KRGV 5 Rio Grande Valley News Chief Meteorologist Tim Smith has been named the 2026 FLASH National Weatherperson of the Year.
"This is a huge honor for the whole valley," Ryan said. "It has my name on there, but this is about everyone who voted."
Smith earned the honor after nearly 100,000 votes were cast for him during the nationwide voting period, which was the highest total in the award’s history, according to the station.
Previous winners include names like William (Bill) Read, Ginger Zee, James Spann, FOX San Antonio's Alex Garcia, and Jim Cantore.
"I am so pleased that Tim Smith has been named Weather Person of the Year presented by FLASH," KRGV 5 general manager John Kittleman added. "Tim's energy is boundless, he brings a level of excellence to everything he does. "Our viewers have seen for decades his commitment to keep our community informed and prepared for whatever weather event might be headed our way. But equally important, he works tirelessly to serve our community — whether it is warm jackets for those in need or a toy for a child in the hospital. Tim is one of a kind!"
Smith has been with KRGV for more than 40 years.
The award is presented by the nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH).
Another finalist for the 2026 National Weatherperson of the Year also has ties to Texas television.
Houston viewers may recognize former KHOU 11 meteorologist Brooks Garner, who is now the senior meteorologist at FOX 35 Orlando (WOFL).
Other finalists for the 2026 National Weatherperson of the Year Award include:
Tanya Brown-Giammanco, PhD
Disaster and Failure Studies Director
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
National Weather Service IMet Team – Wildfire Support
IMet Team - Wildfire Support
National Weather Service
Timothy P. Marshall, PE\
Forensic Engineer & Meteorologist
Haag Engineering
The FLASH National Weatherperson of the Year Award is timed to coincide with National Weatherperson’s Day on February 5, the birthday of pioneering weather observer John Jeffries. Jeffries’ work in the 1780s helped lay the foundation for many aspects of modern meteorology.
