Rich Dahlquist joined ABC15 News in March 2007 as a meteorologist.
He anchors weather on ABC15 News over the weekend.
Rich’s love of science and the outdoors began at a young age growing up by the beach in Carlsbad, California. He always had an eye to the sky looking for perfect weather to pursue a day at the beach or skiing at Big Bear Mountain. He pursued his passion for science at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo where he received his BS in Bioscience.
After living in Europe for a year, he decided he wanted to take an active role in environmental issues. He began his career in science working as a chemist testing water and soils in San Luis Obispo and Napa Ca. Rich then landed his ideal job working on a research team at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory as an environmental chemist. He worked on projects dealing with phytoremediation, bioremediation and ground water issues.
Realizing that he needed to combine his background in environmental science with meteorology, Rich continued his education at Cal Berkeley and San Francisco State University completing the Meteorology program while still working at LBNL. Rich also played rugby for the Berkeley Old Blues, one of the top rated team in the nation. While Playing six seasons with the Old Blues the team won two national championships.
The love of the outdoors led him to relocate to beautiful Lake Tahoe and work as a Petroleum Chemist for the State of Nevada. The job dealt with air quality issues for Reno and Las Vegas, NV. He was also instrumental in helping build an alternative energy policy for the State of Nevada. Part of the job led him to local schools to promote science and education by performing experiments for students and judging science fairs.
The desire to promote science and weather brought him to work for the ABC affiliate KOLO in Reno, Nevada. He later accepted a position as the morning meteorologist in Northern California at another ABC affiliate, KRCR in Redding California and from there moved on to KHSL in Chico, California.
Rich has earned the title Certified Broadcast Meteorologist which is the highest award given out by the American Meteorology Society. He recently landed his dream job at ABC15 where weather and air quality issues are a priority for all. He’s thrilled to be a part of the weather team and enjoys the challenges offered by the desert microclimates.
Rich has two sons, ages 4 and 6, who keep him busy and tired when he’s not working. His wife attended high school and college in the Phoenix area. Fortunately, with family and friends in the area and grandparents to babysit, the transition has been a breeze.
He enjoys the road and mountain biking found throughout the area as well as the amazing golf offered year-round.
To contact Rich, email him: rdahlquist@abc15.com
