Meteorologist Nathan Kitchens Will Leave Peoria Stations
The morning and daytime meteorologist is departing WMBD and WYZZ after three years of reporting in the city.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Forecasts
Meteorologist Nathan Kitchens will perform his final weather cast at Peoria stations WMBD and WYZZ on Friday, October 2, 2026. Kitchens is leaving his role at the local stations to pursue a new position at a different station.
Why it matters
The departure marks a transition in the local broadcasting landscape for morning and daytime viewers in Peoria. Kitchens, who has been a consistent presence on air since 2023, plans to share more details about his next professional chapter following his exit.
Kitchens served the Peoria area for 3 years after arriving in 2023. He previously gained 4 years of experience as a meteorologist in Lima, Ohio, following his 2017 graduation from Mississippi State University.
The players
Nathan Kitchens
He is a meteorologist who has served as a morning and daytime weather reporter for WMBD and WYZZ.
WMBD
It is a Peoria television station that broadcasts local news and weather updates to the central Illinois area.
WYZZ
It is a Peoria television station that partners with local news teams to deliver weather and community reporting.
The details
Kitchens announced his upcoming departure through a statement on Facebook. During his time in the region, he also contributed to the weather podcast titled Shootin' the Breeze.
Timeline
Kitchens graduated from Mississippi State University in 2017.
Kitchens arrived at WMBD in 2023.
The final weather cast will take place on Friday, October 2, 2026.
Seasonal Patterns
The Mississippi State University meteorology program acts as a major pipeline for atmospheric science professionals in local media markets. This career transition follows a national trend of journalists moving between regional stations to advance their broadcasting experience.
Viewers who rely on morning and daytime weather updates from Kitchens should prepare for a change in the presenting team starting after Friday. Updates regarding the incoming meteorologist have not yet been announced by the stations.
The takeaway
Broadcast meteorologists frequently transition between markets to gain broader experience and advance their careers. Viewers can typically expect station management to announce a replacement strategy following the departure of a lead morning personality.
Further reading
For more updates on local broadcast changes, visit the Forecasts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Indianapolis Star.
