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Kacey Montoya shocks fans by returning to KTLA this weekend after her shocking firing. The beloved weathercaster, laid off with four colleagues on February 25, chose to work the remainder of her 60-day severance period on air instead of collecting a check. She returns for weekend broadcasts starting March 7 through early April.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Firing Date: February 25 layoffs affected five KTLA staffers at Nexstar
- 13-Year Career: Montoya joined KTLA in 2013 and became a fan favorite weathercaster
- 700,000 Followers: Her Instagram reach shows the enormous impact on LA viewers
- Severance Choice: She elected to work 60 days rather than accept severance payment
Shock Firing Changed Everything for LA’s Favorite Weathercaster
Kacey Montoya was among five beloved on-air personalities abruptly let go by KTLA‘s parent company Nexstar Media Group. Fellow meteorologist Mark Kriski, anchors Lu Parker and Glen Walker, and reporter Ellina Abovian also lost their jobs without warning. Abovian was devastatingly fired on her 40th birthday, sparking outrage from viewers who called the layoffs brutal and heartbreaking. The terminations left the station’s loyal audience shocked and disappointed.
Montoya remained silent initially but broke her silence Thursday, March 5 with an emotional Instagram video. She expressed overwhelming gratitude for viewer support, saying she had no idea she made such an impact. Her vulnerability resonated with fans across social media platforms, reigniting their affection for the longtime weather anchor.
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Why She Chose to Come Back Instead of Leaving
When KTLA executives terminated the five staffers, they offered each a choice. Employees could either collect 60 days of severance immediately or continue working for 60 days and receive full pay plus benefits during that period. Montoya surprised everyone by choosing the latter option, demonstrating her deep commitment to her craft and audience.
“I truly love this job,” she stated in her video message to fans. Her decision meant reporting to the weather desk every weekend through early April rather than accepting a financial cushion. This choice spoke volumes about her priorities, showing she valued viewer relationships over monetary convenience during difficult times.
Timeline and Key Details About Her Return
| Event | Date |
| KTLA Layoffs Announced | February 25, 2026 |
| Montoya Speaks Out | March 5, 2026 |
| Return to Weekend Broadcasts | March 7, 2026 |
| Employment Officially Ends | Early April 2026 |
Montoya will return to KTLA’s weekend morning weather desk on Saturday, March 7, marking her triumphant return just 10 days after her firing. She will continue through early April when her 60-day notice period officially concludes. “I’ll be running my non-profit,” she added, referencing her organization Fix’N Fidos, which provides spay and neuter services for low-income pet families across Southern California.
“I want to thank everyone who has reached out for your love and support that you have shown me over the past week. I had no idea that I had made such an impact on so many of your lives.”
— Kacey Montoya, KTLA Weathercaster, Instagram Video
What’s Next for the Award-Winning Meteorologist
Montoya shared her plans beyond KTLA during her emotional video address. During weekdays, she will dedicate time to Fix’N Fidos as her primary focus, ensuring the nonprofit continues helping pet families. She also mentioned exploring other opportunities ahead, suggesting exciting changes coming for the veteran broadcaster. Industry insiders speculate she may pursue opportunities at competing networks or expand her advocacy work.
Her departure marks the end of a 13-year tenure that made her one of Los Angeles‘ most recognizable weather anchors. Fans expressed devastation across social media, with many noting her unique ability to blend professional forecasting with heartfelt animal welfare storytelling. Her animal rescue stories became a signature element of KTLA’s broadcast identity.
Beyond the Headlines: What Does This Mean for KTLA Fans?
The massive layoffs at KTLA have left viewers wondering about the station’s future and whether more cuts are coming. KTLA staffers told insiders they fear additional fan favorites could disappear by month’s end, suggesting more layoffs may be planned. The station’s news director, Erica Hill-Rodriguez, acknowledged “incredibly difficult and sad times” in a memo to staff but remained vague about future plans. Will other beloved anchors face similar shocking terminations, or is this the end of the restructuring?
Sources
- New York Post – Exclusive reporting on Montoya’s return and severance agreement details
- Orange County Register – Coverage of Montoya’s weekend return announcement and timeline
- Los Angeles Times – Investigation into staff reactions to KTLA layoffs and Nexstar decisions
