Ron Smiley Biography | KDKA-TV Pittsburgh Meteorologist
Ron Smiley is an American meteorologist working for CBS Pittsburgh (KDKA-TV) as a weekday morning meteorologist. Here’s a brief overview of his life and career:
Early Life and Education
- Birth: Ron Smiley was born in San Antonio, Texas.
- Education: He attended Arkansas Tech University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Broadcast Journalism.
Career
- Early Career: Ron began his career working at TV stations in Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Orleans.
- WXIN-TV: He worked for WXIN-TV in Indianapolis, Indiana, before joining CBS Pittsburgh.
- CBS Pittsburgh (KDKA-TV): Ron joined KDKA-TV in June 2015 and has been serving as a weekday morning meteorologist since then.
Achievements
- AMS Seal of Approval: Ron is actively involved in the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and holds the AMS Seal of Approval.
Community Engagement
- Local Festivals and Markets: Ron enjoys participating in local festivals and markets, where he engages with the community and shares his passion for weather.
- Hobbies: In his free time, Ron loves cooking, exploring Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, hiking, biking, and spending time with his family.
Age
Ron Smiley is 48 years old as of 2025. He was born on April 7, 1977, making his zodiac sign Aries. Ron is of American ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Ron Smiley was born in San Antonio, Texas, and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. His father was an ex-Air Force military man, and his mother’s name is not publicly known. There is no information available about Ron having any siblings.
Wife:
Ron Smiley is married to Michelle Smiley, a respected operations manager at the Thelma Lovette YMCA in Pittsburgh. The couple met while attending Arkansas Tech University and have been married since 2000.
Michelle is known for her leadership in community wellness initiatives and her dedication to youth development through the YMCA.
Together, Ron and Michelle have two daughters, Haley and Chloe. Ron often speaks proudly of his family and values the time he spends with his girls.
Whether it’s hiking around Cucumber Falls, biking through local trails, or attending Pittsburgh’s many festivals, the Smiley family embraces an active and connected lifestyle.
Ron frequently shares that being a father is one of the most rewarding parts of his life, and he’s deeply committed to creating lasting memories with his daughters.
Ron Smiley Height, Weight:
- Height: 5’8″ (1.73m)
- Weight: Approximately 167 lbs (76 kg)
Career and Background:
Ron Smiley has had a dynamic career in meteorology, marked by his dedication to providing accurate weather forecasts and engaging with the community.
He has been a meteorologist for KDKA-TV in Pittsburgh since June 2015.
His career journey includes working in various locations such as New Orleans, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Indianapolis before settling in Pittsburgh.
He graduated from Arkansas Tech University in 2000 with a degree in broadcast journalism and holds a certification from the American Meteorological Society.
Ron’s engaging weather reporting and community involvement have made him a well-loved figure in Pittsburgh.
Early Career
- Arkansas Tech University: Ron graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Broadcast Journalism from Arkansas Tech University in 2000.
- Early TV Stations: He began his career working at TV stations in Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Orleans, where he honed his skills as a meteorologist.
WXIN-TV
- Indianapolis, Indiana: Ron worked for WXIN-TV in Indianapolis, where he gained experience and recognition for his weather forecasting abilities.
CBS Pittsburgh (KDKA-TV)
- Joining KDKA: In June 2015, Ron joined CBS Pittsburgh (KDKA-TV) as a weekday morning meteorologist.
- Weather Forecasts: He provides weather forecasts for Western Pennsylvania, with a focus on Pittsburgh, helping the community stay informed and prepared for weather conditions.
- AMS Seal of Approval: Ron is actively involved in the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and holds the AMS Seal of Approval, which recognizes his expertise and commitment to the field.
Ron Smiley has made several notable weather forecasts throughout his career, particularly during significant weather events. Here are a few highlights:
- Tornado Alley Forecasts: While working in Arkansas, Ron forecasted tornadoes and severe weather events in Tornado Alley, providing crucial information to keep residents safe.
- Hurricane Tracking: During his time in New Orleans, Ron tracked hurricanes, helping residents prepare for these powerful storms.
- Winter Weather in Indianapolis: Ron dealt with his first real winter weather forecast in Indianapolis, providing accurate predictions during the cold months.
- Western Pennsylvania Microclimates: Since joining CBS Pittsburgh, Ron has tackled the challenging weather patterns of Western Pennsylvania, known for its microclimates. He has provided detailed forecasts for rain, snow, and temperature changes, helping the community stay informed and prepared.
- Record-Breaking Streaks: Ron highlighted notable weather streaks, such as the longest stretch without temperatures dipping below freezing in Pittsburgh, which extended to 192 days.
Ron Smiley works closely with several colleagues at CBS Pittsburgh (KDKA-TV) as part of the weather team. Here are some of his close colleagues:
- Mary Ours: A fellow meteorologist who often collaborates with Ron on weather forecasts and segments.
- Ray Petelin: Another meteorologist on the team, known for his engaging weather presentations.
- Kristin Emery: A meteorologist who works alongside Ron, providing weather updates and forecasts.
- Heather Abraham: Heather is a morning anchor and reporter who often collaborates with Ron during the morning news segments.
- David Highfield: A co-host of “Pittsburgh Today Live,” David frequently works with Ron on various news stories and segments.
- Kristine Sorensen: Kristine is a news anchor and reporter who works closely with Ron on the station’s news broadcasts.
- Ken Rice: As an anchor for KDKA-TV, Ken collaborates with Ron on delivering comprehensive news coverage.
- Lindsay Ward: A reporter and anchor who works with Ron on morning news coverage and other special reports
- Trey Fullbright: The newest addition to the weather team, contributing to the station’s weather coverage.
These colleagues make up the core of KDKA-TV’s weather team, working together to provide accurate and timely weather information to the community.
Net Worth and Salary:
Ron Smiley’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. His annual salary ranges from $65,000 to $120,000, with some sources suggesting it could be as high as $345,670.
Main Sources of Income
- Salary at CBS Pittsburgh (KDKA-TV): As a weekday morning meteorologist, Ron’s primary source of income is his salary from CBS Pittsburgh.
- Public Speaking and Appearances: Ron may also earn additional income through public speaking engagements and appearances at events.
- Media Contributions: Contributions to other media outlets and potential freelance work can also contribute to his income.
Is Ron Smiley Married?
Yes, Ron is married to Michelle Smiley, an operations manager at Thelma Lovette YMCA. They have two daughters.
How Old Is Ron Smiley?
Ron Smiley was born on April 7, 1977, which makes him 48 years old as of 2025.
How Much Weight Did Ron Smiley Lose?
In 2018, Ron Smiley revealed that he lost 35-40 pounds through working out and making lifestyle changes.
How Long Has Ron Smiley Been on KDKA?
Ron Smiley has been working at KDKA-TV (CBS Pittsburgh) since June 2015. That means, as of 2025, he has been with the station for 10 years.
During this time, he has become a familiar face to Pittsburgh viewers as the weekday morning meteorologist, known for his engaging forecasts and community involvement.
Where Is Ron Smiley Working?
Ron Smiley is currently working as the weekday morning meteorologist at KDKA-TV, the CBS affiliate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
He joined the station in June 2015 and has been a key part of the morning news team for 10 years as of 2025.
In his role, he delivers daily weather forecasts, tracks severe weather events, and engages with the community through school visits and local events.
Ron is also active on social media, where he shares weather updates and interacts with viewers across the Pittsburgh area.
Favorites:
- Music: All types (currently enjoys Katy Perry)
- Movie: “Tombstone”
- TV Show: CW Shows, sports
- Book: “Storm Watchers: the Turbulent History of Weather Prediction from Franklin’s Kite to El Nino”
- Hobbies: Basketball, his 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
- 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 he lives on
Ron Smiley is active on social media. He has a presence on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, where he shares weather updates, engages with his followers, and provides insights into his work and personal life.
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