Tim Smith

Chief Meteorologist

Chief Meteorologist Tim Smith has been part of the NEWSCHANNEL 5 team for more than 23 years. A native of Batesville, Indiana and graduate of Indiana University, Tim worked at several radio stations in Indiana before heading for Texas in 1981. His first job at NEWSCHANNEL 5 was as Weekend Weathercaster working under the tutelage of the late Lee Lindsey. Tim quickly fell in love with the Valley's weather. Not just forecasting it, but enjoying it, like everyone else. He was promoted to Chief Forecaster in 1983, a position he's held since. Along the way, Tim has continued his meteorology education taking classes from Penn State University, Weatherscan School of Broadcast Meteorology and Mississippi State University. In August 2004, Tim completed Mississippi State's Broadcast Meteorology Program completing the program with straight 'A's, one of only three students to accomplish that feat. That accomplishment changed Tim's title from Chief Forecaster to Chief Meteorologist. Tim has led NEWSCHANNEL 5's weather coverage through hurricanes, tornadoes, freezes and even that rare Christmas 2004 snowstorm. "It was just an incredible blessing to see so many people getting to see snow for the very first time in their lives…and to have it happen on Christmas…what a miracle…" Tim said, following the big event.

Tim has always been very active in the community. He visits with thousands of school children each year making presentations about weather. His "Kids You Should Know" feature, which airs the first Sunday of each month, highlights one of the special young people of our community. Tim is a regular on the civic organization speaking circuit. Of course, his "Tim's Coats" project has helped bring in more than 100,000 coats for the less fortunate of the Valley over the last 20 years. Tim has served on the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross, the Hidalgo County Fatherhood Initiative, and the Rio Grande Valley Emergency Management Coordinating Council. He also served as chairman of the UTPA Nursing Advisory Council. Tim currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Urban Science Initiative, the International Museum of Art & Science, and the Rio Grande Valley Partnership.

Among his many awards and honors, Tim has been named the Easter Seal Society's Volunteer of the Year, he received the Hispanic Excellence Award from Kenneth White Junior High in Mission, and the Distinguished Service Award from the University of Texas - Pan American. The Associated Press Broadcasters have called Tim's weathercasts "The Best in Texas." Tim and his wife Nora have three children, Justin, Maya and Taylor.

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