Leon “Stormy” Rottman was not a weather forecaster by occupation. He was a weather forecaster by dedication. After receiving a graduate degree in meteorology in 1943, the US Air Force put Stormy to work forecasting weather during World War II for the forces in the Far East. His forecasting meant life or death for the pilots “flying the hump” missions from Burma over the Himalayas and into China. Recalled to duty during the Korean conflict, Rottman was first based in Lake Charles, Louisiana. At the request of local station KTAG, Stormy’s first television position was providing “educational weather information” to viewers.
In 1957 Rottman came to Colorado Springs on assignment to NORAD. While serving there, Stormy provided KRDO-TV with weekend weather reports. And in 1960, he was awarded the American Meteorological society Seal of Approval – the first in the Rocky Mountain region.
Stormy retired from the USAF Air Weather Service in 1968 at the rank of Lt. Colonel, Director of Information. He then came to Denver and joined Channel 9 as staff meteorologist.
While at Channel 9, Stormy was involved in community activities of all types. Speaking to young and old alike, he lectured to many school groups because, “Weather fascinates kids. It’s a much more popular subject than when I was growing up,” according to Rottman.
Stormy retired from 9News in 1988 and began a new career of talk-show host for KRMA-TV’s “Senior Showcase.” He’s a member of Temple Emanuel, Retired Officers Association, the Denver Press Club, and Denver Sister Cities International. Stormy received the 1988 Broadcaster of the Year award from the Colorado Broadcasters Association. Stormy and his wife Leah continue to enjoy an active life of biking, swimming and community service.