Chikage Windler: A Profile of Central Texas’ Chief Meteorologist

Chikage Windler serves as the Chief Meteorologist at CBS Austin, where she provides weather forecasts during weeknight broadcasts at 5, 6, 6:30, and 10 p.m. An Emmy and AP-award-winning journalist, Windler holds the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation from the American Meteorological Society and the National Weather Association’s Seal of Approval.

Professional Background and Expertise

Windler’s career in broadcast meteorology spans several major U.S. markets, including stints in Indianapolis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Boston, Washington, D.C., Dallas, and Norfolk. In addition to her role at CBS Austin, she contributes weather reports to The CW Twin Cities and provides content for Sinclair’s “The National Weather Desk.” Her professional portfolio also includes guest appearances on ABC’s *Good Morning America* and *ABC World News*.

Her academic foundation includes a B.S. in Meteorology and a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism, both earned magna cum laude from the University of Oklahoma. During her time in Norman, she participated in tornado-chasing research projects at the National Severe Storms Laboratory. This background is informed by her upbringing in Oklahoma’s “Tornado Alley,” where she witnessed the impact of severe weather events firsthand.

Community Involvement and Personal Life

Beyond her on-air duties, Windler is active in the Austin community. She serves on the board of the OU Club of Austin and volunteers with organizations such as Girlstart, Keep Austin Beautiful, the Austin Parks Foundation, and the Central Texas SPCA.

Windler is also an accomplished runner who has completed 15 marathons, including serving as the 2017 Austin Marathon Charity Chaser. She and her husband are parents to two daughters and two dogs, Skipper and Ewok, both adopted from the Central Texas SPCA.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Chikage mean?
According to Windler, her name is of Japanese origin and translates to “thousands of views or vistas.”

What credentials does Chikage Windler hold?
She is a Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) through the American Meteorological Society and holds the National Weather Association’s Seal of Approval.

Where does Chikage Windler forecast?
She is the Chief Meteorologist at CBS Austin and provides weathercasts for The CW Twin Cities. She also contributes to Sinclair’s “The National Weather Desk.”