Meteorologist Jeriann Ritter Leaving WHO 13 News After Likely Bulbar-Onset ALS Diagnosis
Feb. 25, 2026 — Des Moines, Iowa — Veteran meteorologist Jeriann Ritter leaving WHO 13 News appears likely after she revealed in a Feb. 24 interview a probable diagnosis of bulbar-onset ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no cure that affects speech and swallowing.
Ritter, who has served meteorologist Jeriann Ritter leaving WHO 13’s weather team for 22 years since 2004 on noon and 4 p.m. newscasts, shared the news during a taped conversation with colleague Keith Murphy that aired on the station’s 6 p.m. newscast. Doctors identified the likely condition after observing an abnormality in her tongue during a neurological exam.
“If the doctors are right, I’m probably done telling you about the weather, but I still have a lot to say,” Ritter stated in the interview, adding it would take a miracle for her to return to broadcasting.
She first noticed speech changes in October, with viewers expressing concerns starting in late November, including one asking if she was drunk. On Jan. 12, Ritter addressed it publicly on social media, attributing issues to a neurological condition while committing to forecast as long as possible.
Diagnosis and Symptoms
Bulbar-onset ALS targets motor neurons in the face, throat and neck, progressing faster than limb-onset forms and impacting about 30% of patients, per sources cited in Des Moines Register coverage. Common ALS signs include slurred speech, trouble swallowing, muscle weakness, cramps and twitching. Ritter described her struggle: “It is killing me that something that came so easy is so hard.”
The news of meteorologist jeriann ritter leaving WHO has drawn support from co-workers posting memories and prayers on social media.
Future Plans
Ritter, with nearly 50 years in broadcasting, plans to focus on family and spreading love despite the diagnosis not yet feeling real.
“I didn’t forecast this storm hitting… I’m gonna live, and I’m gonna love,” she said.
She hopes doctors are wrong but is preparing for a new journey, amid the reality of meteorologist jeriann ritter leaving WHO.
Ritter thanked viewers for support, calling herself “the luckiest person alive.” Coverage by Lucia Cheng details the implications for WHO’s weather team.
