Q&A with Legendary South Texas Weatherman Tim Smith

by Eryn Reddell Wingert

W eather is the all-important factor when deciding where to spend your winter months. To gain a better understanding of South Texas weather, Welcome Home Winter Texan went straight to weather guru extraordinaire Tim Smith, chief meteorologist for KRGV Channel 5 News.

A little background: Smith is originally from the Midwest. He grew up in Batesville, Indiana, and graduated from Indiana University with a journalism degree. He has lived in the Rio Grande Valley for 41 years, arriving in December 1981. Smith has served as KRGV’s chief meteorologist since 1983.

(Of note: This Q&A took place in late February when the average temperature across the Valley was 90 degrees, as a massive winter storm was making its way across the country.)

When is it officially winter? Next season, it begins December 21, 2023, at 9:27 p.m. The spring equinox is Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 10:16 p.m.

The Valley doesn’t really have seasons, so when is our so-called winter? The three coldest months are December, January, and February, so, its relative; most of our winters aren’t cold at all. During the course of the winter, we’ll have a handful of chilly days-by our standards. Typically, we have at least one shot of cold; then we bounce right back to 80s [degrees] before and 80s afterwards.

What is the average temperature in the Valley during the season? Typically, the average high is 7374; average low is in the mid-to low 50’s. Climatologically, the coldest time is mid-January, based on McAllen temperatures. Some days are 85 and some are 55.

What should one pack in preparation for a South Texas winter? Flip flops, Bermuda shorts, and

Hey Dude’s. There will be days you’ll want a jacket, long pants… but don’t bring a bunch of coats. Just bring one because those days are limited.

How does our weather compare to Arizona and Florida? We have more ups and downs. Florida is more steady--a cold front or two-depends on where you are; they don’t get as warm as we do. Much more variety in weather here. Our averages are more similar. Arizona is dryer, and it can get pretty cold. They don’t get a lot of rain. Highs and lows are bigger. As for the Valley, you won’t get bored with our weather! It’s much more interesting to be here. It’s not the same all the time. I think that’s fascinating.

Its near 90 degrees this week. Is that normal? It’s 88 in Weslaco. South Padre Island was 71; depends on water temps at the Island. We had the big cold snap December 22, 23, and 24, but our average for the month was 2.4 degrees above normal, except for those three days.

What was your first winter in the RGV like? I left [Indiana] in December ’81; got here Christmas

Eve. When I left, they got a foot and a half of snow. When I got here, it was about 50 degrees and drizzly. I looked for my bathing suit to get in the pool at the apartment. My first thought: “I want to get in the pool!”

What’s your favorite thing to do in the winter? The Island. I love the Island. We spend a lot of time out there. I used to do a lot of golf. I’m going to get back to that--and bike riding, cycling. Being out on a pretty day, there’s nothing like it. Yesterday on the Island, middle of the afternoon, I took a four-mile walk on the beach, just enjoying the sunshine and nice weather.

What are your impressions of Winter Texans? How amazingly generous and fun our Winter Texans are. Any time we do a project, they’re in. Tim’s Coats, in particular. We’ve received thousands and thousands from our Winter Texan friends. I appreciate that so much. We changed that a little this year, not taking used, but they came through with cash. They’re always there to support. How much fun they are! We were at Upper Deck on the Island and some were doing karaoke; these people are talented. I just love them to death. A wealth of knowledge; I love hearing their backgrounds, their stories. •