Ron Smiley
For nearly a decade, Meteorologist Ron Smiley has been helping get the people of Western Pennsylvania get their mornings started off right with an upbeat and accurate weather report on KDKA.
Before landing in Pittsburgh, Ron forecasted in parts of Tornado Alley in Arkansas, tracked hurricanes in New Orleans, and dealt with his first real winter weather forecast in Indianapolis. There's not a lot in the way of weather that Ron hasn't seen. Even with 25 years in the business now, Ron still tries to treat every forecast with the respect it deserves.
"With all the microclimates in Western Pennsylvania, this is by far the hardest place I have ever forecast. There are no easy days when it comes to forecasting here in Western Pennsylvania. The weather here will humble you quickly."
Born a Texan, Ron grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, after his dad retired from the Air Force. He often times says that if he can grow up under a drill sergeants roof, then he can take anything that life can throw at him.
After graduating from Little Rock Catholic High, Ron pursued his degree at Arkansas Tech University.
In Ron's free time, you'll find him out at local festivals and markets with his two daughters, Haley and Chloe. You also may see him out with his fiancée, Bethany. Bethany also has two kids.
Ron also loves to ride his bike along trails across town and frequently coaches and referees basketball and soccer games in the South Hills.
VITALS
- Joined KDKA: June 2015
- Hometown: Grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas
- Alma Mater: Little Rock Catholic High
FAVORITES
- Music: Love all types. I'm a dad now so Katy Perry rocks!
- Movie: "Tombstone" is the best movie ever made
- TV Show: CW Shows, sports
- Book: "Storm Watchers: the Turbulent History of Weather Prediction from Franklin's Kite to El Nino"
- Hobbies: Basketball, My kids, gaming (Xbox Live ID: RBSmilez)
- Sports Team: Arkansas Razorbacks, San Antonio Spurs
- Food: Lasagna, Chocolate, Cereal
- Local Restaurant: Totopo Mexican Kitchen and Bar
- Hidden PA Gem: Hiking around Cucumber Falls
- Sport/Exercise: Basketball, running
- Historical Figure: George Washington Carver
- Favorite Pennsylvanian: Benjamin Franklin? He wasn't born here, but lived a good portion of his life in the state. Father of Meteorology
- Quote: "All play and no work makes Jack a mere toy." – Paul Laurence Dunbar
- Word: Really?
- Vacation Spot: Anywhere with a beach
- Holiday: Easter
- Guilty Pleasure: Cheat days!
- Planet The one I live on…
THIS OR THAT
- Facebook or Twitter? Twitter
- Cats or Dogs? If I have to choose…Dog
- Beatles or Rolling Stones? Beatles
- Comedy or Tearjerker? Comedy
- Phone Call or Text Message? Text Message
- Mac or PC? PC
- Coffee or Tea? Tea
- Paper or Plastic? Paper
- Morning Person or Night Person? Morning person
- East Coast or West Coast? East Coast
- Star Trek or Star Wars? Star Trek
