Jeriann Ritter, Meteorologist WHO-HD Channel 13

Des Moines Moms Blog recognizes that moms wear a lot of hats. You are a mom, wife, friend, diaper changer, nose wiper, meal planner, lost toy finder, the list goes on and on!

This summer we are thrilled to feature some local moms who are thinking outside the box and making a difference in our community through the businesses they own, organizations they are involved with, and work they do. Check out the rest of the series and read profiles from previous years here.

Jeriann Ritter is the weekday morning meteorologist at WHO-HD Channel 13. In addition to being something of a local celebrity, she is a mom and wife. 

Tells us about yourself and your family

I am 43. I live in Van Meter with my husband of 11 years and our two sons. Luke is 10 and Nick is 8. Channel 13 hired me twenty years ago as an editor right out of college. I got my first on-air job in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1999 as a part-time reporter and weekend weather anchor. I came back to WHO-HD in 2004. I have been doing the weather on the morning show for about fifteen years. I love telling Central Iowans about the changing weather every weekday morning. I didn’t like coffee before I had kids. I now drink it every day.   

What do you consider the biggest challenge of motherhood to be? Biggest joy?

The biggest challenge of motherhood is limiting screen time. My boys do play hard most of the time outside, but when the weather isn’t nice, I let them sit in front of the PS4. They are quiet and leave me alone. This makes it hard to say you need to stop. 

My biggest joy is witnessing the innocence of a child firsthand. So many firsts I get to enjoy. I like to blindfold them and try new foods. I always start with something I know they love, so they trust me. Brussel sprouts are a new favorite from this fun game. 

Have you always loved the weather?

I grew up in a small town in Northwest Iowa where my Dad was a volunteer storm spotter. I loved watching severe weather move in and wanted to know more. In fifth grade, I drew myself pointing to a weather map with the NBC peacock in the corner of the tv screen. 

What’s the best part about your job?

My job rocks because it is fun and challenging at the same time. Every day offers something new and different. 

What’s the hardest part about your job?

The hardest part of my job is getting up at 2 a.m. to come into work. The hours are not glamorous. 

What advice do you have for moms who want to chase a dream?

Do it! You will never look back. You can sleep when you die.   

Why do you call Des Moines home?

I was born and raised in Iowa and happy to call this my home.  I love raising our boys in this great state.  I think it is a beautiful place to live with wonderful schools and safe communities. 

Des Moines Favorites:

Favorite spot for a date night: My husband and I go out for lunch together when the kids are in school. Sitting outside together and enjoying a fire and some nice weather is always fun too.   

Best place to take kids: Bike riding around High Trestle Bridge.

Favorite summer activity: Kayaking the river

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Nowhere else. We live in Van Meter and love it.

What’s the last show you watched, thing you listened to, or book you read? Survivor is a show we love to watch together as a family. The last thing I listened to is the sermon at Lutheran Church of Hope on Sunday. The last book I read was a kid’s book. 

How/where do you relax? I find bike riding relaxing. I love to sit at the pool in the summer. Over spring break, we went to warm Anna Marie Island in Florida and enjoyed some time in the water.

If your life had a hashtag, what would it be? #wildweatherwoman

Know a Des Moines mom we should feature? Let us know! Email [email protected] with details and we will be in touch.