If you’ve lived in Northeast Ohio for any significant amount of time, you know the drill. The weather here is basically a mood ring that changes every fifteen minutes. For years, one of the most trusted voices to guide us through those "lake effect" snow scares and sudden summer thunderstorms was AJ Colby.
But lately? People have been asking where is AJ Colby now because his familiar face hasn't been popping up on the usual local broadcasts as often. If you feel like he vanished into thin air, you aren't alone. Local TV is a revolving door, and when a staple like Colby moves around, it leaves everyone scratching their heads.
Honestly, the answer is a mix of "he’s still here" and "he’s doing his own thing." Here is what is actually going on with Cleveland's favorite meteorologist in 2026.
The Big Channel Hop: From Fox 8 to WKYC
To understand where he is today, we have to look at the shakeup that happened a bit ago. For a long time, AJ was synonymous with Fox 8 News (WJW). He actually had two stints there—he left, then made a "welcome home" return in 2019 that had fans pretty stoked.
But then, the winds shifted again.
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In late 2024, AJ made a jump over to WKYC Channel 3 (3News). It was a big deal in the local media landscape. He was brought in to bolster their weather team during a time when stations were struggling with staffing. He did the "grunt work"—those late shifts and weekend slots that keep the station running while everyone else is sleeping.
What happened at WKYC?
Here is where things get a little murky and, frankly, a bit frustrating for viewers. By late 2025, reports started surfacing—mostly from viewers noticing his absence and discussions on platforms like Reddit—that AJ might have been caught in a corporate shuffle.
There’s been a lot of talk about TEGNA (the company that owns WKYC) and how they’ve been moving toward "regional hubbing." Basically, big media companies are trying to save money by having one person do the weather for five different cities from a central office. It sucks for local flavor. While WKYC hasn't officially put out a "he's gone" press release, the consensus among local media watchers is that he’s no longer a full-time fixture on the Lakeside Avenue set.
Where is AJ Colby now in 2026?
If you're looking for him on your TV screen every night at 6:00 PM, you might be disappointed. But AJ hasn't retired to a tropical island.
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He has leaned heavily into his own digital presence. He’s been remarkably active on his personal YouTube channel and social media. Even as recently as mid-2025, he was streaming live weather updates for Greater Cleveland, giving people the same deep-dive forecasts they used to get on cable.
It’s actually kind of cool. He’s basically become an "indie" meteorologist.
- YouTube Updates: He frequently posts "Cleveland Forecast" videos.
- Direct Interaction: He’s known for replying to fans on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
- Personal Health: He did have a brief scare in 2024 where he was "under the weather" (pun intended) and had to take a break to convalesce, but he came back shortly after to reassure everyone he was fine.
The "Day Job" You Didn't Expect
Here is a wild bit of trivia: AJ Colby isn’t just about the rain and snow. He actually has a role at Duda Funeral Service in Parma Heights.
Yeah, you read that right.
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He serves as a Funeral Assistant and Director of IT. It sounds like a total 180 from broadcast news, but it makes sense when you think about it. AJ has always been a "community" guy. He’s a native of North Kingsville (Ashtabula County) and has deep roots here. Working in a service-oriented role like that fits his personality—plus, his background in meteorology means he’s always had a handle on the technical/IT side of things.
Why We Still Care
Local news feels like family. When you wake up with someone for five years and they suddenly aren't there, it’s jarring.
AJ Colby was never the "stiff" news guy. He was approachable. He's currently 50 years old (born July 10, 1975), and he’s spent over two decades explaining the atmosphere to us. Whether he’s on Channel 3, Fox 8, or just on your phone screen via YouTube, he’s one of those rare TV personalities who feels like a neighbor.
What’s Next for AJ?
Expect more of the "hybrid" career. The era of the 30-year veteran sitting at the same desk is mostly over because of how corporate media works now.
- Digital First: He will likely continue building his own brand on YouTube. If a big storm is coming, check there first.
- Fill-in Roles: Don't be surprised if he pops up as a "freelance" or fill-in meteorologist on various North East Ohio stations.
- Community Work: He’s still very much involved in local charities and Ashtabula-based events.
If you want the most accurate, "non-corporate" look at whether you need to salt your driveway tomorrow, your best bet is to follow his personal social pages. He’s still the same guy, just without the flashy news desk.
Actionable Insight for Fans:
If you miss his forecasts, head over to YouTube and search for his name. Subscribing to his personal channel is the only way to ensure you get his specific North East Ohio updates, as he no longer adheres to a fixed broadcast schedule.