Dave Aguilera: Emmy-Award-Winning Meteorologist and Reporter
Dave Aguilera is an Emmy Award-winning meteorologist currently serving as the Chief Meteorologist, Anchor, and Reporter for CBS News Colorado (KCNC-TV) in Denver.
He has been with CBS4 since 1993 and has covered numerous significant weather events, including droughts, floods, blizzards, and tornadoes.
Career Highlights
Dave’s career in broadcasting has taken him across Colorado and beyond. He has worked in every television market in the state, gaining valuable experience and building a strong connection with the local communities.
His career highlights include:
- CBS4 Denver (KCNC): Dave joined CBS4 in September 1993 and has been a mainstay ever since. His insightful weather forecasts and his ability to connect with viewers have made him a beloved figure in Colorado television.
- Other Television Stations: Dave’s career includes stints at KRQE-TV in Albuquerque, New Mexico; KOAA-TV in Pueblo/Colorado Springs, Colorado; and KREX-TV in Grand Junction, Colorado.
- Radio Experience: Dave has also worked in radio, including roles as a news reporter/anchor for KHOW-Radio and KOA-Radio in Denver, and as a Disc Jockey for KCCY, KRYT, and KDZA in Pueblo.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Dave has worked in various roles, including weather anchor, reporter, and disc jockey, across Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region.
Dave’s contributions to broadcasting have been recognized with prestigious awards, including an Emmy Award for his work at CBS4.
He is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) with the American Meteorological Society and holds the Television Seal of Approval from both the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association.
Community Involvement
Dave is actively involved in the community, particularly in educating young people about weather and science.
He regularly visits elementary schools across the Front Range, teaching students about weather phenomena and encouraging them to become Junior Weather Watchers.
He also participates in and emcees numerous fundraising events for nonprofit organizations throughout the year.
Early Life and Education:
Dave Aguilera is a Colorado native, born and raised in Pueblo. This deep connection to the state likely plays a role in his dedication to providing accurate weather forecasts and serving the community.
He pursued his passion for broadcasting and weather by earning a Bachelor of Science degree in mass communications/journalism from Colorado State University-Pueblo in 1987.
To further specialize in meteorology, he obtained a Certificate in Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University.
Career:
Aguilera’s broadcasting career spans every television market in Colorado, reflecting his deep connection to the state.
In 1993, he joined CBS4-TV in Denver as a meteorologist and has since become a trusted figure in weather reporting.
His exceptional work earned him an Emmy Award, underscoring his commitment to excellence in journalism.
In recognition of his contributions, Aguilera was inducted into his high school’s Hall of Fame, celebrating his professional achievements and dedication to his community.
CBS News Colorado (KCNC-TV):
This is the cornerstone of Aguilera’s career. His long tenure as Chief Meteorologist at KCNC has solidified his position as a leading weather authority in Colorado.
Beyond simply delivering forecasts, his role likely involves managing a team of meteorologists, making decisions about weather coverage, and representing the station in the community.
His consistent presence on CBS News Colorado has allowed him to build trust with viewers, becoming a familiar and reliable source of information during both everyday weather and severe events.
The stability of this position has also allowed him to deepen his understanding of Colorado’s complex microclimates and seasonal weather patterns.
This long-term commitment is a testament to both his skill and his dedication to serving the state.
KRQE-TV in Albuquerque, New Mexico:
Working at KRQE in Albuquerque early in his career was likely a formative experience.
It exposed him to the distinct weather patterns of the Southwest, including monsoon season, dry heat, and the challenges of forecasting in a desert environment.
This experience broadened his meteorological knowledge beyond Colorado’s typical weather systems and likely helped him develop adaptability in his forecasting approach.
Working in a different media market also provided valuable experience in navigating the dynamics of a newsroom and connecting with a new audience.
KOAA-TV in Pueblo/Colorado Springs, Colorado:
Returning to Colorado to work at KOAA in Pueblo/Colorado Springs was a homecoming of sorts. This gave him the opportunity to serve the communities he knew and understood.
Forecasting for this region, with its mix of plains and mountain weather, likely honed his skills in predicting localized weather events and communicating effectively with viewers who are directly impacted by changing conditions.
It also likely deepened his connection to the state and its people.
KREX-TV in Grand Junction, Colorado:
His time at KREX in Grand Junction further diversified his experience within Colorado.
The Western Slope of the state has a unique climate, influenced by the mountains and the high desert.
Working here required Aguilera to understand the nuances of forecasting in a topographically complex region, including predicting localized temperature variations, wind patterns, and the potential for flash floods.
This experience likely added to his expertise in handling the diverse weather challenges across Colorado.
KHOW-Radio and KOA-Radio in Denver:
In addition to his television career, Dave has also worked in radio broadcasting. He served as a news reporter and anchor for KHOW-Radio and KOA-Radio in Denver.
His work in radio provided him with a different platform to engage with the audience and share important news and weather updates.
Additionally, Dave worked as a disc jockey for several radio stations, including KCCY, KRYT, and KDZA in Pueblo.
His diverse experience in radio broadcasting showcases his versatility and ability to connect with audiences across various media formats.
Dave Aguilera has covered numerous significant weather events throughout his career, showcasing his expertise and dedication to keeping the community informed and safe.
Here are some notable weather events he has covered:
Major Weather Events
- Droughts: Dave has reported on prolonged droughts affecting Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region, providing crucial information on water conservation and the impact on agriculture and daily life.
- Floods: He has covered several major floods, offering real-time updates and safety tips to help residents navigate the challenges posed by rising waters.
- Blizzards: Dave has been on the front lines during severe blizzards, delivering timely forecasts and advice on how to stay safe during extreme winter weather.
- Tornadoes: He has reported on tornado outbreaks, helping to alert the public and provide guidance on emergency preparedness and response.
Community Impact
Dave’s coverage of these events has had a significant impact on the community.
His accurate forecasts and calm demeanor during crises have helped residents make informed decisions and stay safe.
He is known for his ability to explain complex meteorological phenomena in an accessible way, making it easier for the public to understand and prepare for severe weather.
Educational Outreach
In addition to his on-air work, Dave spends a lot of time educating young students about weather through his Junior Weather Watchers program.
This initiative encourages children to learn about meteorology and stay engaged with weather-related activities, fostering a new generation of weather enthusiasts.
Awards and Recognitions
- Emmy Award: Honored for outstanding work as a meteorologist.
- Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM): From the American Meteorological Society.
- Television Seal of Approval: From the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association.
- Community Involvement: Active participation in community events, like the Dana Crawford Awards.
- Educational Outreach: Recognition for the Junior Weather Watchers program.
Here are some of Dave Aguilera’s colleagues at CBS KCNC-TV:
- Lauren Whitney: Chief Meteorologist, known for her accurate forecasts and community engagement.
- Alex Lehnert: Morning Meteorologist, providing weather updates on CBS Colorado Mornings.
- Romi Bean: Anchor, delivering news updates and leading discussions.
- Karen Leigh: Reporter, known for her investigative journalism.
- Rod Mackey: Reporter, known for his work on CBS Colorado Mornings.
- Tori Mason: Reporter, covering news and weather segments.
- Ashley Portillo: Reporter, covering a variety of news segments.
Financial Status:
While specific figures for Dave Aguilera’s net worth and salary aren’t publicly available, we can provide some estimates based on typical salaries for Emmy Award-winning meteorologists:
Estimated Salary
- Denver is a major media market, so salaries for prominent on-air personalities like Dave Aguilera are likely to be competitive.
- Experience: With his long tenure and Chief Meteorologist title, he’s likely on the higher end of the salary scale for meteorologists in Denver.
- Industry Standards: Meteorologist salaries can vary significantly, but for a well-established and popular figure in a major market, a salary in the range of $100,000 to $250,000 per year wouldn’t be unreasonable. This is a broad range, and the actual figure could be higher or lower.
Estimated Net Worth
- Average Net Worth: The net worth of Emmy Award-winning meteorologists can vary widely, but it’s estimated to be around $1 to $2 million based on their career earnings and other ventures.
These are rough estimates and actual figures may vary.
Personal Life:
- Age: Dave Aguilera was born on August 15, 1965, making him 58 years old.
- Zodiac Sign: His zodiac sign is Leo.
- Ethnicity: Dave Aguilera is of Mexican-American ethnicity.
- Nationality: He is American.
- Relationship Status: Dave Aguilera is married.
- Wife: Dave’s wife is Cathy Aguilera. They have been together for many years and share a strong bond.
Aguilera is a father to three children, a role he cherishes deeply. He often shares moments from his personal and professional life on social media, offering a glimpse into his experiences both on and off the screen.
Physical Attributes:
- Height (Estimate): Dave stands at an estimated height of 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet (178 cm to 183 cm), giving him a commanding presence on screen.
- Weight (Estimate): He maintains a healthy weight in the range of 160 to 180 pounds (73 kg to 82 kg), reflecting his active and engaged lifestyle.
Distinguishing Features;
- Hair Color: Dave has dark brown hair, which complements his professional appearance.
- Eye Color: His eyes are a warm shade of brown, adding to his friendly and approachable demeanor.
Social Media Activity:
Aguilera maintains an active presence on social media platforms. On Facebook, he engages with the community through his page, “Meteorologist Dave Aguilera,” where he shares weather updates and personal insights.
On Instagram, under the handle @daveag, he offers a blend of professional updates and personal moments, reflecting his life as a meteorologist and father.