
A strong winter storm will impact the mountains, blizzard south and east of Denver
Blizzard warnings have been issued south and east of Denver, treacherous travel is expected overnight Monday into Tuesday afternoon for portions of the Plains.
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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
Blizzard warnings have been issued south and east of Denver, treacherous travel is expected overnight Monday into Tuesday afternoon for portions of the Plains.
A mild start to Monday with rain, snow, and wind expected by the evening. Significant accumulations are possible for portions of the high country, Palmer Divide, and Eastern Plains.
Cold air originating from the Arctic Ocean was dislodged earlier this week and spilled south across the United States. As a result, wind chills across the Eastern Plains bottomed out around 30 degrees below 0.
A round of snow is expected to end the week in Denver followed by a surge of temperatures in the 60s.
Eastern Colorado is in the midst of 60 hours of freezing temperatures.
An Arctic blast is heading towards Denver with wind chills as low as 30 below possible for a 60-hour stretch.
Another Arctic blast and several chances of light snow are expected in Denver early next week. Moderate to heavy mountain snow begins Sunday night.
A cold and snowy stretch of weather is headed to Colorado. Accumulating snow is expected in Denver and across the Eastern Plains Tuesday night into Wednesday.
A stretch of snow and cold is returning to Colorado, winter is back.
Another round of accumulating snow and colder air is expected to develop across Colorado's mountains, and eventually Denver through the evening on Friday.
After 90 hours below the freezing mark, Denver has finally reached 32 degrees.
First Alert Weather Days have been issued through Tuesday morning as dangerously cold conditions continue across Colorado.
Snow has started falling in downtown Denver and a winter weather advisory is now in effect.
An arctic front will sweep through Colorado Friday afternoon with dangerously cold air and accumulating snow lagging behind it.
Cold air originating from the Arctic Ocean will be dislodged and sent to the continental United States this weekend.