Joe Ruch

First Alert Meteorologist Joe Ruch's passion for meteorology developed at just 12 years old. He was at the Eagles vs. Lions Snow Bowl game, the forecast called for 1-3" of snow in Philadelphia, but the storm dumped 9" of snow with blizzard conditions. This sparked his curiosity as to why the forecast went wrong and the rest is history. 

After pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science from Penn State University, he took a leap of faith and moved to Colorado Springs. It was not long before he found himself chasing all types of weather from snow to tornadoes. Joe quickly fell in love with the challenge of forecasting the weather along the Front Range. Mother Nature always has a trick up her sleeve. 

In 2024, Joe was hired by CBS News Colorado and began forecasting from the First Alert Weather Center. Within a few days of joining the team, an epic snowstorm dumped more than a foot of snow on parts of the Denver metro area and Joe was able to provide important updates on the snowfall totals to CBS Colorado viewers.

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Aside from forecasting the weather, Joe loves to spend time outside. He has enjoyed exploring the high country, whether that be going on hikes or camping overnight. Joe's favorite trip so far was hiking to the top of the sand dunes in the Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve on a hot summer day (never again).

You'll also find Joe exploring new restaurants downtown. He loves food!

RELATED: See The Whole CBS News Colorado Team

Just The Facts

• Position: First Alert Meteorologist

• Year hired: 2024  

• Alma Mater: Penn State

• Hometown: Garnet Valley, PA

• Hobbies: Fishing, Eating, Working Out

• Favorite Food: Salmon

• Number of Siblings: 3

• Least Favorite Chore: Folding Laundry

• Least Favorite Noise: The screech from chalk on a chalkboard

• What keeps you in Colorado? How unpredictable Mother Nature can be  

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