Steve Raleigh stands as a cornerstone in American broadcast meteorology, delivering life-saving weather forecasts across decades. His career spans major markets from Memphis to San Francisco and Cincinnati, marked by Emmy wins and pioneering coverage of disasters like tornado outbreaks and hurricanes. Viewers trust his calm expertise during chaos, blending science with storytelling that resonates deeply.
Table of Contents
Who is Steve Raleigh?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 65-70 years old |
| Parents | To be updated |
| Wife | Julie |
| Children | Carter, Kyle, Chelsea, and the late daughter Madison |
| Net Worth | $1 million -$2 million |
| Salary | $100,000-$150,000 annually |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
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Early Life and Roots in Indiana
Steve Raleigh grew up in Indiana, fostering an early fascination with weather amid the Midwest’s unpredictable storms. This heartland foundation shaped his path into meteorology, where he honed a knack for explaining complex systems simply. Those formative years instilled resilience, evident in his later high-stakes reporting. His journey began with hands-on curiosity, transitioning from local observations to formal study. Raleigh pursued higher education with purpose, laying groundwork for a distinguished career.
Family values from Indiana guided his professional ethos, emphasizing community service alongside science.
Academic Foundation: Building Expertise
Raleigh earned a degree in Meteorology and Earth Science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, mastering atmospheric dynamics. He complemented this with a Broadcast Journalism B.S. from Boston University, sharpening communication skills vital for TV. Certifications from the National Weather Association and American Meteorological Society sealed his credentials as a broadcast seal holder.
These qualifications set him apart early, blending rigorous science with on-air polish. Raleigh’s education emphasized practical application, preparing him for real-world forecasting demands. This dual focus propelled him into competitive markets swiftly.
Launching a Stellar Career: First Steps in Broadcasting
Raleigh kicked off his professional life in February 1983 at WREG-TV in Memphis, Tennessee, as reporter and meteorologist. Over nearly three years, he covered severe weather, building a reputation for accuracy in the volatile South. This role sharpened his instincts for breaking stories under pressure. He advanced to WLWT-TV in Cincinnati from November 1985 to 1987, anchoring weekend weather and reporting.
Returning to familiar Ohio terrain, Raleigh deepened local ties while expanding skills. These foundational gigs honed his signature friendly delivery, making science accessible.
Rising Through the Ranks: Charlotte and Beyond
From November 1987 to 1989, Raleigh served as Chief Meteorologist at WCNC-TV in Charlotte, North Carolina, managing full-time forecasting. Here, he tackled Southern hurricanes and floods, earning trust in a growing market. Leadership emerged as he guided teams through crises. Shifting to Jackson, Mississippi’s WLBT-TV earlier, he anchored weather amid tornado alley threats.
These stops built his resume for bigger stages. Raleigh’s trajectory showed calculated moves toward national prominence.
KRON-TV Era: San Francisco Stardom (1989-2005)
Joining KRON-TV in San Francisco Bay Area in November 1989 as Chief Meteorologist, Raleigh spent nearly 16 transformative years. He pioneered the nation’s first instant weather updates, revolutionizing live delivery. KRON’s news surged with DuPont Columbia awards, Peabodys, and over 100 Emmys during his tenure, crediting his forecasts.
Raleigh covered earthquakes, wildfires, and El Niño floods, often credited with saving lives through precise warnings. His innovative graphics and engaging style boosted ratings in a competitive market. This period cemented his legacy as a coastal weather authority.
- Earthquake aftershocks demanded split-second analysis.
- Wildfire seasons tested endurance with round-the-clock briefs.
- Hurricane tracking from afar influenced Bay Area preparedness.
WCPO-TV Triumph: Cincinnati Homecoming (2005-Retirement)
In July 2005, Raleigh returned to Cincinnati as Chief Meteorologist at WCPO-TV (9 First Warning Weather), entering his 35th year in the field by 2018. He led coverage of the March 2, 2012, Tri-State tornado outbreak, praised for accuracy that observers say saved lives. Flooding, blizzards, and derechos followed, with Raleigh’s team lauded for viewer-leading precision.
An Emmy for Best News Talent highlighted his excellence. He debuted in Cincinnati TV 20 years prior at WXIX-TV in 1997 post-Dayton’s WKEF-TV, but WCPO marked his pinnacle. Retirement whispers surfaced recently, capping a remarkable run. His WCPO forecasts blended data-driven insights with warmth, fostering loyal Tri-State audiences.
Community telethons and emceeing amplified his impact beyond screens.
Coverage of Historic Weather Events: A Meteorologist’s Pride
Raleigh’s proudest moments stem from disaster reporting, starting with Oklahoma’s historic tornadoes. Life-threatening floods and multiple hurricanes followed, from Katrina’s devastation to regional outbreaks. His 2012 tornado coverage stood out, guiding evacuations effectively. In San Francisco, he navigated 1989 Loma Prieta quake chaos and relentless rains. Cincinnati saw him through polar vortexes and Ohio River surges.
Each event showcased his ability to translate radar into actionable advice.
- Oklahoma twisters: Ground zero intensity.
- Hurricane paths: Long-range modeling mastery.
- Tri-State 2012: Life-saving lead accuracy.
These sagas underscore why Raleigh views public safety as meteorology’s core reward.
Awards and Professional Accolades
An Emmy Award for Best News Talent crowns Raleigh’s honors at WCPO. National Weather Association and AMS certifications underscore peer respect. KRON’s haul—Peabodys, DuPonts, 100+ Emmys—reflects his contributions. Local nods for community service and auctioneering add layers. His work earned widespread acclaim for blending science with humanity. These achievements position him among elite broadcast meteorologists.
Personal Life: Family, Loss, and Resilience
Raleigh shares life with wife Julie, daughter of former Hamilton County Sheriff Simon Leis Jr. Their family endured heartbreak on January 17, 2019, when 24-year-old daughter Madi died by suicide amid addiction and mental health struggles. This loss birthed involvement with Madi’s House, supporting young adults in recovery via telethons.
His son, Kyle, faced legal issues in a 2024 parking incident at Montgomery Inn Boathouse. Despite trials, Raleigh channels pain into advocacy, emceeing non-profits. His friendly on-air tone mirrors off-screen warmth. Family anchors his Midwestern values, evident in community commitments. Julie’s support fueled career moves across states.
Community Impact and Philanthropy
Beyond forecasts, Raleigh auctions and emcees for non-profits, raising funds post-Madi’s passing. Madi’s House telethons combat addiction, honoring his daughter’s memory. He’s a fixture in Cincinnati events, blending celebrity with service.
His role extends to education, inspiring young meteorologists through school visits and demos. This holistic approach amplifies his influence. Philanthropy reveals the man behind the maps.
- Madi’s House: Personal passion project.
- Non-profit MC gigs: Auctioneer extraordinaire.
- Youth outreach: Sparking weather curiosity.
Net Worth, Salary Insights, and Legacy
Exact net worth figures remain private, but decades as Chief Meteorologist in top markets suggest comfortable stability. Comparable anchors earn mid-six figures annually, bolstered by endorsements. Raleigh’s KRON and WCPO longevity implies $1-2 million career earnings estimate, though unconfirmed.
His legacy endures in saved lives, awards, and mentees. Retirement looms as fans celebrate a career outlasting market shifts. Raleigh redefined TV weather with heart and precision.
Is Steve Raleigh retiring?
Steve Raleigh, the chief meteorologist at WCPO-TV in Cincinnati, is not retiring. His LinkedIn lists his role at WCPO as ongoing since July 2005, now over 20 years, with no retirement noted. The station’s bio page confirms his active position, entering his 40th year in meteorology, covering storms and events without any exit announcements into late 2025.
What happened with Steve Raleigh, Cincinnati?
Steve Raleigh, WCPO-TV’s chief meteorologist in Cincinnati, was involved in a June 2024 parking lot altercation at Montgomery Inn Boathouse. A minor vehicle collision escalated into a physical scuffle between Raleigh’s family (including sons Kyle and Carter) and the Morrow family (Doug, Lois, and Troy). Video showed confrontations; the elderly Morrows sustained injuries like a cracked skull and brain bleed, leading to hospitalization. Raleigh urged them not to call police, per reports.
What happened to Steve Raleigh’s son?
Kyle Raleigh, son of WCPO-TV chief meteorologist Steve Raleigh, was involved in a June 2024 parking lot altercation at Montgomery Inn Boathouse in Cincinnati following a minor car collision. He was indicted in September 2024 on one count of felonious assault (second-degree felony) and two counts of aggravated assault (fourth-degree felonies) for injuring elderly couple Doug (79) and Lois Morrow (76), who suffered concussions, a fractured skull, brain bleed, and other injuries during the scuffle involving the Raleigh and Morrow families. Kyle pleaded guilty in December 2024 to reduced misdemeanor assault charges.
Will Steve Raleigh return to Channel 9?
Steve Raleigh, WCPO-TV’s chief meteorologist in Cincinnati (Channel 9), has already returned to the air and continues working there. He went off-air in June 2024 during the Montgomery Inn parking lot investigation involving his family but was cleared of charges by September 2024, with WCPO confirming his return “soon” afterward.
What is Steve Raleigh known for?
Steve Raleigh is renowned as the chief meteorologist at WCPO-TV (Channel 9) in Cincinnati, Ohio, with over 40 years in broadcast meteorology.
how old is Steve Raleigh?
Steve Raleigh is approximately 65-70 years old as of 2025.
where is Steve Raleigh now?
Steve Raleigh remains the chief meteorologist at WCPO-TV (Channel 9) in Cincinnati, Ohio.
how much does Steve Raleigh make?
Steve Raleigh, chief meteorologist at WCPO-TV (Channel 9) in Cincinnati, earns an estimated annual salary in the range of $100,000 to $150,000.
Did Steve Raleigh retire?
Steve Raleigh, the chief meteorologist at WCPO-TV (Channel 9) in Cincinnati, has not retired.