Education
Valparaiso University, B.S. Meteorology
Q&A with Chris Tomer
About Chris:
Chris grew up in Ohio where it was cloudy 7 days per week. Occasional snowstorms sparked his curiosity and he developed a passion for meteorology. Chris began his career at KJCT-TV (ABC) in Grand Junction, Colorado, and later worked in Baltimore, Maryland at NewsCentral. Chris's love for the mountains brought him to Denver where he worked at KDVR/KWGN-TV (FOX/CW) for 20 years where he developed a deep expertise in mountain weather forecasting. Chris routinely forecasts for mountain climbers and skiers around the world. Chris joined the WeatherNation team in January 2025.
What inspired you to become a meteorologist?
My parents were a big reason. I also had a few inspiring teachers and mentors growing up. I interned at WCMH-TV in Columbus, Ohio and KTVX-TV in Salt Lake City, Utah. Both internships allowed my passion to grow.
What is your most memorable weather experience?
Watching a giant thunderstorm with continuous lightning 50 miles away while sleeping on the 14,037ft summit of Little Bear Peak in Southern Colorado. My good friend Jon Kedrowski and I wrote a book about the project called, Sleeping on the Summits: Colorado 14er High Bivys.
Outside of weather, what are your hobbies and interests?
Trail running, snow skiing, backcountry skiing, mountaineering, mountain biking, reading, writing, and laying on the beach.
Besides your parents, who as influenced you the most in your life?
Don Pheneger (Middle School Science Teacher), Jym Ganahl (Meteorologist), and Dan Pope (Meteorologist).
What is a little-known fact about you?
I routinely forecast for people climbing Mount Everest, K2, Denali, and all major mountain peaks around the world.
What are your hopes and dreams for the profession of weather?
I'm curious where A-I (Artificial Intelligence) takes weather forecasting by 2030.