KXAS is making changes to its weather team heading into the Fall.
The Dallas NBC O&O has hired Rick Mitchell, who has been chief meteorologist at KOCO in Oklahoma City since 1994. In the coming weeks, Mitchell will join the 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts, taking over for Grant Johnston in the afternoon and David Finfrock (pictured) in the evening.
Finfrock, the station’s chief meteorologist, has signed a new long-term contract that will keep him at KXAS through 2018, at which point he intends to retire after more than 40 years at the station. He will continue to forecast on the 5 and 6 p.m. newscasts.
“I’m not ready to leave yet, but I’ve been thinking about retirement for several years, and I’m pleased this agreement offers me the opportunity to finish my career right where it began – with the first television station in Texas,” Finfrock said in a statement.
Johnston will shift to mornings, forecasting from 5 to 7 a.m. Samantha Davies, who is currently the morning meteorologist, will shift to the 4:30 a.m. early-morning newscast.
“NBC 5 takes great pride in bringing viewers the area’s best weather coverage to prepare them for what lies ahead,” KXAS vice president of news Susan Tully said in a statement. “David’s experience and dedication to accurate forecasting is unparalleled in North Texas television. The fact that he will be here to guide us through the coming transition is invaluable.”