KCCI Des Moines Chief Meteorologist Kurtis Gertz Leaving

Hearst-owned KCCI Des Moines, Iowa, Chief Meteorologist Kurtis Gertz today announced plans to leave the station after 25 years forecasting weather in Central Iowa.

The station said Gertz leaves an important legacy of leadership in his wake, as well as a seasoned team of meteorologists to carry on KCCI’s long-held tradition of providing life-saving information during severe weather events. KCCI News Director Allison Smith said: “Kurtis has poured his energy and expertise into keeping people safe. We are grateful for his leadership and his work in positioning KCCI Storm Team 8 as Central Iowa’s trusted source for critical weather information both now and into the future.”

Gertz joined KCCI 1994. He was named chief meteorologist in 2016. During his decades at the station, Gertz forecast numerous impactful weather events, including tornadoes, draught, floods and 2020’s devastating derecho. He has been awarded Seals of Approval by both the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association. Gertz also has been awarded multiple Emmys for coverage of severe weather events.

Gertz became keenly interested in weather while working outdoors on a construction crew in his home state of Wisconsin. To escape the cold and learn more about meteorology, he headed to Florida and Florida State University, where he graduated magna cum laude.

KCCI will pay tribute to Gertz and his career at the station in coming months. His plans keep him at KCCI through May.