A familiar and trusted voice in Iowa weather is facing a life-altering diagnosis. For years, Jeriann Ritter has guided viewers through storms, sunshine, and everything in between. Now, the trusted meteorologist is facing a storm of her own.
Ritter, a longtime meteorologist at WHO 13 in Des Moines, confirmed in an emotional interview that she has been diagnosed with bulbar ALS, a fast-moving form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. According to People and The Independent, Ritter shared her diagnosis during an emotional on-air segment after viewers began expressing concern about changes in her speech.
Jeriann Ritter Shares Her ALS Diagnosis With Viewers
Fighting back tears, Ritter told colleague Keith Murphy that the disease is already affecting her speech.
“I love talking about the weather,” the 49-year-old said. “I don’t love talking about ALS. That’s what the doctors believe is causing my speech problems.”
She later added words that stunned viewers: “I’m probably done telling you about the weather.”
How Jeriann Ritter’s Speech Changes Led to Her ALS Diagnosis
Ritter has been a steady presence at WHO since 2004, delivering forecasts at noon and 4 p.m., and previously on the morning show. Over the past few months, viewers began noticing subtle changes in her speech.
She first addressed concerns in a January social media post. “Thank you so much for your concern,” she wrote.
Ritter Shares Emotional Journey From First Symptoms to ALS Diagnosis
“I know all of us have stuff going on, but when my greatest joy is talking, and it’s becoming harder to do, it’s kind of a bummer right now.”
During her sit-down interview, Ritter shared that she initially believed the issue might be dental. When doctors raised concerns about possible stroke symptoms, she underwent a series of medical tests. A neurologist eventually noticed something unusual on her tongue and delivered the diagnosis: bulbar ALS.
“I wasn’t prepared to hear that,” Ritter said. “I really thought it was something little. It’s a hard diagnosis. Right now, I pray every day that a miracle is going to happen. I keep thinking, ‘It could be something else.’ It is killing me that something that came so easily is now so hard. My greatest joy is talking, and it’s becoming hard to do; it’s kind of a bummer.”
What is Bulbar ALS?
ALS, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative illness with no cure.
As per Healthline, Bulbar ALS specifically targets muscles in the face, throat, and neck. It often leads to difficulties with speaking, swallowing, and breathing. Unlike the more common limb-onset form of ALS, bulbar ALS can progress rapidly.
Ritter said doctors have told her there is no treatment and no cure.
Despite that, she has tried speech therapy to help manage her symptoms. She acknowledged that she feels like she is “getting worse,” but remains determined to face each day with purpose.
‘I’m Going to Live, and I’m Going to Love’
Ritter has spent more than 20 years doing what she loves most: connecting with people. Forecasting was never just a segment on a rundown. It was her voice, her rhythm, and her way of showing up for viewers every day.
“I’m probably done telling you about the weather, but I still have a lot to say,” she said.
Then she shared a message that reflected the strength so many have come to admire.
“I’m going to do what I’ve always done, I’m going to live, and I’m going to love. That’s what I’m doing. I didn’t forecast this storm hitting. It’s raining right now, and I’m just trying to find the sunshine and focus on the little things, living in the moment. I’m so wealthy because I have so much love.”
Ritter, a wife and mother of two, says her focus now is on her family, her faith, and the people who have stood by her through this unexpected turn.
Her time delivering daily forecasts may be uncertain. But her spirit, her warmth, and her unmistakable voice remain very much her own.
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