Chita Craft

Chita Craft, the passionate morning meteorologist known for her captivating on-air presence. From predicting storms to delivering accurate forecasts, Chita’s role is as unpredictable as the elements she tracks. With years of experience and a deep love for all things weather-related, Chita seamlessly blends her expertise with a warm and friendly demeanor. As the weather patterns change through the day, she educates and engages viewers, ensuring they’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store. Chita’s commitment to accuracy and her ability to communicate complex weather information in a relatable manner make her a trusted voice in the meteorology community.

Outside of the studio, she actively collaborates with fellow meteorologists, collaborates on community initiatives, and shares her knowledge through various platforms. Join us as we delve into a day in the life of Chita Craft, showcasing her dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to keeping us informed and safe amidst the ever-changing weather conditions. Chita has earned the American Meteorology Society Seal of Approval and the National Weather Association Seal of Approval. She is also a member of both organizations. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology with a concentration from Mississippi State University.

Forecasting weather in Houston is always interesting, and throughout her career, Chita has assisted viewers in navigating extreme weather events. Her composed and direct demeanor was evident during Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and the Texas freeze in 2021. She also played a crucial role in keeping people safe during the 2015 Halloween tornado outbreak and the tax-day flood in 2016. In 2011, during a drought, Chita provided invaluable information to her viewers.

One of her most significant adventures took place in 2022 when Chita flew with the 53rd weather reconnaissance squadron, also known as the “Hurricane Hunters.” She flew into category 5 hurricane Ian, gathering valuable data from within the storm. This information not only helped protect those in the storm’s path but also provided insight into the workings of tropical systems. Chita began her career 15 years ago as the morning meteorologist at KRCR in Northern California. During her three years at the station, she gained expertise in forecasting for the region’s various microclimates. Houston is not her first encounter with extreme heat, as she also predicted extreme temperatures and wildfires in Redding, California.

In 2011, she even dealt with a tsunami warning following a series of earthquakes. While snow events are not common in her current area, she does have experience covering winter precipitation in California, Nevada, and Oregon. During college, Chita made the most of her internship opportunities, working at KABC in Los Angeles, FOX 10 Phoenix, and NBC4 Washington. All of these experiences led Chita to KHOU, where she can share her passion for Gulf coast weather and serving her community. Her commitment to helping her neighbors aligns with the station’s leadership, including General Manager Bobby Springer, News Director Liz Roldan, Director of Innovation Stuart Boslow, and Director of Creative Services Dale Lockett.

Although not a native Texan, Chita has embraced the lone star lifestyle, just like many others. She was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, but her family moved to southern California when she was four years old. Growing up, she enjoyed playing tennis and golf, two sports that she still loves today. Balancing her family and demanding career can be challenging, but it brings fulfillment and joy. Chita and her husband have a six-year-old son and a three-year-old daughter. And in case you were wondering, Chita—pronounced Cheetah—is a family name. It has been passed down through five generations of mother-daughter pairs in her family, including her daughter, who is also named Chita.

Chita Craft
Meteorologist
KHOU 11
5718 Westheimer Road Houston, TX 77057
713.526.1111
www.khou.com
ccraft@khou.com