Kris Crocker: Chief Meteorologist at KXLY-TV Spokane – Bio & Career
Kris Crocker is an accomplished American meteorologist and journalist, currently serving as the Chief Meteorologist at KXLY-TV, a station based in Spokane, Washington.
She anchors the 4 News Now Forecast Focus, delivering weather updates to viewers every weeknight at 5, 6, and 11 p.m.
Known for her dedication to providing accurate and reliable weather forecasts for the Inland Northwest, Kris has earned widespread recognition in her field, including five Emmy nominations.
She holds the prestigious “Seal of Approval” from both the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association, a testament to her expertise and professionalism in broadcast meteorology.
Born and raised in Idaho Falls, Idaho, Kris’s passion for weather and journalism began early in life.
She pursued her education with a focus on both fields, earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in journalism and communications from Oklahoma State University.
She later completed the Broadcast Meteorology program at Mississippi State University, solidifying her meteorological credentials.
Her career in weather broadcasting kicked off in 1993 in her hometown of Idaho Falls, where she took her first steps into the industry.
Since then, Kris has worked at television stations in Lansing and Flint, Michigan, honing her skills before joining KXLY-TV in Spokane in 1998.
She has played the violin with the Spokane Falls Community Orchestra and is an enthusiastic supporter of the Spokane Symphony, where she is also a member of the Spokane Symphony Associates.
Her commitment to local causes shines through her leadership in 4 News Now’s Coats 4 Kids campaign, a charitable initiative she drives to support families in need.
Kris’s love for the outdoors is evident in her personal life, where she enjoys skiing, snowboarding, running, and golfing with her family in the Inland Northwest.
Age:
Kris Crocker was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho on October 2, making her zodiac sign Libra. She is of White ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Kris Crocker grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where her love for weather and the outdoors likely began.
Her mother was a mathematician, and her father was a nuclear physicist. This scientific environment influenced her perspective on the world.
Kris and her siblings were encouraged to play musical instruments; she chose the violin, while her siblings played the cello, saxophone, clarinet, and flute.
She studied journalism and communications at Oklahoma State University, later earning a Broadcast Meteorology degree from Mississippi State University. Her career started in Idaho Falls in 1993 before she joined KXLY-TV in Spokane in 1998.
No specific details about Kris’s parents, such as names or occupations, are public. They likely supported her education and career, given her success, but she keeps their identities private.
There’s no information on whether Kris has siblings. Her personal life focuses on her husband, Jerry, and their three daughters, with no mention of brothers or sisters.
Husband:
Kris Crocker is married to Jerry. They have been together for many years, likely since before or shortly after Kris joined KXLY-TV in 1998.
Jerry enjoys outdoor activities with Kris and stays out of the public spotlight.
They have three daughters: Sophie, Danielle (Danny), and Gabrielle. The family lives in Spokane with their 160-pound Leonberger, Hammy.
Height:
Kris Crocker stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 6 inches (167 cm), showcasing an elegant presence.
Her estimated weight is around 130 pounds (59 kg), maintaining a balanced physique.
As for her body measurements, it’s estimated to be 34-26-36 inches (86-66-91 cm), which complements her professional appearance on air.
Career and Background:
Kris pursued undergraduate and graduate degrees in journalism and communications at Oklahoma State University, where she also played violin in the university’s symphony.
Initially aiming for a career in print journalism with a focus on science writing, she transitioned to broadcast meteorology after covering weather segments at a news station in Idaho Falls.
She completed the broadcast meteorology program at Mississippi State University. Her career includes positions in Lansing and Flint, Michigan, before joining KXLY-TV in Spokane in 1998.
Unnamed Station in Idaho Falls, Idaho (1993) – Likely KIDK or KIFI-TV
Kris Crocker launched her career in 1993 in her hometown of Idaho Falls, Idaho, a small market known for its agricultural base and proximity to natural wonders like Yellowstone.
While the exact station isn’t explicitly named in her public bio, it’s widely inferred to be either KIDK (Channel 3, then an NBC affiliate, now primarily CBS) or KIFI-TV (Channel 8, an ABC affiliate).
Both were prominent local stations in the early 1990s, serving the Eastern Idaho region.
Starting fresh out of her academic training—having completed undergraduate and graduate degrees at Oklahoma State University and the Broadcast Meteorology program at Mississippi State University—Kris likely took on an entry-level meteorologist or weather reporter role.
WLNS-TV (Lansing, Michigan, 1995–1996):
Kris moved to Lansing, Michigan, where she worked at WLNS-TV, a CBS affiliate.
During her time there, she honed her skills in meteorology and gained valuable experience in weather forecasting and reporting.
WJRT-TV (Flint, Michigan, 1996–1998):
Kris then joined WJRT-TV, an ABC affiliate in Flint, Michigan. Here, she continued to build her reputation as a reliable and accurate meteorologist, covering various weather events and providing essential information to the community.
KXLY-TV (Spokane, Washington, 1998–present):
In 1998, Kris Crocker joined KXLY-TV, an ABC affiliate in Spokane, Washington.
She has since become the Chief Meteorologist at the station, delivering weather forecasts every weeknight on KXLY4 News at 5, 6, and 11.
Here are some of Kris Crocker’s notable coverages:
- Straight-Line Wind Event (November 2015): Covered a significant wind event in Washington State with winds over 70 mph, causing damage and power outages.
- Winter Storms: Reported on various winter storms in the Inland Northwest, providing accurate forecasts and practical tips.
- Seasonal Changes: Covered the impact of seasonal changes on the local community with practical advice.
Kris Crocker has received several awards and recognitions throughout her career:
- Emmy Nominations: Kris has been nominated for five Emmy awards, highlighting her excellence in meteorology and broadcasting.
- Seal of Approval: She proudly holds the coveted “Seal of Approval” from both the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association.
- Community Involvement: Kris has been actively involved in various community events and charity organizations, including emceeing the Distinguished Young Women scholarship program.
Kris Crocker works with a talented team at KXLY-TV in Spokane, Washington. Here are some of her notable colleagues:
- Aaron Luna: Aaron is an anchor at KXLY-TV, working alongside Kris Crocker on the evening news. He brings a wealth of experience and a strong journalistic background to the team.
- Kirstin O’Connor: Kirstin is an anchor of the evening news on 4 News Now, joining the station in August 2022. She has a decade of experience in the TV industry and has worked in top markets from coast to coast.
- Ian Kelly: Ian is the Program Director and On-Air Talent at KXLY-TV. He plays a crucial role in the station’s programming and on-air content.
- Brian Neale: Brian is a Producer at KXLY-TV, contributing to the production of news segments and ensuring the smooth operation of broadcasts.
- Erin Robinson: Erin is a Reporter at KXLY-TV, covering various news stories and providing in-depth reporting on local events.
- Kevin James: Kevin is an On-Air Talent at KXLY-TV, known for his engaging presence and contributions to the station’s programming.
These colleagues, along with Kris Crocker, form a dedicated and skilled team at KXLY-TV, delivering quality news and weather coverage to the Spokane community.
Net Worth and Salary:
Kris Crocker, as a Chief Meteorologist with extensive experience and recognition, likely earns a competitive salary. Based on industry standards, her estimated annual salary could range from $90,000 to $120,000.
As for her net worth, considering her long career and various professional achievements, it is estimated to be around $1 million to $2 million.
Is Kris Crocker Married?
Yes, Kris Crocker is married to Jerry. They have three daughters: Sophie, Danielle, and Gabrielle. The family lives in Spokane.
How Old Is Kris Crocker?
Where Is Kris Crocker Working?
Kris Crocker is currently working at KXLY-TV in Spokane, Washington, where she serves as the Chief Meteorologist.
In this role, she delivers weather forecasts every weeknight on KXLY4 News at 5, 6, and 11.
Kris Crocker is active on several social media platforms:
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Instagram: She shares personal and professional updates under the handle @kxlycrocker.
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Facebook: Her professional page, Kris Crocker 4 News Now, provides weather updates and station news.
- X (formerly Twitter): She tweets weather information and personal interests at @KrisCrockerKXLY.
These platforms offer insights into her meteorological work and personal interests.
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