AUSTIN (KXAN) — KXAN announced on Monday Nick Bannin is the KXAN First Warning Weather Team’s new chief meteorologist.
Bannin joined KXAN in 2021 after spending a total of 10 years in western Massachusetts as a meteorologist in the area, where he won the First-Place award for Best On-Air Personality from the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association, an AP Award for Best Weather Coverage along with several team Emmy and Regional Murrow awards.
Bannin was born in Bristol, England, then moved to Manchester, England, where he lived for several years before coming to the states, where he eventually attended the Ivy League’s Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Atmospheric Science while minoring in Applied Economics and Management.
“Central Texas is such an incredible place to live, and my wife and I couldn’t imagine raising our two children anywhere else,” he said in an announcement. “As part of KXAN’s First Warning Weather team, I am dedicated to keeping viewers safe during dangerous weather and well-informed so they can plan their lives in all types of conditions.”
KXAN Vice President & General Manager Eric Lassberg announced the promotion by saying, “Nick’s performance over his three and a half years here at KXAN has been nothing less than outstanding. He is 100% KXAN’s core values especially in the humility category. We look forward to implementing some of Nick’s ideas that will grow KXAN’s weather coverage and provide an even greater value to our audience.”
Bannin assumes the role of Chief Meteorologist starting Monday, May 6. In the interim period between David Yeomans’ departure and Bannin taking on the role, Jim Spencer, the longest-serving weathercaster in the history of Austin television, had stepped back into the role temporarily.
“We are so lucky that Nick has a four-year running start as our new Chief Meteorologist. He won’t have to learn a thing about the peculiarities of our Central Texas geography or climate,” Spencer said. “And Nick brings our viewers the whole package — Ivy League meteorological skills –expert weather graphics designer, great storyteller and he’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet. Our audience is going to love him even more now that they will get to see him every day!”
Bannin previously served as KXAN’s weekend meteorologist and helped fill coverage of various shows whenever needed.