Batesville native named FLASH Weatherperson of the Year

Smith surprised with award (Video courtesy of KRGV)

(WESLACO, TX.) – A Batesville native who has built quite the legacy as a meteorologist in Texas just received a prestigious national award. 

Tim Smith moved to south Texas in 1981 after graduating from Indiana University and working at WRBI in Batesville.  

He has worked for KRGV-TV in the Rio Grande Valley for more than 40 years and has become a weather icon in the region.

The forecast Tim gave for today is far different than here due to the Rio Grande Valley being located along the U.S.-Mexico border. 

The high temperature in Batesville today is 35 degrees. It’s expected to reach 80 where Smith lives today. 

“I certainly do not miss the snow and cold at all but what I do miss about Batesville are the people,” Smith told The 812. 

Smith has brought the values learned from growing up in Southeast Indiana to make a real difference in south Texas. 

Each year, he gives weather presentations to thousands of students and also highlights local youth in the community through a segment called “Kids You Should Know.” 

He also has an initiative called “Tim’s Coats” where he has led the charge to provide more than 100,000 coats for less fortunate residents in the Rio Grande Valley over the past four decades.

“I’ve been blessed to land in such a family-oriented place like south Texas. But everything I learned in Batesville, and from my father, has led to my community involvement and the drive to give back the best I can,” he said. 

He also serves on numerous boards and co-founded the National Tropical Weather Conference, held each year on South Padre Island.  

Tim has been recognized with numerous awards including an Emmy and was also inducted into the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences – Lone Star Chapter Silver Circle.

Tim Gets Surprised with National Award

The longtime chief meteorologist wrapped up his first forecast of the night on Wednesday when the anchor announced there was breaking news. 

The breaking news: Smith had earned the 2026 FLASH National Weatherperson of the Year Award.

It's an annual award given out nationally that recognizes excellence in weather forecasting and community service. 

Tim received the award after nearly 100,000 votes were cast for him during the nationwide voting period, the most ever for this honor.

He was surprised by family, friends and colleagues while still on-air and was quick to credit those around him. 

“This is a huge honor for the whole valley. It has my name on there, but this is about everyone who voted,” Tim said. 

KRGV General Manager John Kittleman called it a well-deserved honor and noted how Tim continued to bring excellence to the job. 

“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,” Kittleman said. 

The coveted award has been given out in the past to recipients such as ABC chief meteorologist Ginger Zee, The Weather Channel’s Jim Cantore, National Weather Service director Ken Graham and others. 

Smith was congratulated throughout the day Thursday including at his local Rotary Club meeting. 

“There were balloons and gift baskets at the Rotary meeting and everywhere I go people have been congratulating me. I even had to go to the tire shop today and they were giving their congratulations too,” Smith laughed.

While thousands of miles away, Tim stays connected to Indiana by rooting for the IU Hoosiers and listening to Batesville Bulldogs basketball games.

You can follow him on Facebook by clicking here. Here are a few more photos of Tim over the years: