David Payne

David Payne, born on July 16, 1968, is a fourth-generation Oklahoman, originally from Guthrie and Edmond. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, holding a Bachelor of Science degree. Payne began his broadcasting career as a meteorologist at KTUL-TV in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In 1993, he joined KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City as the morning meteorologist. During his 19 years at KFOR-TV, he also performed storm chasing duties for the station’s severe weather coverage, including forecasting for morning and noon newscasts.

A significant career event occurred on May 3, 1999, when Payne reported live during a devastating tornado outbreak in Oklahoma, tracking a massive F5 tornado. His live reporting for KFOR-TV during this event earned recognition from then-Governor Frank Keating for helping to protect Oklahomans. In 2013, Payne transitioned to KWTV-DT, initially as a 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. meteorologist. He later succeeded Gary England as Chief Meteorologist in August 2013, expanding his responsibilities to include the 6:00 and 10:00 p.m. newscasts. He continued his severe weather coverage, including the May 8, 2003, Moore tornado and the 2013 Moore tornado, both of which were significant events in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

Throughout his career, Payne has been honored with multiple awards, including eight Emmy Awards and 16 nominations from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. He has also received recognition from the Associated Press and the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters for his severe weather reporting. He was awarded “The Weathercast of the Year” in both 2011 and 2013 by the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters. Payne holds seals from both the National Weather Association and the American Meteorological Society. He also engages in community outreach through “David Payne’s Wild Weather Camp,” an interactive program that teaches children about weather safety.