Hall of Fame
#1 would be Allen Pearson who was the director of the Severe Forecast center based in Kansas City from about 1969 to 1980. Even though Fugita was credited with creating a tornado damage scale, Pearson was actually the co creator. In meteorological world it is known as the Fugita-Pearson scale. Back then, KC was responsible for all the severe weather in the continental US. In the last 10 or so years, it has been branched off to regional areas. But back in the day, before the early 80's, all the real work for the entire US was done in downtown KC at the top of the Federal Building.
BILL YEAROUT. He is known as the first KC TV weatherman in the 50's and worked for KCTV 5. Before fancy technology we wrote backwards on a glass plate and would be astounded how it's done today.
JOHN YATES, KCTV 5, LATE 50'S TO EARLY 80'S. For over 25 years, John was there long enough to witness technology. His only real competition was Dan Henry.
DAN HENRY---the king. Always had a casual grandfather style without scaring you. He was not a meteorologist, but was among the best on TV in presenting the weather.
DAVE DUSIK. One of the first TV meteorologists in Kansas City where Brian Busby was his understudy.
BRIAN BUSBY. Probably one of the best dressed meteorologists! This clip is from 1987.
FRED BROSKI, broadcaster and beside weather, was famous as MC for locally produced, Bowling for Dollars.
DON HARMON. A TV morning favorite who tragically ended his life, but his humor entertained us as much as his forecasts.
CHERYL JONES. In 1977, KMBC tried to sell weather where some claim was by a sexy personality.
GARY LEZAK. Meteorologist and local favorite for introducing bringing in his family dogs. He is also a cancer survivor whose love for weather kept him though and free of cancer. Probably most famous for his weather cycle theory known as the LRC. Gary retired December 1st, 2022.
MIKE THOMPSON. Besides Brian Busby, he is the only locally "home grown" meteorologist, a former Boy Scout and has called Kansas City him all his life. Mike retired in 2018 and entered politics.
Special non KC Members [special category) Jim Cantore of the Weather Channel, February 15, 2015 at 2:30 in the morning for thunder snow.
Gary Amble. KCTV 5. He started at KCTC in June, 1994 and retires January 17, 2022