Tuscaloosa Native Wes Wyatt Named Chief Meteorologist at WBRC

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Veteran meteorologist Wes Wyatt is stepping into one of the most coveted roles in Alabama broadcast meteorology, after being named as the next chief meteorologist for WBRC Fox 6 News in Birmingham. He will step into his new job July 26.

Wyatt, 42, grew up in Tuscaloosa and is a graduate of Hillcrest High School. He would go on to attend Shelton State Community College and later finish his undergraduate education at Mississippi State University — one of the premiere schools for broadcast meteorology that has produced some of the biggest names in the business.

Click here to subscribe to our free Tuscaloosa Daily newsletter and breaking news alerts

Wyatt can now easily count himself among those illustrious names as he takes the place of outgoing Chief Meteorologist J.P. Dice, who announced his retirement from news to following his dream of becoming a private pilot for Drummond Co.

Dice praised his successor, referring to Wyatt as one of the best severe weather meteorologists in the country.

“Together, we have covered some of the worst weather in the history of our state," Dice said in a statement. "Wes has the passion, education, and experience to lead Alabama’s largest television weather team. Plus, he is one of the finest people you could ever meet. I’m proud to call him a friend and wish him well as WBRC’s next Chief Meteorologist.”

In looking back on the progression of his career, Wyatt told Patch his passion for weather started at a young age watching TV stations like WBRC. This passion would help Wyatt develop into one of the most trusted names in Alabama weather, earning the title of Best Weather Anchor by the Associated Press on five separate occasions.

"When I visit schools today, I cherish the opportunity to tell students about my past," he said. "A guy who started out in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, looking out a classroom window when the weather forecast called for snow. From the Blizzard of 93’, to the hurricanes like Opal. I’ve taken shelter and experienced recovery after the storms. I reported from Tuscaloosa’s Hinton Place in 2000, right after an F-4 tornado tore through the neighborhood. I’ve witnessed some of the worst mother nature has to offer in this area, and these experiences have taught me so much throughout my career."

Prior to his time in Birmingham, Wyatt spent two years as a chief meteorologist for WTOK in Meridian, Mississippi, before he assumed the role of chief meteorologist at WVUA 23 in Tuscaloosa for seven years, becoming a well-known face in his hometown. While at UA, he would get his Masters Degree and serve as an adjunct instructor of broadcast meteorology.

As this new chapter unfolds, Wyatt and his wife Nicole are also expecting their first child, a boy, in November.

"I’ve certainly been blessed to have worked in my home state for over 20 years and I look forward to serving as the next Chief Meteorologist for WBRC Fox 6," Wyatt said. "This is such an honor to step into a role at such a legacy station like WBRC. I promise to continue our mission of being the station to First Alert; providing the important information you need to keep you and your family safe."

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com