Ron Hilliard Biography: Age, Height | WDIV Local 4 News Detroit

Ron Hilliard: Meteorologist and Journalist at WDIV-TV

Ron Hilliard is a notable American meteorologist and journalist working at WDIV Local 4 News in Detroit, Michigan. He joined the station in March 2023.

Ron has a deep passion for meteorology, which started at a young age. He has covered a wide range of weather phenomena, from snow and thunderstorms to tornadoes.

Ron grew up on Detroit’s northwest side and is a proud graduate of Michigan State University, where he studied Communications, Spanish, and Theatre.

He also spent a year studying abroad at Tecnologico de Monterrey in Mexico.

Ron has previously worked in Erie, Pennsylvania, and was a finalist on the TBS show “America’s Next Weatherman”.

He is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the Michigan Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Ron is currently continuing his post-graduate work in meteorology at Mississippi State University.

Age:

Ron Hilliard was born February 24 and is approximately 32 years old as of 2025. His zodiac sign is Pisces. He is of African American ethnicity and holds American nationality.

Parents and Siblings:

Ron Hilliard was born and raised on Detroit’s northwest side. He has always had a close-knit family, which is evident from his frequent posts about them on social media during special moments.

Tragically, his mother, Sharon Bowman-Hilliard, passed away on June 4, 2023, a loss that deeply affected Ron and showcased the profound bond they shared.

Ron also has a sister named LaTresha, who celebrates her birthday on June 21. He often highlights their special moments together, emphasizing the importance of family in his life.

These personal experiences and strong family connections have played a significant role in shaping Ron into the person he is today, influencing his dedication and passion for his career.

Height, Weight:

Ron Hilliard stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) and weighs around 154 lbs (70 kg)

Career and Background:

Ron Hilliard has a profound passion for meteorology, which began at a young age. He is a graduate of Michigan State University and the Specs Howard School of Media Arts.

During his time at MSU, he studied at Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico for a year. He is currently enrolled at Mississippi State University, continuing his post-graduate work in meteorology studies.

Professionally, Ron has worked in various locations, including Erie, Pennsylvania, and the Flint and Saginaw areas of Michigan, where he served as a weather and news reporter at WEYI-TV and WSMH-TV.

In March 2023, he joined the 4Warn Weather Team at WDIV Local 4 News in Detroit. Additionally, he was a top 3 finalist on the TBS show “America’s Next Weatherman.”

Early Life and Education

Ron Hilliard’s journey into meteorology began in his childhood on Detroit’s northwest side. He always had a passion for weather, which drove him to pursue a career in meteorology.

• Michigan State University: At Michigan State, Ron pursued a diverse education, studying Communications, Spanish, and Theatre. This multidisciplinary approach provided him with a broad skill set that he could apply to his career in weather forecasting. His ability to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish, along with his theatrical skills, likely contributed to his engaging on-air presence.

• Study Abroad in Mexico: His year at Tecnologico de Monterrey in Mexico added an international dimension to his education. This experience not only broadened his cultural understanding but also enhanced his communication skills and adaptability.

Career Beginnings

• Initial Roles in Flint and Saginaw, Michigan: Ron started his professional journey at WEYI-TV and WSMH-TV. Here, he took on dual roles as a weather forecaster and news reporter. This experience allowed him to develop a well-rounded understanding of both weather forecasting and general news reporting, which would serve him well in his future career.

Rising to Prominence

• Erie, Pennsylvania: Ron’s career trajectory took a significant step forward with his move to Erie, Pennsylvania. In this role, he gained more in-depth experience in weather forecasting, becoming well-versed in the various weather phenomena and how to effectively communicate them to the public.

National Recognition

• America’s Next Weatherman: Ron’s participation in the TBS show “America’s Next Weatherman” was a pivotal moment. As a finalist, he showcased his meteorological expertise and on-air charisma to a national audience. This exposure helped him build a broader reputation in the field of meteorology.

WDIV-TV in Detroit

• Joining WDIV-TV: In March 2023, Ron joined WDIV-TV in Detroit, a major milestone in his career. As a member of the 4Warn Weather team, he plays a crucial role in delivering weather updates to the Detroit metropolitan area. His work involves forecasting a wide range of weather events, from snowstorms to thunderstorms and tornadoes.

• Accurate Weather Reporting: Ron is known for his commitment to providing accurate and timely weather information. This dedication has made him a trusted source for weather updates among the local community.

Professional Affiliations

• National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ): Ron is an active member of NABJ, an organization that supports and promotes Black journalists. His involvement in NABJ reflects his commitment to diversity and representation in the media industry.

• National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), Michigan Chapter: As a member of the Michigan Chapter of NATAS, Ron is part of a professional community dedicated to the advancement of television arts and sciences. This affiliation highlights his ongoing commitment to excellence in his field.

Motivational Speaking

• Public Speaking: Beyond his meteorology work, Ron is also a motivational speaker. He shares his passion for weather and his professional experiences with various audiences, inspiring others to pursue their interests and achieve their goals. His ability to connect with people and communicate his enthusiasm for meteorology makes him an effective and engaging speaker.

Ron Hilliard has made several notable weather forecasts during his career, particularly at WDIV-TV in Detroit. Here are a few highlights:

• Lake-Effect Snow Showers: Ron accurately predicted and reported on lake-effect snow showers that dropped a coating of snow in parts of Southeast Michigan. His forecast helped residents prepare for the sudden weather change and potential travel disruptions.

• Cold and Snow Return: Ron provided detailed forecasts for a cold snap returning to Metro Detroit, including wind chills dipping into the single digits and snow showers. His timely updates ensured that viewers were well-informed about the severe weather conditions.

• Winter Weather Systems: Ron has been instrumental in forecasting winter weather systems tracking over the Ohio and Tennessee valleys, which impacted Michigan with lake-effect snow showers. His forecasts helped residents brace for wintry conditions and take necessary precautions.

• Severe Weather Coverage: Ron has covered various severe weather events, including thunderstorms and tornadoes. His accurate and timely reporting has been crucial in keeping the public safe and informed during these events.

Ron Hilliard has received several awards and recognitions throughout his career, highlighting his dedication and excellence in meteorology and journalism:

• AVA Digital Awards: While working as a news anchor/reporter for TV Warren News, Ron was part of an award-winning team that received the 2016 Gold Winner of the AVA Digital Awards for their cable news program.

• America’s Next Weatherman: Ron was a finalist on the TBS show “America’s Next Weatherman,” which is a significant recognition of his skills and passion for meteorology.

• National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ): As a member of NABJ, Ron has been recognized for his contributions to the field of journalism and his efforts to promote diversity and representation in the media industry.

• National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), Michigan Chapter: Ron’s involvement with NATAS reflects his commitment to excellence in television arts and sciences, and he has been acknowledged for his contributions to the field.

Ron Hilliard is part of the 4Warn Weather Team at WDIV-TV in Detroit. Some of his notable colleagues include:

• Ashlee Baracy: Ashlee is a fellow meteorologist who also joined the 4Warn Weather Team. She grew up in Westland, Michigan, and has a strong background in meteorology, having earned her degree from Mississippi State University. Ashlee previously worked at WBNS-TV in Columbus, Ohio, where she became the station’s first female chief meteorologist.

• Bob Ellis: Bob Ellis is the Vice President and General Manager at WDIV-TV. He has been instrumental in expanding the 4Warn Weather Team and bringing on talented meteorologists like Ron Hilliard and Ashlee Baracy.

• Paul Gross: Paul is a Senior Meteorologist at WDIV-TV. Paul has received numerous awards for his work in meteorology and is a respected figure in the field.

• Andrew Humphrey: Andrew is a Meteorologist and Reporter at WDIV-TV. He holds a degree in meteorology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and has worked in several major markets, including Washington D.C. and Baltimore, before joining WDIV-TV.

• Kimberly Gill: Kimberly is an Anchor at WDIV-TV. She co-anchors the evening news broadcasts and has been with the station since 2015. Kimberly has a background in journalism and has covered various significant news events throughout her career. Her presence on the news desk adds depth to the team’s coverage.

Ron has expressed his excitement about working with such a dedicated and experienced team, and he looks forward to using the exclusive 4Warn Weather technology to provide accurate weather forecasts to the Detroit area.

Net Worth and Salary:

Ron Hilliard’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his successful career as a meteorologist and motivational speaker.

As for his salary, Ron Hilliard earns an annual income ranging from $75,455 to $174,985. This range reflects his experience and expertise in the field of meteorology, as well as his additional role as a motivational speaker.

Is Ron Hilliard Married?

Ron Hilliard has chosen to keep his personal life quite private, including details about his marital status.

There isn’t any publicly available information about whether he is married or has a partner. He prefers to keep this aspect of his life out of the spotlight.

How Old Is Ron Hilliard?

Ron Hilliard has kept his exact age private, but he was born on February 24.However, he is estimated to be around 32 years old as of 2025.

Where Is Ron Hilliard Working At?

Ron Hilliard is currently working at WDIV-TV Local 4 News in Detroit, Michigan. He joined the station in March 2023 and serves as a Meteorologist and Journalist.

As part of the 4Warn Weather Team, Ron is responsible for delivering accurate weather forecasts and covering various weather phenomena, from snowstorms to tornadoes.

Ron Hilliard is active on several social media platforms where he shares weather updates, insights, and motivational content:

• Facebook: Ron uses Facebook to connect with his audience and share updates about weather forecasts, his work at WDIV-TV, and various motivational posts.

• Twitter: On Twitter, Ron shares timely weather updates, engages with his followers, and occasionally posts about current events and personal insights.

• Instagram: Ron’s Instagram account features a mix of weather-related content, behind-the-scenes glimpses of his work at WDIV-TV, and personal moments.

Ron utilizes these platforms to keep his audience informed and engaged, providing valuable content and connecting with his community