WWNY-WNYF is raising the profile of weathercaster John Kubis. The joint CBS- and Fox-affiliate in northern New York State announced this week that Kubis, who has been with the station since 2000, has been named chief weathercaster.

Kubis will now appear on the station’s 6, 10, and 11 p.m. weekday newscasts.

Kubis, who has recently been filling in on weeknights in addition to appearing on weekends, succeeds Rick DeFranco, who left the station in January.

“I’m delighted to have John as our main weather presence weeknights,” said news director Scott Atkinson. “Rick DeFranco found John years ago, and often said John was the best pure forecaster on the staff.”