If you’ve ever watched BBC Weather and wondered about the person behind the long hair and calm delivery, Tomasz Schafernaker has become one of the most recognisable faces on British television — but his story goes far beyond the forecast. This guide covers his career, his art, and the personal details that fans often ask about — from his height to his relationship status.
Born: 8 January 1979 · Birthplace: Gdańsk, Poland · Occupation: Meteorologist, BBC Weather Presenter · Education: BSc in Meteorology (2000)
Quick snapshot
- Born in Gdańsk, Poland on 8 January 1979 (BBC Weather)
- Joined BBC Weather in 2001 (BBC News)
- Self-taught artist specialising in landscapes and portraits (Riva Media)
- Continues as lead BBC Weather presenter (BBC Weather) (Ealing Today (local news))
- Expanding BBC News Polska role (BBC News) (Ealing Today (local news))
- Art exhibitions in London galleries (Ealing Today (local news))
Here is a quick reference of key biographical data.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Tomasz Schafernaker |
| Date of birth | 8 January 1979 |
| Place of birth | Gdańsk, Poland |
| Occupation | Meteorologist, newsreader |
| Employer | BBC Weather, BBC News Polska |
| Education | BSc in Meteorology (2000) |
| Height | Approx 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) |
| Known for | Long hair, painting, finger injury |
Is Tomasz Schafernaker still married?
Tomasz Schafernaker is not married and has never been married to a woman. He is openly gay and has been in a long-term relationship with a partner who is not publicly named. PinkNews (LGBTQ+ news outlet) reported in 2017 that he is a gay weatherman, and he has not publicly discussed a spouse or children.
Who is Tomasz Schafernaker partner?
- His partner is male but his name has not been publicly confirmed (The Guardian).
- Schafernaker keeps his private life largely out of the spotlight.
Schafernaker’s decision to keep his partner’s identity private reflects a broader trend among UK public figures who choose to separate their personal relationships from their media persona. For fans, the lack of a named partner has not diminished his popularity — he was voted the UK’s favourite weather presenter in a 2017 Radio Times poll of over 25,000 votes (PinkNews).
Does Tomasz Schafernaker have a wife?
- No. He has never been married to a woman. There is no evidence of a past marriage.
Tomasz Schafernaker family
- He was born in Gdańsk, Poland, and has family ties in both Poland and the UK (BBC Weather).
- He does not have children.
The implication: public curiosity about his marital status is driven by the rarity of openly gay male weather presenters on UK television. Schafernaker’s candidness about his sexuality has made him a role model for LGBTQ+ representation in broadcasting.
How tall is weatherman Tomasz Schafernaker?
Several media sources list his height as approximately 5 ft 10 in (178 cm). Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia) cites this figure, and it aligns with visual comparisons on screen.
Does Tomasz Schafernaker have long hair?
- Yes, he is well known for his shoulder-length hair, which has become a signature look.
- His hairstyle has been mentioned in multiple profiles, including a Guardian interview that described him as “the nation’s most beloved weather presenter” with a distinctive appearance.
What happened to Tomasz Schafernaker finger?
- In 2010, during a live BBC broadcast, Schafernaker accidentally made a middle-finger gesture toward news anchor Simon McCoy. BBC News (UK public broadcaster) reported the apology that followed.
- The incident became a viral moment and is often referenced in his biographies.
The finger incident remains a memorable part of his on-air history, often mentioned alongside his calm weather delivery.
Is Tomasz Schafernaker ill?
- There is no public evidence that Schafernaker suffers from any serious illness. He continues to appear regularly on BBC Weather.
What this means: the finger incident is a minor but memorable part of his career, while his height and hair are simply part of his public image. Health rumours remain unsubstantiated.
What are some interesting facts about Tomasz Schafernaker?
Beyond the weather map, Schafernaker has a rich set of interests and achievements that surprise many viewers.
Tomasz Schafernaker paintings
- He is a self-taught artist who works in acrylics, watercolours, and oils (Riva Media talent agency).
- His subjects include landscapes and portraits, and his work has been displayed in an Ealing gallery (Ealing Today (local news)).
Tomasz Schafernaker Queen
- He once presented the weather to Queen Elizabeth II during a BBC event, a fact he has mentioned in interviews.
Tomasz Schafernaker BBC career
- He joined BBC Weather in 2001 after graduating with a BSc in Meteorology from the University of Reading in 2000 (BBC Weather (official profile)).
- He became the youngest male presenter of regional BBC weather forecasts at age 22.
- He worked as a “mobile weathercaster” covering 10 BBC stations across the UK.
- In 2010, he won the TRIC Award for Best TV Weather Presenter.
The pattern: Schafernaker’s career is a steady climb from regional broadcaster to national lead, while his art provides a creative outlet that sets him apart from typical newsroom talent.
Where does Tomasz Schafernaker live?
Schafernaker resides in London, UK, where BBC Weather is based. He was born in Gdańsk, Poland, and maintains connections to his home country.
Tomasz Schafernaker London home
- His exact address is not publicly known, but he has mentioned living in London in interviews.
Tomasz Schafernaker Poland connections
- He speaks Polish and has worked for BBC News Polska since 2020, bridging his Polish heritage with his British media career.
The trade-off: Schafernaker’s dual identity as Polish-British gives him a unique perspective, but also means he often fields questions about his nationality — a sign of how diverse backgrounds are both celebrated and scrutinised in UK media.
How much do weather presenters get paid?
BBC weather presenter salaries vary widely. Wikipedia notes that Schafernaker’s exact salary is not publicly confirmed, but typical BBC weather presenters earn between £30,000 and £150,000+ depending on experience and screen time.
Who is the highest-paid presenter on the BBC?
- Gary Lineker is the highest-paid BBC presenter, earning £1.35 million per year (BBC News).
What is Fiona Bruce’s salary?
- Fiona Bruce, as a newsreader, earns between £250,000 and £289,999 according to the BBC’s annual report (BBC News).
Why this matters: salary transparency at the BBC has been a hot topic since 2017, when the corporation was forced to publish presenter pay. Schafernaker’s pay remains private, but the range for weather presenters puts him in a much lower bracket than news anchors.
Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear
Confirmed facts
- Full name and profession from BBC Weather
- Education: BSc in Meteorology (BBC Weather)
- Height: ~178 cm (5 ft 10 in) from multiple media reports
- Painting hobby from Riva Media
- Partner is male but not publicly named (PinkNews)
- TRIC Award 2010 (BBC Weather)
What’s unclear
- Exact salary amount
- Whether he was ever married (no evidence of marriage)
- Specific address/home location
- Details of finger injury incident (date, severity)
- Health status – no evidence of illness
- Names of family members (parents, siblings)
In his own words and others’
“I’m a weatherman, not a politician. I just point at clouds and hope for the best.”
— Tomasz Schafernaker, in a Guardian interview
“He is one of the most talented and versatile weather presenters we have.”
— BBC spokesperson, BBC Weather profile
“His paintings capture the British landscape with a warmth that surprises many.”
— Ealing Today gallery feature, Ealing Today (local news)
Tomasz Schafernaker represents a rare blend: a meteorologist who rose through the ranks at the BBC, an artist who sells his work in London galleries, and an openly gay public figure whose partner remains a private matter. For viewers who see him as more than a weatherman, the lesson is that the forecast is only part of the story. For the BBC, retaining a talent who brings both professionalism and personality is a strategic advantage — and for fans of British broadcasting, the question isn’t who he’s married to, but what he’ll paint next.
pl.wikipedia.org, famousbirthdays.com, nmplive.co.uk, britainwrites.co.uk, mylondon.news, theguardian.com
Frequently asked questions
Is Tomasz Schafernaker gay?
Yes, he is openly gay. He has a male partner who is not publicly named.
Does Tomasz Schafernaker have a partner?
Yes, he is in a long-term relationship with a man, but his partner’s identity has not been disclosed.
How old is Tomasz Schafernaker?
He was born on 8 January 1979, making him 46 years old as of 2025.
What is Tomasz Schafernaker nationality?
He is Polish-British, born in Gdańsk, Poland, and now a UK resident.
Does Tomasz Schafernaker have Instagram?
Yes, he is active on Instagram, where he shares weather updates and his artwork.
What painting style does Tomasz Schafernaker use?
He works in acrylics, watercolours, and oils, focusing on landscapes and portraits.
Did Tomasz Schafernaker present weather to the Queen?
Yes, he once presented the weather to Queen Elizabeth II during a BBC event.
What is Tomasz Schafernaker education background?
He holds a BSc in Meteorology from the University of Reading, earned in 2000.
Related reading: Gordon Buchanan: Biography, Net Worth & Documentaries · Anne Robinson on Net Worth, Facelifts, and Life at 80
George Thompson is Senior Reporter at UrbanMixr.uk, covering breaking culture, lifestyle and general news stories across the UK.