Forecasting in the conditions
Weather is easier to understand when I can show the conditions and connect them directly to the forecast.
Watch on InstagramCBS Colorado Meteorologist · Emmy Winner
Joe Ruch
I forecast Colorado weather on air, in the field and online, especially when conditions are changing fast and people need a clear answer.
167K+People follow my weather coverage
About Joe
The best way to explain the weather is to stand in it.
My passion for weather and science was sparked on December 8, 2013, during the Detroit Lions vs. Philadelphia Eagles Snow Bowl.
The forecast I saw called for 1 to 3 inches. By kickoff, the stadium looked like a blizzard, and Philadelphia officially recorded 8.6 inches.
I wanted to know why.
That moment turned weather from something I watched into a science I wanted to understand.
Today, I’m the primary weekend evening meteorologist at CBS Colorado and a regular weekday fill in. I forecast from the studio, the First Alert Weather Tracker and wherever the weather becomes the story.
Whether I’m covering a tornado for two hours, reporting from a mountain pass or explaining a changing forecast online, I try to make weather useful, not just interesting.
I’m from Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania. Away from the forecast, I’m usually hiking, camping, fishing, working out or trying a new Denver restaurant.
Demo reel
See the work in motion.
Forecasting, breaking weather, field reporting and digital coverage.
Watch on YouTube
In the field
I go where the weather is.
Forecast models tell me what should happen. Being in the conditions shows me what people are actually experiencing.
Reporting from the First Alert Weather Tracker during a major Colorado snowstorm.
Live from Berthoud Pass as wind and snow reduced visibility.
Digital reporting
Weather reporting doesn’t stop when the newscast ends.
I use social media to show the conditions, explain the science and get breaking information to people quickly.
That direct connection often means viewers send their photos and firsthand reports to me first. It gives our newsroom an immediate, ground level view of what is happening and helps me lead weather coverage both online and on air.
Why I go into the field
I love Earth. I love nature. Going into the field lets me see weather and the landscape up close.
My phone landed on a rock minutes before this report, but the story was still worth telling.
Watch on InstagramBreaking wildfire coverage
In today’s world, weather coverage can’t stop with television.
When a new wildfire started and grew quickly, I used broadcast, digital and social platforms together to deliver critical, verified information in real time.
Watch on InstagramExperience
Broadcast, field and digital weather work.
FEB 2024 TO PRESENT
CBS Colorado
Meteorologist · Denver, Colorado
I’m the primary weekend evening meteorologist and a regular weekday fill in, forecasting for the noon, 4, 5, 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts when needed.
- I lead major weather coverage in the studio and from the First Alert Weather Tracker, including two hours of solo, continuous coverage during a confirmed tornado.
- My field work has taken me across Colorado for blizzards, tornadoes, destructive hail and wildfires, working with newsroom leaders on deployment and story angles.
- I redesigned and launched the sponsored Neighborhood Network graphics package in WSI MAX, building the graphics and selecting the forecast data and communities it serves.
- My social weather content generated more than 61 million organic views in three months while also driving viewers to CBS Colorado’s website and app.
- I also provide live and explanatory weather coverage for CBS News 24/7.
2025 TO PRESENT
CBS News Climate Watch / CBS News Planet
Weather Content Contributor
I independently pitch, forecast, script, record and edit weekly weather, climate and extreme weather videos for national CBS audiences.
- The goal is to translate complex science into concise, useful short form reporting without losing the context that makes the story matter.
JUN 2022 TO FEB 2024
KRDO NewsChannel 13
Meteorologist · Colorado Springs, Colorado
I delivered forecasts across television, radio, streaming and digital while covering wildfires, high winds, winter storms, flash flooding and severe thunderstorms.
- My winter storm coverage received a Colorado Broadcasters Association Award.
- I also wrote Colorado Weather Explained, an informational book created for teachers to help Coloradans understand the state’s unique weather and climate. The station continues to use it as an educational resource.
DEC 2020 TO MAY 2022
ABC27 (WHTM)
Part Time Meteorologist · Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
This is where my broadcast career began. I joined ABC27 as an intern and was hired into a paid part time meteorologist role.
- While completing my B.S. in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science at Penn State, I presented forecasts and produced digital weather content for the station.
JUN 2021 TO JAN 2022
WBRE / WYOU
Freelance Meteorologist · Pennsylvania
While still earning my degree, I also freelanced on air for WBRE/WYOU, delivering localized television and radio forecasts across Pennsylvania.
Recognition and community
Weather work that reaches beyond the forecast.
Awards
- 2026 Heartland Emmy AwardWeather News · “Where Won’t Joe Go?”
- Colorado Broadcasters Association AwardWinter storm coverage in Southern Colorado
Community
2,000students reached annually
- I complete more than 30 school visits each year, bringing hands on weather education to students across Colorado.
- I support ARCS Foundation Colorado events that fund graduate science scholarships across six Colorado campuses. During the 2025 to 2026 academic year, the chapter awarded $390,000 to 52 young scientists.
- I mentor interns, help colleagues strengthen their digital weather coverage and support newsroom development.
- I emcee station and community events that connect science, education and the people we serve.
Contact
Let’s connect.
For professional opportunities, speaking and emcee inquiries, or weather related collaborations, email me or connect with me on LinkedIn.