2025 has surpassed 1894 for 4th latest first snow in Denver
2025 officially surpassed 1894 for Denver's 4th latest measurable snow on record.
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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.
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!
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
2025 officially surpassed 1894 for Denver's 4th latest measurable snow on record.
A significant weather pattern change by the middle of the workweek is ahead in Denver and other parts of Colorado.
Light snow will continue across Colorado's high country through Monday afternoon, creating slick conditions along the I-70 corridor and several mountain passes early Monday. The bulk of the moisture is expected to arrive just before and during the morning commute.
Across the state, Coloradans have been photographing the aurora borealis -- commonly referred to as the northern lights -- and even seeing them with their naked eye, which typically has a harder time seeing them than cameras with the right settings.
From the Front Range to the Palmer Divide and Cheyenne Ridge, elevation and wind direction often determine which parts of Colorado hit the snow jackpot during winter storms.
The Mile High City is now 18 days behind the average first snow and could finish among the 10 latest starts to winter on record.
Scientists say cloud seeding can boost snowpack by up to 12% during storms that already form naturally, a small change that can add up for the Colorado River.
Temperatures will drop into the 20s and 30s overnight, ending the growing season for many parts of the state.
The remnants of two tropical systems have drenched Colorado's high country since Friday, bringing more than six inches of rain to parts of the San Juan Mountains and prompting new flood alerts.
A new round of moderate to heavy rain is expected to develop early Monday across the San Juan Mountains and Upper Rio Grande Valley, with flooding possible through Tuesday morning.
Golden aspens are lighting up Colorado's high country from Aspen to Pagosa Springs, running about a week ahead of average. Saturday's warm and sunny forecast makes it the best day to explore.
The leaves in Colorado's high country are getting close to peak fall colors as cooler temperatures arrive.
High pressure will push smoke out of Colorado this week while sending temperatures into the 80s. A late-week trough will cool things down and may even bring fresh snow to the highest peaks.
Colorado's tallest summits could see their first widespread dusting of snow Tuesday night into Wednesday.
Colorado's fall colors are starting up to 10 days early in 2025. Drought and cool nights are stressing aspen trees, speeding up the change. Find out when and where to catch peak foliage across Colorado.