Darren Leeds

Darren Leeds is the Fox Illinois Evening Meteorologist.

Darren is coming to us from KRCR-TV in Redding, California but is no stranger to Central Illinois. He is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University where he got his degree in Geography with minors in Broadcast Meteorology, Environmental Science and Communications.

Darren was raised in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, and so it goes without saying that he's a die-hard fan of the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks and White Sox.

During his time in Northern California, Darren covered some of the largest wildfires in the state’s history. He extensively tracked the Dixie Fire which burned more than 1,500 square miles and destroyed several communities.

California offered a wide variety of weather to forecast, from winter storms in the mountains to 100+ temperatures in the valley. Darren learned a lot during his time on the west coast.

After graduating from EIU, Darren started his weather broadcasting career in 2011 in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It was there where he met his wife, Shauna.

His most memorable weather event in South Dakota was Winter Storm Atlas in 2013 which dumped 3 feet of snow in Rapid City, SD.

Darren and his wife became parents in June of 2021 to a beautiful baby girl. He is excited to be back in his home state where his parents can enjoy the full grandparent experience.

When he’s not at work, you can find Darren out playing lacrosse, golfing, kayaking, hiking or exploring the area with his wife, daughter, and Corgi named Yoda.

If you’ve got weather photos, Darren would love to share them on air!

He’d also love some local food recommendations! Feel free to email them to DaLeeds@SBGTV.com or reach out to him on Facebook and Twitter.