Burton Fitzsimmons’ curiosity about weather began while growing up on a 20-acre farm in San Antonio. From a hilltop view on the farm he could watch clouds form and thunderstorms develop.

“In Central Texas weather can swing from wonderful to wicked in a matter of hours,” Burton said. “It’s a great feeling that people turn to us to plan their lives.”

Burton obtained his broadcast meteorology degree from Mississippi State University and an RTF degree from The University of Texas at Austin. For five years he directed newscast at KEYE (CBS) in Austin, and even popped up as a fill-in meteorologist. A one-year meteorologist/reporter stint in Shreveport, La., at KTAL (NBC) brought him back to Austin. He has been with News 8 Austin since January 2000.

“My forecast takes a personal approach by combining strong scientific analysis with real-life personality,” Burton said. “That’s what people look for when they turn on our weather every 10 minutes.”

Burton is an active member of National Weather Association and an associate member of American Meteorological Society. He enjoys storm chasing, amateur radio, Italian sports cars (he even has one), filmmaking (he collects vintage camera equipment) and live entertainment.

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