A longtime television meteorologist has shared that she has been diagnosed with ALS after viewers began noticing subtle changes in her speech during broadcasts. Jeriann Ritter, 49, who has been a familiar face at Iowa’s WHO 13 since 2004, opened up about her health journey in an emotional interview with colleague Keith Murphy. For months, some viewers had questioned why her speech sounded different, with a few even making hurtful assumptions. Now, Ritter has chosen to speak candidly about the medical condition behind those changes.

Ritter explained that she first noticed something unusual last summer when her speech began to shift slightly. At first, she assumed it might be a minor dental issue and scheduled a visit with her dentist. However, her dentist grew concerned that she could be experiencing signs of a stroke and urged her to seek immediate medical evaluation. Although early tests ruled out a stroke, the search for answers continued. After several months of appointments and examinations, doctors ultimately diagnosed her with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurological condition that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

According to medical professionals, Ritter’s ALS has impacted the bulbar region, which plays a key role in speech and swallowing. Receiving the diagnosis was deeply difficult. She admitted that she initially believed the issue would turn out to be something minor and more easily treated. Learning that there is currently no cure has been challenging to accept. As her speech became more noticeably affected, she said some viewer messages questioning whether she was unwell were painful to read. Despite that, she continued working, determined to remain dedicated to her role and her audience.

Although Ritter acknowledges that the condition brings uncertainty, she remains focused on gratitude and resilience. She says she still experiences good days and intends to keep living with purpose. Rather than withdrawing, she hopes to use her experience to encourage compassion and remind others to value their health and loved ones. With the same warmth she has brought to weather forecasts for years, she now shares a message of appreciation, strength, and living in the present moment.