When you wake up to a massive snowstorm in the Twin Cities, you’re probably looking for two things: your snow shovel and a reliable forecast. For many in Minnesota, that forecast comes from Joseph Dames. Since he joined the WCCO NEXT Weather team, he’s become a familiar face, known for his deep-dish pizza obsession and his ability to track a cold front with genuine enthusiasm.
Naturally, when a public figure becomes a staple in your living room every morning, curiosity follows. People start wondering about the life behind the green screen. Specifically, the search for "is Joseph Dames married" has spiked as viewers try to connect the dots of his personal life.
The Truth About Joseph Dames’ Relationship Status
If you’re looking for a quick "yes" or "no," the answer is a bit more nuanced than a simple status update on Facebook. Public records and professional bios for the WCCO meteorologist haven’t spotlighted a wife or a traditional wedding announcement in the way some of his colleagues have.
Actually, there’s been a bit of confusion online because of a 2023 alumni update from Eastern Illinois University. That update mentioned a "Joseph Dames" marrying someone named Madison. However, looking closer at the WCCO staff profiles and his own social media presence, Joseph keeps his inner circle pretty private.
He’s mentioned his "husband" in professional blurbs regarding his move to Minnesota, signaling that he is indeed in a committed relationship. This often flies under the radar because Joseph is—honestly—much more focused on talking about the 1990 Plainfield tornado or why Chicago sports are better than anything else.
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Life Before the Twin Cities
Joseph didn’t just drop out of the sky into Minneapolis. He’s a Midwest kid through and through. Raised in Plainfield, Illinois, his obsession with the weather wasn't accidental. He grew up in the shadow of that infamous F5 tornado, an event that basically hardwired his brain to track the skies.
Before landing at WCCO in 2022, he spent a solid seven years out in Portland, Oregon. If you’ve ever lived in the Pacific Northwest, you know that’s a different kind of beast. He dealt with:
- Wildfires that turned the sky orange.
- Sudden, crippling ice storms.
- "Atmospheric rivers" that dump more rain than most people can fathom.
By the time he moved to Minnesota, he was ready for the snow. He’s gone on record saying he’s a fan of the white stuff, which is a brave thing to say to a group of Minnesotans in the middle of February.
Why People Get Joseph Dames Confused
The internet is a weird place for names. If you search for Joseph Dames, you might run into an author and motivational speaker from Florida with the same name. That Joseph Dames III has a powerful story of redemption and entrepreneurship, but he is not the guy telling you if you need a parka tomorrow.
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Then there are the historical records. You’ll find Joseph Dames from 1858 or World War I veterans. It’s a common name. This is why digging into the personal life of a news personality requires looking at their actual verified profiles.
What Joseph Does When He’s Not Forecasting
When the cameras are off, Joseph isn't just sitting in a dark room staring at radar loops. He’s a big "outdoors" guy. Whether it's hitting a trail or exploring the local food scene, he’s pretty active.
He’s also a massive music fan. You’ll often find him at live shows around the area. He’s mentioned that trying out different restaurants is a primary hobby, which makes sense given his vocal loyalty to deep-dish pizza—though he’s likely finding some decent Twin Cities spots to keep him busy.
Key Facts About Joseph Dames
- Education: Eastern Illinois University (Broadcast Meteorology).
- Career Path: KOIN-TV in Portland before moving to WCCO.
- Hometown: Plainfield, IL.
- Interests: Chicago sports, live music, and intense winter weather.
Finding the Balance of Privacy
In the world of local news, there is a fine line between being a "friend" to the audience and maintaining a private life. Joseph Dames seems to walk that line well. He shares his passion for the weather and his love for his hometown, but he doesn't plaster his home life across Instagram every five minutes.
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Most people just want to know if he’s happy and settled in Minnesota. Given his promotion to the weekday morning team in 2023, it’s safe to say he’s found a home here. He’s become a key part of the "Next Weather" brand, and his personal life—whether he's married or just enjoying the bachelor life with a good pizza—remains a supportive backdrop to a thriving career.
If you’re watching him on WCCO, you’re seeing a guy who genuinely loves what he does. Whether he’s snow tubing for a segment or explaining a complex pressure system, the focus remains on the work.
To stay updated on his latest forecasts or see what restaurant he's trying next, the best bet is to follow his official social media channels or catch him on the WCCO morning broadcast. He’s quick to respond to weather questions, even if he keeps the details of his living room to himself.
To get the most out of Joseph's insights, you can download the WCCO weather app where he and the rest of the team post frequent video updates that go deeper than the standard televised segments. Keeping an eye on his "Next Weather" blogs is also a great way to see his scientific expertise in action without the 30-second time limit of a commercial break.