Bill Randby serves as the chief meteorologist at KETV NewsWatch 7 in Omaha, Nebraska, delivering weeknight weather forecasts at 5, 6, and 10 p.m. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he has built a distinguished career spanning decades, marked by precise forecasting during severe weather events and a calm on-air presence that has earned him widespread respect in the Midwest. His journey from a snow-covered childhood memory to leading one of Omaha’s top weather teams exemplifies dedication to meteorology in America’s heartland.
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Who is Bill Randby?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Age/ Birthday | 50s – 60s years/ October 22 |
| Family | Not Available |
| Wife | Julie Cornell |
| Twins | Madeline and Jocelyn |
| Net Worth | $1 million – $5 million |
| Salary | $45,000 to $110,500 annually |
| Height | 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) |
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Early Life and Weather Awakening
Bill Randby’s fascination with weather ignited during the Chicago Blizzard of 1967, when 23 inches of snow blanketed his hometown, leaving a lasting impression on the young boy. Growing up in Chicago instilled an early appreciation for the raw power of natural forces, from blizzards to thunderstorms, shaping his lifelong pursuit of understanding atmospheric phenomena. This pivotal event, occurring when Randby was likely in elementary school given his birthday on October 22, sparked a curiosity that would propel him toward a professional path in meteorology.
Chicago’s volatile climate provided ample opportunities for Randby to observe extreme weather firsthand, fostering skills in pattern recognition and risk assessment even before formal training. Family life details remain private, with no public records of parents or siblings disclosed, reflecting Randby’s preference for shielding personal history from the spotlight.. By high school graduation, his passion had crystallized, leading him to pursue higher education focused on the science of weather.
Education and Formative Years
Randby earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology from Florida State University, a institution renowned for its atmospheric sciences program amid hurricane-prone geography. This academic foundation equipped him with rigorous training in data analysis, radar interpretation, and predictive modeling essential for broadcast meteorology. Florida State’s hands-on curriculum, including fieldwork during tropical storms, honed his ability to forecast high-stakes events like hurricanes.
During college, Randby likely balanced studies with part-time observations of Florida’s severe weather, building resilience and technical proficiency that would define his career. Graduating with a solid grounding in meteorological principles, he emerged ready to apply classroom knowledge in real-world broadcasting, setting the stage for early professional roles. His education emphasized precision forecasting, a skill he credits for his long-term success in dynamic climates.
Professional Career Beginnings
Randby’s career launched in Minnesota, where he tackled the challenges of cold fronts, blizzards, and spring tornadoes, gaining invaluable experience in the Upper Midwest. This period sharpened his ability to communicate urgent weather threats to diverse audiences, from rural farmers to urban commuters. . Transitioning to Florida, he confronted Atlantic hurricanes and Gulf Coast thunderstorms, predicting storm tracks with emerging Doppler technology.
In these formative roles, Randby mastered live reporting under pressure, delivering timely updates that saved lives and property during evacuations and warnings. His calm demeanor amid chaos became a hallmark, earning trust from viewers facing life’s most unpredictable element. By the early 1990s, this expertise positioned him for a pivotal move to Omaha, where Nebraska’s volatile weather promised endless variety.
Rise at KETV NewsWatch 7
Joining KETV in 1992, Randby quickly ascended to chief meteorologist, anchoring forecasts on NewsWatch 7 at 5, 6, and 10 p.m. weekdays. Omaha’s “meteorologist’s dream” climate—blending ice storms, twisters, and thunderstorms—allowed him to showcase advanced tools like KETV’s Dual-Pol Super Doppler Radar. This system provides street-level detection of hail, tornado debris, and wind shear, enabling 3-minute severe weather heads-ups.
Randby’s on-air evolution includes marathon coverage of major events, such as devastating tornado outbreaks where his real-time tracking via fixed cameras and local landmarks outpaced competitors. Viewers praise his deep Omaha knowledge, from Chalco neighborhoods to rural counties, crediting him with calming nerves during 2008 storms and recent outbreaks. Colleagues like Sean Everson complement his leadership in the Weather Now Storm Team, delivering hourly precision forecasts.
Notable Weather Events and Coverage
During a recent Omaha-area tornado swarm, Randby posted relentless Facebook updates on warnings and positions, guiding thousands to safety. His sleeve-length meme—rolling them up as intensity escalated—became a cultural touchstone, with fans charting “Randby sleeves” on X for storm severity.. In 2025, he collaborated with Quanecia Fraser on historic outbreaks, emphasizing correlation coefficient data for debris confirmation.
Randby’s 1967 blizzard memory informs his empathy-driven reporting, prioritizing viewer safety over sensationalism. He has covered ice storms paralyzing highways, summer derechos flattening crops, and blizzards rivaling his Chicago roots. This track record positions him as Omaha’s go-to authority, with Reddit communities calling him an “Omaha treasure.”
Awards, Certifications, and Industry Recognition
A longtime American Meteorological Society (AMS) member, Randby earned its Seal of Approval in 1985, validating his early forecasting prowess. In August 2025, KETV congratulated him on his first Emmy, recognizing excellence in severe weather coverage. These honors underscore his blend of scientific accuracy and broadcast polish.
Social media amplifies his reach: over 37,000 Facebook likes, 15,000+ X followers (@BillRandbyKETV), and Muck Rack articles highlight his influence. IMDb credits him as an actor in KETV News at 10 PM, nodding to his on-camera charisma. Peers and fans alike celebrate his reliability, with WOWT’s Rusty Lord noted alongside in multi-station efforts.
Personal Life and Family
Bill Randby and Julie Cornell have been married for over 27 years as of 2025. The couple met at KETV where Julie was already working when Bill joined the stationin 1992. Bill married to KETV anchor Julie Cornell, who broadcasts at 4:30, 6, 9, and 10 p.m. in Circa 1998. The couple balances high-profile careers with family.
They parent three college-aged children: son Will and twins Madeline and Jocelyn, born January 14, 2003, turning 22 in 2025. Julie’s Instagram birthday posts capture family milestones, blending professional and personal worlds. The couple frequent joint on-air appearances, such as Duffy the weather dog segments and joint honors like the 2023 Omaha Press Club “Face on the Barroom Floor.”
Their shelter dog, Duffy, joins family outings, while Randby cheers Nebraska Huskers football avidly. Standing around 6’0″, he maintains a fit presence on-air. Privacy shields deeper family anecdotes, but their dual KETV roles exemplify partnership in media.
Financial Overview and Net Worth
Bill Randby’s net worth in 2025 is estimated between $1 million and $5 million, accumulated primarily through his long tenure as chief meteorologist at KETV NewsWatch 7 in Omaha, Nebraska. His annual salary at KETV ranges from $45,000 to $110,500, reflecting compensation for a chief meteorologist in a mid-sized market after 33 years since joining in 1992. No public disclosures exist beyond these estimates, aligning with his low-key financial profile.
Colleagues and KETV Team
Randby collaborates with anchors like Anna Behning, Melissa Fry, Waverle Monroe, and Julie Cornell; meteorologists including Sean Everson, Andy Kendeigh, Lauren Michelson; and reporters like Caitlin Harvey. This ensemble drives KETV’s dominance in Omaha weather, outshining rivals through tech and teamwork.
Public Persona and Community Impact
Randby’s Facebook lives and X posts extend his reach, fostering community resilience via proactive alerts. Fans tune in exclusively for his steady voice, from 2 a.m. vigils to daily updates. His legacy endures as a mentor figure, inspiring next-gen forecasters.
Legacy and Future Outlook
Over 33 years at KETV (as of 2025), Randby has redefined local meteorology, blending AMS rigor with viewer empathy. As climate patterns shift, his expertise remains vital for Nebraska’s future storms.
Are Bill Randby and Julie Cornell married?
Yes, Bill Randby and Julie Cornell are married.
What are some interesting facts about Bill Randby?
He holds the American Meteorological Society Seal of Approval since 1985 and won his first Emmy in August 2025 for severe weather coverage at KETV. A die-hard Nebraska Huskers football fan, Randby uses KETV’s advanced Dual-Pol Super Doppler Radar for street-level hail and tornado debris detection, providing 3-minute severe weather alerts.
Did Bill Randby win an Emmy?
Yes, Bill Randby won his first Emmy Award in 2025.
how old is Bill Randby?
Bill Randby’s exact age is not publicly confirmed, as he has not disclosed his birth year despite sharing his birthday on October 22.
how long has Bill Randby been at ketv?
Bill Randby has been at KETV NewsWatch 7 in Omaha since 1992.
how much does Bill Randby make?
Bill Randby’s annual salary as KETV’s chief meteorologist is estimated between $45,000 and $110,500.
how tall is Bill Randby?
Bill Randby’s height is reported as approximately 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm).