather updates on The Athletic's live match blogs as conditions develop through the tournament.
The latest published work by Aaron Mentkowski — from the World Cup desk to his daily forecasts in Western New York.
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a lifelong soccer player and coach gets to forecast the sport he loves on its biggest stage — as the official weather expert for The New York Times and The Athletic.
Aaron Mentkowski is an AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist — the 35th person in the United States and the first and only in Buffalo to earn the distinction — and Chief Meteorologist at WKBW. This summer he is forecasting all 104 matches of the World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, providing match-day forecasts, heat and storm analysis, and live updates on The Athletic's game blogs from June 11 through July 19.
The assignment began with an email from David Jordan, Global Head of Soccer for The New York Times / The Athletic, looking for a meteorologist — and a chorus of colleagues who answered, "call Aaron Mentkowski." You can read his first contribution, "How hot is the World Cup going to be?", and follow all of his tournament coverage on his author page at The Athletic.
Beyond the tournament, Aaron is the president of Weather in Detail, LLC, where he serves as a forensic and consulting meteorologist for law firms, insurers, concert promoters, and event organizers — testifying in court, preparing climatological reports, and forecasting for events of every size. He holds a BS in Meteorology from SUNY Oswego, has taught meteorology at Buffalo State and Jamestown Community College, and away from the maps is a two-time Ironman finisher and a Guinness World Record holder.
The same rigor Aaron brings to the world's biggest event is available to law firms, insurers, and organizers who need the weather established as fact.
Clear, credible testimony and deposition support, presenting complex meteorology a judge and jury can trust.
Thorough written analysis reconstructing conditions at a specific time and place, fully sourced and exhibit-ready.
Decision-grade forecasts for tournaments, concerts, and outdoor productions where timing and safety are everything.
Site-specific forecasting and on-site data gathering tailored to a single venue, address, or worksite.
Deep experience with personal-injury and structural-damage matters tied to severe and lake-effect weather.
Forecasting for transit, rail, insurance, and operations teams managing weather risk.
For World Cup media requests, event forecasting, or forensic and consulting work, reach Aaron directly or send a note below.