Meteorologist Kayla McDonald

I had so much fun at the BEA and NAB show with !✨️ We won 1st place in the Interactive Reality Category for our Phoenix Dust scale enterprise at the BEA Festival of Media Arts 2026!🏆✨️ Erica and I also showcased our award winning project which was also a lot of fun!☀️ I'm so happy people are enjoying learning more about dust storms and the new Phoenix Dust scale.⚡️Also congrats to Bryan who represented as well with his award of excellence! What a fun event! Thank you so much faculty for submitting our enterprise in the competition! What an honor!😊👏☀️✨️

Congratulations to Kayla McDonald (meteorology & journalism) and Erica Hoyt (‘25 meteorology, GIS & journalism) who won 1st place in the “interactive reality” category from the Broadcast Education Association's Festival of Media Arts competition for their in-depth storytelling on a new scale measuring the severity of Arizona dust storms.

The project challenged them creatively and technically, pushing them to think deeper about the scientific storytelling and audience experience. See their multimedia project here: https://cronkitenews.azpbs.org/2025/11/19/phoenix-dust-scale/

Launched the 22Z, 0Z, and 03Z weather balloons for SRP on Saturday to collect data on the storm systems we saw over the weekend with my shirt I got when I was in 6th grade⛈️✨️🌤

I had so much fun talking to the 7th graders all about meteorology careers, weather instruments, and a sneak peak at how to forecast the weather with 🌤✨️

My last time hosting weather for Cronkite News! I had so much fun this semster and am so greatful for everyone's support and friendship☀️💖 Tune in for your Thanksgiving and Territorial Cup forecasts. 🦃🏈🌤

Watch on Arizona PBS 8.3 at 7:30 p.m./Cox Yurview at 6 p.m. MST🎥

Some crazy weather we saw last week!🌪🧊⚡️ Our Thanksgiving forecast looks much nicer!🦃⛅️

This was my last Monday newscast! I can't believe the semester is almost done! I'll be filling in on Wednesday as weather host which will be my last newscast for Cronkite News!🎥

Will our sunny conditions continue into the weekend? I don't think so...🤔 maybe cooler temperatures and rain on the horizon?🌦 Tune in tonight for your 8-day forecast!☀️⛈️

Watch on Arizona PBS 8.3 at 7:30 p.m./Cox Yurview at 6 p.m. MST🎥

I got my badge today!🥳 I'm so excited to be a LAWRS contractor for the FAA in the tower at Phoenix Sky Harbor!✈️☀️

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Weather hosts team up!☀️ we went to the Phoenix Zoo to report on the air quality monitor. Stay tuned for fun things ahead!🎥

The mornings are feeling cooler but the afternoons are still hot.☀️ Tune in tonight for your October weather recap and your Phoenix 8-day forecast.🌤

Watch on Arizona PBS 8.3 at 7:30 p.m./Cox Yurview at 6 p.m. MST🎥