If you’ve ever checked the weather on Channel 11 in Dallas–Fort Worth, there’s a strong chance you’ve seen Scott Padgett. For twelve years, he’s been a friendly, knowledgeable face during thunderstorms, heatwaves, and snow flurries. But recently, news broke: Scott is leaving Channel 11, also known as CBS Texas/KTVT, and heading east to join CBS New York’s First Alert Weather team.
This change marks a major milestone, both for Scott’s career and for viewers in both states. Here’s what’s happening, why he’s making this move, and what you can learn from Scott’s bold, intentional career transition.
Scott Padgett’s Legacy at CBS Texas
Start by understanding where Scott Padgett stands in local weather reporting. He joined CBS Texas more than a decade ago, quickly making his mark with accurate forecasting and relatable on-air presence. For nearly ten years, he’s led the weather team as chief meteorologist—meaning he’s been the person in charge when severe storms threaten or when you need to know if it’s safe to head out.
During his tenure, Padgett brought clarity and calm during unpredictable weather events. Viewers relied on his guidance, knowing he had both credentials and heart. He covered major weather incidents like tornado outbreaks, surprise winter storms, and persistent Texas droughts.
Case studies—like his real-time analysis during the historic Dallas tornadoes—highlighted his decision-making skills and communication with local authorities. When the weather turned serious, Scott’s tone inspired confidence instead of panic. Several awards and glowing viewer reviews back this up, but so do the trust and loyalty of his audience.
What Colleagues and Leaders Say
Internal leaders noticed these contributions, too. The Channel 11 news director described Padgett as a “true leader in the weather center” who inspired newer meteorologists to aim higher and engage the community. Padgett’s efforts didn’t just boost ratings—he also led outreach with local schools, taught weather safety, and made meteorology feel approachable.
This blend of authority and approachability is rare in local news. It’s part of why Scott became a household name. If you’re working toward leadership or public-facing roles, take a page from his book: Build trust by showing your work, staying calm under pressure, and making technical topics easy to understand.
Why Is Scott Padgett Leaving Channel 11?
When someone leaves a high-profile role after years of success, people naturally assume something negative happened—job cuts, management rifts, or fading ratings. That’s not the case here. Scott Padgett is leaving because he’s chasing a goal he’s talked about for years: forecasting the weather in New York.
Scott has been open about this move, calling it “an exciting career opportunity” and “a lifelong dream.” After more than a decade in Texas, he’s ready for new professional challenges. In his public statement, Scott described the decision as “bittersweet,” expressing gratitude for his Texas audience but also clear excitement for what’s next.
You’ll notice successful people often have a clear vision for their next step before they leave. For example, Scott has said he’s dreamed of working in the New York market since early in his career. Rather than stay just because it’s familiar, he’s decided to test himself in one of the nation’s most competitive weather environments.
Making the Transition: Dates and Details
Planning and timing matter in high-profile career moves. Scott’s transition is a textbook example of how to leave on good terms and set yourself up for success in your next role.
Last day at CBS Texas: May 30, 2025
First day at CBS New York: June 30, 2025
This month-long break means he can wrap up local commitments and arrive in New York prepared and refreshed. If you’re considering a career shift, study how Scott handled his transition. Give yourself (and your current employer) time to adjust, keep communication clear, and be gracious to both colleagues and your audience.
Why New York? What Makes the Opportunity Special?
Forecasting in New York is a unique challenge and a career goal for many meteorologists. The city faces complex weather patterns—think Nor’easters, coastal storms, temperature swings, and a densely packed urban audience. For someone with Scott’s experience, it’s a chance to master new weather systems and reach a national audience.
He’s not just leveling up his technical skills, either. New York’s media market is the largest in the country. By joining CBS New York’s First Alert Weather team, Padgett steps onto a stage where every storm and sunny day gets noticed by millions. It’s no surprise he calls this his “lifelong dream”—very few meteorologists ever get the chance.
If you’re looking to advance in your own career, consider what a “dream job” means for you. Is it about impact, scale, complexity, or something else? Scott’s move suggests the value of defining your dream early, then working steadily toward that goal—even if it means leaving behind a comfortable role.
Reactions from Colleagues and the Community
A big move like this ripples through both professional circles and the wider viewing public.
At CBS Texas, colleagues called Padgett “an outstanding leader and a generous mentor.” For years, he guided weather interns and junior meteorologists. His collaborative approach raised the whole team’s performance.
Viewers also chimed in, thanking Scott for his accuracy during crises and his humor during everyday forecasts. Social media posts and station emails quickly filled with appreciation—and no small amount of sadness about his departure.
Scott returned the favor in his farewell message, saying Texas “feels like home,” and expressing gratitude for the warmth and support he received over the years. In this way, he models one key professional value: Leave with gratitude, and never burn bridges. You never know when paths will cross again.
Opportunities for CBS Texas and Aspiring Meteorologists
Transitions create growth, both for organizations and individuals. With Scott’s exit, CBS Texas now faces the challenge—and opportunity—of hiring a new chief meteorologist. Scott has said publicly that the position could be “the best job in broadcast meteorology,” and encouraged applications from those ready to “embrace Texas’s weather challenges.”
If you’re considering a similar role, expect everything from severe thunderstorms and tornadoes to the recent winter storms that caught Texans off guard. Scott often described forecasting in Texas as “part science, part art, part nerve”—and you’ll want all three skills. There’s also tremendous opportunity to innovate, whether that’s through audience engagement, new forecasting technology, or building a weather brand that stands out.
Pro tip: If you’re applying to a high-visibility role, incorporate real examples of your work and leadership. Video clips, scenario walk-throughs, or brief case studies can set you apart. You’ll also want to reference how you would handle unique Texas challenges—like rapid barometric drops, spring hail, and the unpredictable cycle of drought and deluge.
If you want to explore unique business or professional growth frameworks that help you act with Scott’s clarity and purpose, check out resources like Business Benching for actionable insights.
Lessons for Entrepreneurs and Career-Minded Professionals
There are several takeaways from Scott Padgett’s approach that apply far beyond meteorology:
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Define your North Star early
Clarify what your dream or long-term target is early in your career. This helps guide decisions, even those that are tough or risky. -
Focus on delivering value daily
Whether you lead a team or work solo, everyday commitment builds trust. Scott’s reliability during high-stakes weather earned him respect. -
Be transparent about transitions
Honest communication eases departures and helps you maintain relationships. Scott told viewers and colleagues personally and gave plenty of notice. -
Leave a place better than you found it
Train others, share what you’ve learned, and support the next generation—just as Scott did with his mentors and colleagues. -
Act on opportunities when they arise
Waiting for the “perfect” moment can lead to missed chances. Scott showed that when a dream job opens, the time to move is now.
These strategies aren’t just for TV personalities. If you’re changing industries, launching a business, or taking on a stretch assignment, take time to plan your exit and entry as carefully as your day-to-day execution.
Conclusion: A Positive Transition, and the Road Ahead
Scott Padgett’s departure from Channel 11 represents something rare in TV news—a change made on positive terms, driven by vision and ambition, not controversy. He leaves behind a legacy of expert forecasting and public trust in Texas, and steps into a new challenge in New York, living out the career ambition he set years ago.
Whether you watched him to plan your commute or studied his career for leadership lessons, Scott’s journey reminds you that well-planned transitions can lead to real progress. Even if you’re not forecasting tornadoes, you can take practical steps to define your goals, act intentionally, and move toward your own “dream job”—one clear day (or weather alert) at a time.
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