Hudson, Paul

Born in Keighley, Paul Hudson developed a fascination with meteorology during childhood.

By the age of twelve, he was already contributing weather observations to the Keighley News and other publications across the region.

His early expertise led to a television appearance on Yorkshire Television’s Calendar programme, where he worked alongside Richard Whiteley and Bob Rust for a £25 fee.

This opportunity helped him secure a fortnight’s work placement at the Leeds Weather Centre following its establishment in 1985.

Paul earned a first-class degree in geophysics and planetary physics from Newcastle University. Following a brief period in the oil sector, he joined the Met Office in September 1993.

He relocated to Yorkshire in February 1994, taking up a position at the Leeds Weather Centre where he balanced forecasting duties with broadcasting commitments.

Paul became the deputy weather presenter for BBC Look North, making his first on-screen appearance on 31st October 1994.

During this period, he also contributed to BBC Radio services across Leeds, York, Humberside and Sheffield.

In 1996, he transferred to the Met Office headquarters in Bracknell to join the International Forecast unit.

After completing advanced training at the Met Office College in Reading, he received an invitation to return to Leeds when Look North was seeking a new lead weather presenter. He succeeded Darren Bett in this role in October 1997.

From 2007 onwards, Paul has been directly employed by the BBC, distinguishing him from most forecasters at that time who remained on the Met Office payroll under the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

He hosts Paul Hudson’s Weather Show, broadcast across BBC local radio stations throughout Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

In May 2006, Paul was appointed honorary Mayor of Wetwang, a position previously held by the late Richard Whiteley.

He has authored multiple books, published by Great Northern, including a collaboration with Yorkshire Television weatherman Bob Rust titled Weather or Not!

The Royal Meteorological Society recognised his contributions to broadcast meteorology with an award in 2017.

Paul is a season ticket holder at Bradford City Football Club.

In July 2003, he married Nicola Shaw, a presenter on Look North’s Lincolnshire edition, and the couple had two children before separating.

He now has a partner, Kate, with whom he welcomed a child in 2023.

Paul took paternity leave from Look North in September 2023.

On 22nd August 2025, during an edition of Look North, Paul misspelled Ingoldmells as “Ingoldmills” on a weather graphic.

Presenter Peter Levy light-heartedly drew attention to the error, prompting Paul to briefly leave the screen to correct the graphic before returning to apologise, much to the amusement of his co-presenter.

Correspondence

Paul R. Jackson corresponded with Paul in August 2025 about his career:

What were the dates of: your first TV appearance; and when you did work experience at Leeds Weather Centre?

“From memory I was 13 (so 1984) when I appeared on Calendar. And my work experience 15 (1986).”

From what years did you work at the Leeds Weather Centre and did you work with anyone who appeared on either BBC or ITV?

“Darren Bett was the weather presenter when I worked at Leeds Weather Centre, Bob Rust was also there at the time (YTV) as was Jon Mitchell (also YTV).”

Did you work with Alan Dorward, the first reginal weather presenter on Look North (1980s – 1994) or his successor Paula Robinson?

“I worked with both. Alan has sadly died and I don’t know what’s happened to Paula.”

Have I got your first Look North appearance correct and did you stop appearing when you moved to Bracknell?

“I think so and yes, I stopped my stand-in role when I left to go to Met Office HQ in Bracknell.”

Were you missing the TV and were you pleased to return back to Yorkshire from Bracknell, when Darren Bett left?

“I loved my job in Bracknell, but the offer to replace Darren was too good to turn down.”

How unusual was it to be employed by the BBC and not by the Weather Centre?

“It was unusual, but it started a trend and eventually we were all BBC employees.”

You have appeared in the Look North Yorks and Yorks/E Lincs regions, plus North West Tonight. Have you appeared in any other regions to date?

“BBC Look North in Newcastle.”

What are the biggest changes you have seen over your 30 years of forecasting?

“The supercomputer has revolutionised the job and made it infinitely more accurate.  We are rapidly approaching another breakthrough with AI.

“They are testing it and the results are very impressive.”

Any memories of working with the legendary Harry Gration and Peter Levy?

“Not really got time, but I miss Harry a lot. We got on so well.

“Peter and I are very good friends too!”

Any anecdotes on anything that went wrong either in studio or location?

“I got headbutted once by a sheep at the Great Yorkshire show, whilst live on air!”

Any favourite locations you have filmed at that stand out?

“At the top of the Emley Moor transmitter after heavy snowfall, it was stunning!”

Finally, some of the BBC regional presenters have done some network presenting. Have you been offered and would you like to do it in future?

“Yes, on several occasions.

“I’ve never been tempted to leave for London and I prefer to be a big fish in a small pond, rather than a small fish in a big pond!!”

 

Personal information

Clips of Paul on The TV Room

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Online presence

Acknowledgements