What sparked Joseph Dames' interest in weather?

The devastating 1990 Plainfield F5 tornado inspired him to pursue a career in meteorology.

Where did Joseph Dames work before WCCO-TV?

He spent seven years in Portland, Oregon, reporting on wildfires, ice storms, and atmospheric rivers.

Joseph Dames Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Salary, Net Worth, WCCO-TV (CBS Minnesota) in 2025

Q: When did Joseph Dames join WCCO-TV?

He became part of the WCCO-TV weather team in winter 2022.

Joseph Dames is a trusted meteorologist and environmental reporter at WCCO-TV (CBS Minnesota), where he anchors weekend morning weather reports and delivers environmental coverage throughout the week. His journey into meteorology began in Plainfield, Illinois, where the devastating 1990 F5 tornado left a lasting impact on him. That early encounter with nature’s extremes set him on a lifelong path to forecasting and broadcast meteorology.

Joseph Dames Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Salary, Net Worth, WCCO-TV (CBS Minnesota)

Quick Facts

Full Name	Joseph Dames
Profession	Meteorologist, Environmental Reporter
Station	WCCO-TV (CBS Minnesota)
Joining Date	Winter 2022
Base Location	Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Minnesota
Birth Place	Plainfield, Illinois, USA
Education	Eastern Illinois University (Broadcast Meteorology)
Early Inspiration	Witnessed the 1990 Plainfield F5 tornado
Prior Experience	7 years in Portland, Oregon (wildfires, ice storms, atmospheric rivers)
Salary (Estimated)	$70,000 – $120,000/year
Net Worth (2025)	$300,000 – $800,000
Interests	Outdoor activities, live music, Chicago sports, deep-dish pizza
Social Media	Instagram: @josephdames \| X: @JosephForecast (archived)

Early Life & Education

Born and raised in Plainfield, Illinois, Joseph Dames was directly influenced by one of the most destructive tornadoes in U.S. history: the 1990 Plainfield F5 tornado. Witnessing the devastation sparked his fascination with weather patterns and forecasting.

He pursued his passion at Eastern Illinois University, specializing in broadcast meteorology. His academic foundation gave him the dual ability to understand atmospheric science and communicate it effectively to the public.

Career Journey

Portland, Oregon

Before moving to Minnesota, Dames spent seven years in Portland covering environmental and severe weather events such as:

Wildfires
Ice storms
Atmospheric rivers

This period sharpened his expertise in breaking down complex weather systems for viewers in high-impact situations.

WCCO-TV (CBS Minnesota)

In winter 2022, Joseph Dames joined WCCO-TV as a weekend morning meteorologist and environmental reporter. His work includes:

Anchoring weekend morning forecasts
Producing environmental reports tied to Minnesota’s climate and seasonal changes
Engaging viewers with approachable yet data-driven coverage of storms, snow systems, and heatwaves

Interests & Personal Life

Off-camera, Joseph enjoys:

Outdoor activities like hiking and cycling
Live music performances
Supporting Chicago sports teams
Indulging in deep-dish pizza

He frequently connects with viewers through Instagram, where he blends behind-the-scenes weather graphics with snapshots of his everyday life.

Physical Appearance

Height	~5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Build	Average/Athletic
Hair Color	Dark Brown
Eye Color	Brown

Salary & Net Worth

Annual Salary: Estimated between $70,000 – $120,000, in line with regional broadcast meteorologists.
Net Worth (2025): Estimated between $300,000 – $800,000, based on his career longevity and journalism market averages.

Social Media Presence

Instagram: @josephdames
X (Twitter): Previously active as @JosephForecast, now primarily directs followers to Instagram

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When did Joseph Dames join WCCO-TV?
He became part of the WCCO team in winter 2022.

2. What sparked his interest in weather?
Surviving the 1990 Plainfield F5 tornado inspired his passion for meteorology.

3. Where did he work before WCCO-TV?
He worked in Portland, Oregon, for seven years, covering wildfires, ice storms, and atmospheric rivers.

4. What are Joseph’s hobbies?
He enjoys outdoor adventures, live music, Chicago sports, and deep-dish pizza.

5. What is his estimated salary and net worth?
His salary is estimated at $70k–$120k/year, with a net worth between $300k–$800k in 2025.

Conclusion

From the tornado-ravaged streets of Plainfield to the snow-packed winters of Minnesota, Joseph Dames has built a respected career as a meteorologist and environmental reporter. His combination of science-driven insight, clear communication, and genuine passion for weather makes him a trusted voice for WCCO-TV viewers.