Joe Ruch: CBS News Colorado First Alert Meteorologist Biography
Joe Ruch is a First Alert Meteorologist at CBS News Colorado. His interest in meteorology was sparked at age 12 following a misforecasted snowstorm, which set him on the path to becoming a weather forecaster.
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Early Interest:
His passion for meteorology began at the young age of 12. He was particularly inspired by an Eagles vs. Lions “Snow Bowl” game where the forecast drastically underestimated the snowfall, sparking his curiosity about weather forecasting.
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Education:
He pursued his interest by earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science from Penn State University.
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Career in Colorado:
After graduating, he moved to Colorado Springs, where he quickly developed a love for forecasting the challenging and unpredictable weather along the Front Range. He also engaged in weather chasing, experiencing various phenomena from snow to tornadoes.
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Current Role:
In 2024, Joe joined CBS News Colorado as a First Alert Meteorologist, working from their First Alert Weather Center. He is known for providing updates on significant weather events, such as snowstorms and heat waves, to viewers.
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Personal Interests:
Outside of work, Joe enjoys spending time outdoors, including hiking and camping. He also likes exploring new restaurants. His hometown is Garnet Valley, PA, and he has three siblings.
Joe Ruch Age:
Joe Ruch was born on February 28, making him a Pisces. He is White and holds American nationality.
Joe Ruch Parents & Siblings:
Joe grew up in Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania, where his fascination with meteorology began at age 12 during the Eagles vs. Lions Snow Bowl game in Philadelphia.
A forecasted 1-3 inches of snow turned into 9 inches with blizzard conditions, igniting his curiosity about weather forecasting.
He has three siblings, but no specific details about his parents or family background are publicly available.
Joe Ruch Wife:
Joe is not publicly reported to be married, and no credible sources confirm the presence of a wife or partner.
While outlets like CBS News Colorado, LinkedIn, and Muck Rack showcase his professional milestones and love for outdoor pursuits such as hiking and fishing, they reveal nothing about his romantic life, underscoring his commitment to keeping personal matters private.
Joe Ruch Height:
Joe Ruch’s height is estimated to be between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet (178–183 cm), with a likely weight ranging from 160 to 180 pounds (73–82 kg).
Career Timeline of Joe Ruch:
| Year | Station | Role | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | KRDO NewsChannel 13 | Weekend Evening Meteorologist | Colorado Springs, CO |
| 2024–Present | CBS News Colorado | First Alert Meteorologist | Denver, CO |
KRDO NewsChannel 13 – Weekend Evening Meteorologist
Colorado Springs, CO | June 2022 – 2024
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Delivered weekend forecasts, severe weather alerts, and engaging weather segments for Southern Colorado.
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Covered high-impact events, including wildfires, snowstorms, and severe thunderstorms.
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Earned a reputation for clear, calm, and informative broadcasts during emergencies.
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Built strong viewer trust through consistent accuracy and a personable on-screen presence.
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Gained in-depth knowledge of Colorado’s complex weather patterns and refined on-air delivery.
Joe Ruch CBS News Colorado – First Alert Meteorologist
Denver, CO | 2024 – Present
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Joined a larger media market with broader forecasting and live coverage responsibilities.
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Provided real-time updates during a significant snowstorm impacting the Denver metro area shortly after arrival.
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Utilized advanced forecasting tools and audience engagement strategies to strengthen CBS’s First Alert Weather brand.
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Recognized for calm, precise, and science-backed reporting during major weather events.
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Established himself as a trusted, go-to meteorologist for viewers across Colorado.
Joe works alongside a talented team of meteorologists and broadcasters at CBS News Colorado, where collaboration and real-time weather coverage are key.
Here are some of his notable colleagues:
| Name | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dave Aguilera | First Alert Chief Meteorologist | Introduced Joe to the team in 2024; a veteran forecaster known for his leadership and mentorship. |
| Ashton Altieri | Meteorologist | Regular contributor to First Alert Weather updates; known for morning forecasts. |
| Lauren Whitney | Meteorologist | Delivers evening forecasts and special weather segments. |
| Chris Spears | Meteorologist | Often covers weekend and field-based weather reports. |
Joe Ruch Net Worth and Salary:
Ruch’s net worth and salary are not publicly disclosed, but based on industry standards and his career trajectory, we can provide confident estimates:
Estimated Salary
| Role | Estimated Annual Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Meteorologist at KRDO | $40,000 – $60,000 | Entry-level to mid-market range typical for weekend meteorologists. |
| Meteorologist at CBS Colorado | $70,000 – $100,000+ | Larger market with higher visibility and responsibility. |
Note: Salaries vary based on experience, contract terms, and market size. Denver is considered a mid-to-large media market, which typically offers higher compensation than smaller cities.
Estimated Net Worth
| Category | Estimated Value Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Net Worth | $200,000 – $400,000 | Includes salary earnings, possible investments, and assets accumulated since 2022. |
Is Joe Ruch Married?
Ruch, the First Alert Meteorologist at CBS News Colorado, is not publicly known to be married, with no credible sources confirming a wife or partner.
How Old Is Joe Ruch?
Joe Ruch was born on February 28, as confirmed by a post on his official meteorologist Facebook page in which he described a potential snowstorm as “quite the birthday present.”
Estimated Age
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Year of Birth: Likely between 1997 and 1999, based on his Penn State graduation timeline and career launch in 2022.
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Age in 2025: Approximately 26–28 years old.
Where Is Joe Ruch Working?
Joe Ruch is currently working as a First Alert Meteorologist at CBS News Colorado, based in Denver, Colorado.
He joined the station in 2024, bringing his forecasting expertise to a larger media market after previously serving as Weekend Evening Meteorologist at KRDO NewsChannel 13 in Colorado Springs.
His role at CBS involves delivering weekday weather forecasts, covering severe weather events, and contributing to the station’s First Alert Weather team.
He was introduced to the team by Chief Meteorologist Dave Aguilera, and has since become a trusted face for viewers across the state.
Ruch is active on Facebook and Instagram, where he shares weather updates, career news, and behind-the-scenes content.
Sources:
- CBS News Colorado – Joe Ruch’s Bio Page – https://www.cbsnews.com/team/joe-ruch/
- CBS News Colorado: Meet First Alert Meteorologist Joe Ruch – https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/video/meet-first-alert-meteorologist-joe-ruch/
- YouTube: Joe Ruch Weather Reel – https://www.youtube.com/@JoeRuchTV
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Facebook – Meteorologist Joe Ruch – https://www.facebook.com/ColoradoJoeWx/
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Instagram – @cbsjoeweather – https://www.instagram.com/cbsjoeweather/
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LinkedIn – Joe Ruch – https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephruch/
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Muck Rack – Joe Ruch – https://muckrack.com/joe-ruch
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KRDO NewsChannel 13 (Archived Staff Bio) – https://krdo.com
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