How important is the weather in Central Florida? That’s like asking if Disney World is a popular tourist spot.

The local importance — even perhaps obsession — with weather here hasn’t gone unnoticed by the folks at WKMG. I noticed this week the station now starts its 5 p.m. newscast with "Forecast First" — a complete weather report from chief meteorologist Tom Sorrells before the news even begins. And if you turn to Local 6 to watch Forecast First, the thinking is you might hang around for the newscast, too.

Of course, weather is important to WKMG. They still devote more than half of the Wednesday night newscast to "Big Picture Weather Wednesday."

So, what’s the long-range forecast for Forecast First on WKMG? Consult your nearest Nielsen Doppler.