Meteorologist Jason Parkin Ended WHO 13 Career

The veteran weather expert concluded his thirty-year tenure at the Des Moines station following a health diagnosis.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Current Conditions

Vintage weather monitoring equipment on a rooftop against an expansive Midwestern landscape at sunset. — Meteorologist Jason Parkin concluded his thirty-year career at Des Moines station WHO 13 on October 11, following a public health diagnosis. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Jason Parkin, a staple of Des Moines weather coverage for thirty years, completed his final broadcast at WHO 13 on October 11, 2026. This departure follows his August 2026 public disclosure that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Why it matters

Parkin is stepping away from his long-standing position at the local station to manage his health while preparing for a new professional path. His career has been marked by decades of dedicated coverage of Iowa's volatile weather events.

A research vehicle confirmed the 2024 Greenfield tornado reached wind speeds exceeding 300 miles per hour, lofting debris to an altitude of 40,000 feet. The precise total damage footprint of the storm remains a focus of ongoing meteorological assessment.

The players

Jason Parkin

He is a veteran meteorologist who spent three decades delivering weather forecasts at television stations in Des Moines, including WHO 13 and KCCI.

WHO 13

This Des Moines television station served as the primary broadcast home for Jason Parkin for the last thirty years of his career.

KCCI

This is a local Des Moines news station where Jason Parkin held a meteorology position earlier in his career.

The details

After his final broadcast, Parkin returned to the station's original east-side weather office to commemorate the conclusion of his journey. Following his public diagnosis disclosure, his social media activity saw significant engagement that led to temporary throttling of his account.

2024: Jason Parkin provided coverage for the Greenfield tornado.
August 2026: Jason Parkin publicly disclosed a Parkinson's disease diagnosis.
October 11, 2026: Jason Parkin completed his final broadcast at WHO 13.
December 2026: Jason Parkin begins a new full-time weather role.

Seasonal Patterns

The intense data captured during the 2024 Greenfield tornado set a benchmark for regional storm monitoring, reflecting the volatile weather patterns Parkin covered throughout his career. His work during such events highlights the increasing complexity of meteorological reporting in the Midwest.

Residents should continue to rely on the station's established weather alerts to stay informed during severe storm threats. For those following Parkin's career transition, further updates regarding his upcoming December role are expected to be announced via his professional channels.

The takeaway

Parkin's transition highlights the importance of adapting to life changes while maintaining professional dedication. His long-standing service reminds viewers of the critical role local meteorologists play in public safety during extreme weather.