David Payne Wikipedia | Biography
David Payne is a well-respected American meteorologist who has an Emmy Award and currently holds the title of Chief Meteorologist at News 9 (KWTV-DT) in Oklahoma City. You can catch him on the station’s weekday newscasts at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m., where he leads the weather team and keeps viewers updated on Oklahoma’s unpredictable weather.
Over the course of his impressive broadcasting career, Payne has gained a reputation for his exceptional severe weather reporting. He boasts eight Emmy Awards and has been nominated 16 times. His work has also received accolades from the Associated Press and the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters, which recognized his broadcasts as “Weathercast of the Year” in both 2011 and 2013 for outstanding weather coverage.
A proud fourth-generation Oklahoman, David grew up in Guthrie and Edmond, with his family’s roots in the state tracing back to the Oklahoma Land Run of 1889, when they secured land that’s still in the family today. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma, where he studied meteorology before diving into his broadcasting career.
Payne gained national attention during the devastating tornado outbreak on May 3, 1999, when he reported live from the scene of one of Oklahoma’s most destructive tornadoes. His brave and informative coverage earned him praise from then-Governor Frank Keating, who acknowledged his role in keeping Oklahomans informed and safe during the crisis.
His reporting on the May 8, 2003, Moore tornado not only earned him an Emmy Award but also two more Emmy nominations. Following his success in severe weather broadcasting, the National Association of Broadcasters invited Payne to speak at its 2003 “Serving Communities in Crisis” conference at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C., where he shared his insights on tornado coverage and emergency communication.
David is well-known as a go-to expert on severe weather, making appearances on major national networks like NBC, CNN, FOX, The Weather Channel, and The Discovery Channel. He’s earned the esteemed Seal of Approval from both the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the National Weather Association (NWA), which speaks volumes about his expertise.
But David’s passion goes beyond just forecasting. He’s dedicated to educating the next generation through his initiative, David Payne’s Wild Weather Camp. This interactive program focuses on teaching kids how to stay safe during severe weather events. As a father, he truly understands the importance of weather education and safety, making it a key part of his outreach in the community.
David Payne Age
As of 2026, David Payne is 54 years old. He was born in 1972 in Oklahoma, United States, but he has kept his exact birth date under wraps.
David Payne Education
David Payne graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Meteorology. It was during his time there that he developed a keen interest in severe weather forecasting, which set the stage for his successful journey as a broadcast meteorologist.
He also proudly holds the esteemed Seal of Approval from both the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the National Weather Association (NWA), highlighting his excellence in the field of broadcast meteorology.
David Payne Family
David Payne is a proud fourth-generation Oklahoman, with his family having deep roots in the state. His ancestors acquired land during the historic Oklahoma Land Run of 1889, and that land has been in the family for generations.
While Payne occasionally shares anecdotes about his Oklahoma heritage, he has opted to keep the identities of his parents and siblings private.
David Payne Nationality
David Payne is an American by nationality and citizenship. Born and raised in Oklahoma, he identifies as White-American.
David Payne Height
David Payne stands at an estimated 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) tall. His exact height has not been officially confirmed.
David Payne Wife
David Payne is happily married to his wife, Julie Payne. The couple has enjoyed a long-lasting marriage and resides in Edmond, Oklahoma. Although David occasionally mentions his wife during interviews and community events, the couple generally keeps their personal life private.
David Payne Children
David and his wife Julie are proud parents of one daughter. Payne has often said that becoming a father strengthened his passion for promoting severe weather safety for children through his educational outreach program, David Payne’s Wild Weather Camp.
David Payne News 9 (KWTV-DT)
David Payne has been the Chief Meteorologist at News 9 (KWTV-DT) since 2000, and he’s become a familiar face in Oklahoma. He’s at the forefront of the station’s weather coverage and is especially known for his live reports during intense tornado outbreaks and other severe weather situations.
A pivotal moment in his career happened during the tornado outbreak on May 3, 1999, when he reported live from the scene of one of the most devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma’s history. His efforts were recognized by then-Governor Frank Keating, who commended him for keeping the public informed during such a critical time.
Payne’s expertise also earned him an Emmy Award for his coverage of the Moore tornado on May 8, 2003, which is considered one of the most significant weather events in the state. Over the years, he has gained national recognition as a weather expert, making appearances on NBC, CNN, FOX, The Weather Channel, and The Discovery Channel to share insights on severe weather in Oklahoma.
Outside of his television work, Payne is dedicated to education through David Payne’s Wild Weather Camp, where he engages with children to teach them about tornado safety, storm preparedness, and the unique weather patterns that characterize Oklahoma.
David Payne Meteorologist
David Payne is a well-known American meteorologist who has won an Emmy Award and currently holds the position of Chief Meteorologist at News 9 (KWTV-DT) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He became part of the station in 2000 and is the face of the weather reports during the weekday newscasts at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. Recognized as one of the top weather experts in Oklahoma, Payne has dedicated his career to covering severe weather events, including tornadoes, floods, winter storms, and other dangerous conditions throughout the state.
His exceptional contributions to the field have earned him eight Emmy Awards, 16 Emmy nominations, numerous accolades from the Associated Press, and two Weathercast of the Year awards from the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters.
David Payne Salary
As the Chief Meteorologist at News 9 (KWTV-DT), David Payne earns an estimated annual salary ranging between $150,000 and $250,000. His actual salary has not been publicly disclosed.
David Payne Net Worth
David Payne has an estimated net worth of between $2 million and $5 million. His wealth has been accumulated through more than two decades as one of Oklahoma’s leading broadcast meteorologists, along with speaking engagements and other professional endeavors.
