Rusty grew up in the panhandle of Nebraska in the town of Gordon. Storms rolling across the Sandhills are what inspired Rusty to study weather.

Rusty Dawkins rejoined the 10/11 Weather team in September 2012.

Rusty grew up in the panhandle of Nebraska in the town of Gordon. Storms rolling across the Sandhills are what inspired Rusty to study weather.

Rusty graduated from the University of Lincoln, Nebraska in 2000. After an internship in Lincoln, he found his first job in Eau Claire, WI. After two years there, he made is way to 10/11 and stayed for four years. It was during this time that Rusty and Melanie Bloom met and fell in love. They then left Lincoln to accept jobs at KAAL TV in Austin, MN. Rusty was the chief Meteorologist and Melanie was the morning anchor. During their time in Minnesota, they welcomed two children into their lives: Bryce and Gillian.

After five years in southeast Minnesota, they found a way to come back home to 10/11 News! You can find both Melanie and Rusty on various shows throughout the week and weekend.

In his spare time, Rusty is busy with his kids and if there is any time left, he enjoys softball, bowling and being outside, enjoying Nebraska.