Biography of Ray Petelin: Veteran Meteorologist at KDKA-TV
Ray Petelin is a seasoned meteorologist at KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
He is known for his engaging weather forecasts and his ability to communicate complex meteorological phenomena to the public.
Ray joined KDKA-TV in October 2018 and has been a familiar face on the station ever since.
Brief Achievements
- AMS and NWA Seals of Approval: Ray holds seals of approval from both the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the National Weather Association (NWA), recognizing his expertise and professionalism in meteorology.
- Hometown High Q Host: Ray also hosts the popular quiz show “Hometown High Q,” where he combines his passion for weather with his love for engaging the community.
Personal Interests
Ray has a passion for science communication and enjoys educating the public about weather and meteorology.
He is dedicated to making weather information accessible and understandable for everyone.
Age:
Ray Petelin is 52 years old as of 2024. He was born on October 25, 1972, which makes his zodiac sign Scorpio. He is American by nationality and his ethnicity is White.
Parents and Siblings:
Ray Petelin was born and raised in Ashtabula, Ohio, by his American parents.
His father, Mike Petelin, is also a meteorologist, making meteorology a family affair. Ray has two siblings: an older brother and a younger sister.
Interestingly, Ray has a fraternal twin brother named Michael Petelin, and they are known for their striking differences.
In fact, they once took third place for “least identical twins” at a twins festival in Twinsburg, Ohio!
Wife and Children:
Ray Petelin is happily married to his lovely wife, Rachael Petelin. They have one daughter together, Elizabeth, who recently started her senior year of high school.
Ray often shares heartwarming moments with his family on social media, including a viral video about Elizabeth’s first day of school tradition.
Ray is a loving and dedicated family man who enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter. He often talks about how proud he is of Elizabeth and enjoys sharing their special moments with his audience.
Height, Weight:
Ray Petelin stands at an estimated height of 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters).
While specific details about his weight are not publicly available, based on his height and build, a rough estimate would place him in the range of 160-170 pounds (approximately 72.5-77 kg).
Career and Background:
Ray joined KDKA in October 2018 and has been a familiar face in Pittsburgh’s weather scene since 2003.
His career has also taken him to Parkersburg, West Virginia, and Erie, Pennsylvania, where he honed his expertise in micro-climates and lake-effect snow.
Ray is certified by the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association and holds a Broadcast Meteorology certificate from Mississippi State University.
He also earned a B.A. in Communications and Marketing from the University of Akron.
Early Career
Assignment Editor and News Assistant
- WFMJ-TV: Ray began his career as an assignment editor at WFMJ-TV in Youngstown, Ohio, from June 2000 to August 2001. His role involved overseeing news stories and coordinating with reporters.
- WKYC-TV: He then moved to WKYC-TV in Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked as a news assistant from August 2001 to February 2002. Here, he gained valuable experience in news production and field reporting.
Weather Forecaster
WTAP-TV
- Ray’s first significant role as a meteorologist was at WTAP-TV in Parkersburg, West Virginia, where he served as a weather anchor and news anchor from February 2002 to December 2003. This position allowed him to hone his skills in weather forecasting and broadcasting.
One Caribbean Weather
- Following his tenure at WTAP-TV, Ray joined One Caribbean Weather, a 24/7 weather channel. This role provided him with the unique experience of covering tropical weather patterns and hurricanes, which are critical to the Caribbean region.
WSEE-TV
- Ray further advanced his career by joining WSEE-TV in Erie, Pennsylvania, in December 2003. He worked as a meteorologist there until September 2011. During his time at WSEE-TV, Ray developed a reputation for his accurate weather forecasts and engaging on-air presence.
WTAE-TV
- In September 2011, Ray moved to WTAE-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He worked as a meteorologist there until September 2018. His work at WTAE-TV helped solidify his status as a trusted weather expert in the Pittsburgh area.
Current Role
KDKA-TV
- Ray joined KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in October 2018. As a meteorologist, he appears on the station’s weekend evening newscasts, delivering weather forecasts and updates. His ability to explain complex weather phenomena in an understandable and relatable way has made him a favorite among viewers.
Ray Petelin works closely with several colleagues at KDKA-TV. Some of his notable colleagues include:
- Chris Parker: Co-anchor and meteorologist who often collaborates with Ray on weather segments.
- Mary Ours: A seasoned meteorologist known for her accurate weather forecasts and engaging on-air presence.
- Ron Smiley: A dedicated weather anchor who works closely with Ray on the weather segments.
- Kristin Emery: Another talented meteorologist who contributes to the weather team’s efforts.
- Katie Lange: Another meteorologist on the team, known for her engaging weather reports.
- Kurt Aaron: Longtime news anchor who works alongside Ray on the evening news broadcasts.
These colleagues, along with Ray, form a dedicated team that provides accurate and timely weather updates to the Pittsburgh community.
Here are some of Ray Petelin’s notable weather forecasts, numbered for clarity:
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Winter Weather Forecasts
- Ray is well-known for his accurate winter weather forecasts. He provides detailed predictions about cold snaps, snowfall amounts, and winter storm impacts. His forecasts help viewers prepare for harsh winter conditions and ensure safety during severe weather.
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Severe Weather Alerts
- Ray has been instrumental in issuing timely severe weather alerts, including warnings for thunderstorms, tornadoes, and flash floods. His ability to communicate the severity and timing of these events helps the public take necessary precautions.
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Heatwave Advisories
- During heatwaves, Ray provides crucial information on how to stay cool and hydrated. He offers advice on recognizing heat-related illnesses and emphasizes the importance of taking breaks and staying indoors during peak heat hours.
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Hurricane Season Updates
- Ray also covers hurricane season, providing updates on potential impacts, evacuation routes, and safety measures. His forecasts are vital for coastal communities that may be affected by these powerful storms.
Ray Petelin’s dedication to providing accurate and timely weather information has made him a trusted source for weather updates in the Pittsburgh area.
His forecasts not only inform but also help protect the community during various weather conditions.
Achievements
AMS and NWA Seals of Approval
- Ray holds seals of approval from both the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the National Weather Association (NWA). These certifications recognize his expertise and professionalism in meteorology, ensuring that he adheres to the highest standards of accuracy and communication.
Hometown High Q Host
In addition to his meteorological duties, Ray hosts the popular quiz show “Hometown High Q” on KDKA-TV.
He has been hosting Hometown High Q since 2020, succeeding previous hosts Ken Rice and Rick Dayton.
The show is a popular quiz bowl show that has been running for over two decades. It features teams of three students from 81 local high schools in the Pittsburgh area, who compete by answering questions from a variety of curriculum areas.
As the host, Ray plays a crucial role in guiding the contestants through the rounds, maintaining the show’s pace, and keeping the audience engaged.
Gameplay
The competition consists of several rounds, including:
- Start Smart: Teams buzz in to answer questions with something in common.
- Database: Teams are asked a set of questions worth 20 points each.
- Pix File: Teams answer questions with accompanying images.
- Advantage: Teams can gain bonus points by answering questions correctly from a packet.
- Quicktime: A speed round where teams answer questions quickly to earn points.
Virtual Format
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the show adapted a virtual format, allowing teams to compete via Zoom. This format includes similar rounds but without buzzers.
Net Worth and Salary:
Ray Petelin’s net worth and salary reflect his extensive career in meteorology:
Net Worth
Ray Petelin’s net worth is estimated to be between $350,000 and $550,000 as of 2023. This amount has been accumulated through his successful career as a weather journalist and meteorologist.
Salary
Ray’s annual salary ranges from $31,300 to $92,500, depending on various factors such as his role, experience, and contract specifics. However, some sources suggest his salary could be higher, around $240,670 per year.
Is Ray Petelin Married?
Yes, Ray Petelin is married. His wife’s name is Rachael Petelin. They have one daughter together, Elizabeth, who recently started her senior year of high school.
Ray often shares heartwarming moments with his family on social media, highlighting their close-knit bond.
How Old Is Ray Petelin?
Ray Petelin was born on October 25, 1972, which makes him 52 years old as of 2024.
Where Is Ray Petelin?
Ray Petelin is still working at KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He joined the station in October 2018 and continues to serve as a weather anchor and reporter.
Ray is an integral part of the KDKA Weather Team, providing forecasts every Saturday and Sunday evening on News 4 at 6:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.
His engaging weather forecasts and dedication to the community have made him a beloved figure in Pittsburgh.
Ray Petelin is quite active on social media. He has a presence on several platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Ray often shares weather updates, personal moments with his family, and engaging content that resonates with his audience.
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