North Texans have relied on Pete Delkus for authentic and energetic weather reporting at WFAA for 20 years.
DALLAS — In Texas, the weather turns in a heartbeat. And for the past two decades, North Texans have turned to one man: Pete Delkus.
“The thing about Pete is you get the authenticity,” said fellow anchor Chris Lawrence.
“He is the most organized, disciplined, measured person that I know,” said his wife of 35 years Jacque Delkus.
Delkus has brought both expertise and energy to WFAA for 20 years, combining the credentials of a seasoned meteorologist with the fun personality of a weatherman. Mix in the fact that he’s always impeccably dressed, and you have a titan in local news.
“He was determined to make his mark in this market,” said Jacque.
Delkus served as the Chief Meteorologist at WCPO-TV, the ABC affiliate in Cincinnati, Ohio, from 1996 to 2005.
“His personality is almost as big as his head. I knew right away he’s going to pop through that TV screen—and he did,” said long-time sports anchor and friend Dale Hansen. “He’s basically the same guy off air as he is on air, and those are the only people I like.”
When the weather got severe, we all knew.
“The jacket’s off, it’s time to get serious,” said Stephanie Wilcox, long-time director of community marketing. “I think viewers can tell on air that Pete has a heart for people,” she said.
That heart shows in his 20 years of work with Santa’s Helpers and other community efforts.
“His heart is underneath there—very, very big,” said Lawrence.
Off-air, Delkus is a husband, dad, bird hunter, and a jokester. His family tells WFAA that he’s deeply rooted in his faith, and during the hard times when work became overwhelming, he often turns to a pastor for advice and direction. And when he wanted to take a break, he knew exactly where to go: Montana. September through January is bird hunting season, and for Delkus, it’s a hobby he once shared with his father.
“He is an amazing husband, he’s a loyal husband. He’s my best friend. We do everything together. I wouldn’t do an adventure without him,” said Jacque.
“I’m proud of the legacy you’ve built. Not just as the city’s weatherman, but as the man I’m lucky enough to call my father,” said his son Peter Delkus. “I wish people got to see what our family sees. How generous and thoughtful you are. I hope you feel as loved as you made DFW feel,” said his daughter Emily.
If he weren’t a meteorologist? “A game show host,” said Jacque. “Or a country music singer… either way, he’s on a stage.”
Delkus has done his share of funny promotional videos, and sometimes at his expense. It’s the sarcasm, jovial, and self-deprecating humor that endears him to people.
“Whenever anything is not right, it is always ‘Thanks Delkus,’” joked sports anchor Joe Trahan. “My favorite part of the show is not the sportscast, it’s when the four of us get to talk together,” said Joe.
And who could forget the viral moment: “Everybody in McKinney is dead!”—a line he hilariously spun into a running gag.
“In true Pete fashion, he turned it into a big crazy joke,” said fellow anchor Cynthia Izaguirre.
Delkus also has his share of social media critics, and the former pitcher never returned softballs; he brought the heat.
“He likes to stir the pot. But that’s where the gold comes from,” said Trahan
“I stayed ten years longer at least than I would have if Pete Delkus didn’t show up. So blame him!” said Dale.
How this sidearm pitcher drafted by the Twins became WFAA’s chief meteorologist, he’d tell you God only knows.
“His dedication and his excitement still all these years later, is an inspiration,” said fellow anchor Cynthia Izaguirre.
Twenty years and counting — Thanks, Delkus.
