NBC5 tabs former NBC Weather Plus forecaster to replace departing Aydelott

By ED BARK
D-FW-based NBC5 has hired Samantha Davies to replace meteorologist James Aydelott, who as previously reported is joining KOKI-TV of Tulsa as its featured forecaster.

Aydelott, who joined NBC5 in June 2005, stayed at the station longer than expected while his replacement was sought. His official last day now will be Feb. 25th. He's then scheduled to start at KOKI on the following day.

Davies worked for NBC Weather Plus. which was folded on Dec. 31 of last year after the network's purchase of The Weather Channel was finalized. She also has worked at WKAG-TV in Hopkinsville, KY and and WSIL-TV in Harrisburg, IL.

Davies' arrival will make NBC5 the only D-FW station with two female weathercasters. Jennifer Lopez has worked the early morning shift since June of last year.

Rebecca Miller, whom Lopez replaced at NBC5, is now the featured forecaster at The 33. And CBS11 still employs Kristine Kahanek, who primarily does the 4 p.m. newscast after being replaced as the station's principal weathercaster by Larry Mowry.

Fox4 recently hired Fiona Gorostiza as a member of its weather team. She fills a spot vacated by Maria Sotolongo, who wanted to spend more time with her baby daughter.

And Jennifer Schack joined WFAA8 last fall after weekend weathercaster Meghan Danahey left the station to become the weekday early morning forecaster at Austin's KVUE-TV. Both stations are owned by Dallas-based Belo Corp.

By the way, Danahey recently has branched out as a dancer -- at least at charitable events.

"Let me tell you, sweetheart, my barometric pressure is rising right now," a judge told her after she performed at a Dancing with the Stars-themed competition.

KVUE thoughtfully has preserved Danahey's performance on its Web site. So here you go: