(COLORADO SPRINGS) — As the sun rises and the morning rush begins, a local meteorologist is already deep in preparation for the day ahead.
To look at what goes into the forecast on and off screen, including the challenges and the personal passion of FOX21 Storm Team Meteorologist Ryan Matoush, Photojournalist Christopher Hernandez went beyond the maps and radar to uncover what it takes to keep the community informed, rain or shine.
“I got into meteorology because I love the weather,” Ryan said. “I’ve been fascinated with severe weather for as long as I can remember, specifically tornadoes, hail, lightning—everything that everybody else hates, I’ve just always wanted to learn more.”
Upon graduation though, Ryan wasn’t quite sure what was next.
“Once I got the degree, I left school and I said, ‘Okay, now what?’ I had no plan, and eventually, I decided, ‘Let’s try TV! I don’t know if I’m going to be any good at it, I’ve never practiced it, but I’m going to try it,'” Ryan recalled.
Ryan explained that while news was ultimately the path he chose, it sometimes comes with a tough schedule.
“The first thing I tell people about my career is, the hours are rough,” he said. “We are on the news when you are at home, and that ultimately means, we don’t get to see our family as much, and we don’t get to see our friends as much.”
With that though, Ryan said his career so far, has been an adventure.
“This industry has taken me to three different states so far,” Ryan said. “I started in Wyoming, went to Kansas, and now I’m back in Colorado.”
Ryan also gave a special shout-out to his family for their support. “I just want to say thank you to my mom and dad, especially, for not only financially supporting me but also mentally supporting me because man, it gets lonely out there,” Ryan said. “Thanks for answering my calls, mom and dad.”
As for advice he’d give to his past self, here’s what Ryan had to say: “I would tell him, to enjoy the ride, even though there are ups and downs, you really want to try and focus on those ups, because that’s what makes this industry worth it.”
Ryan recalled his passion for news and the many places it has taken him throughout the years including many community events.
“You get to be a part of so many people’s lives and it’s just a very unique job,” he said.
