during coffee or at the water cooler, america would say, "did you see what willard scott did today?" we watched willard have fun across the country and around the world. representative for middle america on this program. i'm the kind of everyman. >> reporter: an everyman who could stop an inaugural parade. he could even stop a jogging president. >> could you believe this? >> reporter: and in the next breath wish happy birthday or happy anniversary to folks who had earned it. at "the today show," he was a friend to all and more than a mentor to al roker. >> if i had not had the blessing of meeting willard scott, then i wouldn't be doing this today. he's been like a father to me. >> reporter: this morning the "today" crew wished happy trails to their retiring friend. >> i'm going over yonder. >> where is yonder? >> over here. >> reporter: a weatherman, but a man for all seasons. harry smith, nbc, new york. >> wishing willard all the very best. that will do it for us on this tuesday night. i'm kate snow. for all of us at nbc have a great night. and >> caught in the act. despicable report

i think i speak for the whole country when i say we're going to miss willard scott. >> yeah. >> dylans to willard. we'll miss you. here's a look at what's going on across the country. record high temperatures across the eastern half of the country and in central park we already hit 68 degrees. we hit that at 1:00 in the morning. and records through delaware and into new jersey. we're looking at highs 15 to 20 degrees above average. tomorrow still on the warm side. thursday we're on the warm side. we'll start the cool off a bit as we go into the upcoming weekend as temperatures go from the 60s into the 4 >>> good morning. i'm meteorologist kari hall. it's getting a little bit warmer out there. at least we're not dealing with the frost. mostly sunny skies and temperatures will make it up to 58 degrees in the east bay. we're looking at 58 also in the north bay. 55 in the peninsula. you can see the camera shaking around. still quite breezy with mostly sunny skies. and our weather like this continues. cool mornings and a fairly mild afternoon with mostly sunny skies. >> and that's your lat

i've been kissed by the best. >> we'll pay a tribute to a living legend, our beloved willard scott ase's a mentor, a friend, literally my second dad. >> today, tuesday, december 15th, 2015. ♪ >> thank you, willard! >> hey, willard, i'm retiring, too. we love you, willard. >> we're on the "today" show for willard. >> tennessee lovers the "today" show! >> it is 8:00 on a tuesday morning, 15th of december, 2015. what a crowd. what a day. it's absolutely gorgeous outside and we're so happy to have everybody here. >> feeling like the holidays. >> by the way, a lot of people still talking about the "star wars" world premiere last night. i have a gift for you. >> oh, my gosh. >> just what i wanted. >> mate force be with you. >> from my own personal light saber collection. >> you're not giving it to me? >> yes, i'm giving it to you because you're a big "star wars" fan. i love it. >> i said it's a real light saber. >> so awesome. that's so cool. >> that's how you turn it off and on. it the does make a sound. you makeled sound. >> i love it. >>> let's go inside and get a check of the top storie

willard scott's time for retirement. today, tuesday, december 15th, 2015. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with matt lauer and savannah guthrie. >> welcome to tuesday morning. matt and al said bring the tissues for the last half hour >> it will be nostalgic for us on the show. he has been a constant for us and several generations of americans. we will pay tribute to willard. >>> to the top story. the next republican presidential debate is hours away in las vegas where donald trump was met by a contentious crowd. we will start this afternoon with our correspondent peter alexander out in las vegas. >> reporter: good morning, savannah. keeping with the las vegas theme. the donald trump lead is not a mirage. the poll showing him out with the biggest advantage yet. expanding the lead 28 points. in second place is ted cruz. republicans and republican leaning independents largely supporting trump in their words as the strongest leader. the man likeliest to bring change to washington and best chance of winning the ge

up next we, ear going to say a big thank you to our dear friend willard scott, but, first, this >> a sneeze or surprise laugh or >> rachael: ginger zee has a bun >>> pack now at 8:35, and we're ready to honor and celebrate our beloved uncle willard as he retires after an incredible 65 years at nbc. >> started out as an nbc page back in 1950 and was connected with this show from the very beginning. >> i love the "today" show and love my job so much. >> willard is the heart and soul of the "today" show. >> let's see what's happening in your world. >> i always try to get your goat. just people laugh by making them feel good and that's important. >> he was first bozo the clown. >> ronald mcdonald. >> i don't think a lot of people realized. he created the clown character >> he's in the marrow and the dna of this show. when i think of willard scott, i just think of joy. >> funny. >> real. >> born showman. >> he's entertaining and warm, and he's endearing. he cares. he represents the tradition of the show all in one lovable package. >> to me -- >> uncle willard. how are you? >> he is a mento

willard scott. he is irreplace able. we're all wearing red carnations in his honor, as you can see. our crowd is holding red carnations for willard as well, and some smuckers swag, and we are going to check in with willard in a bit. >> after section decades in the business willard will enjoy retirement and we'll te back a look at his remarkable career and lined up a few surprises for him as well. let us get to the weather and for that we've got dylan here. >> the eastern half the country still enjoying some very wm we do have some snow but it's all out west. looking for thehe rockies and up to the northern plains and upper midwest to see some of the snow showers today, and we're also looking for some snow in denver causing delays at airport. eastern lf, enjoy the temperatures in the 60s and 70s once again today. tomorrow the rain inches closer to the northeast. it will set up shop through the gulf coast and scattered showers and evenn a thunderstmainly breezy to windy the next several days along with slowly cooling temperatures this week. stormtrack7 live weather network cameras will

willard scott joining the "today" family this morning, first time. you've been at wrc how long down there in washington? >> 29 golden years. >> reporter: willard spent more than a quarter century commuting between his farm and manhattan where to his credit he didn't change a thing. what changed were the numbers and the ilk of those who grew to love willard. >> can you believe this? >> you wanted to jog with me. >> i'm ready. >> thanks. >> how about that? i've been kissed by the best. >> reporter: yep, that was the first lady of the united states, barbara bush, who just had to stop and kiss willard. one thing willard did add to his repertoire from the "today" show was his signature weekly salute to an american who had reached the centennial mark and was lucky enough to be celebrated on network tv by willard scott. and if i may, you saw the violinist that willard brought into the studio, the rest of us sitting here didn't know that was coming. nor were we aware the night he brought in a full-grown bear then kissed it and then a great big longhorn steer.

at today -- this morning, the anchors shared their favorite willard scott moment. he got barbara bush to come over and kiss him! suddenly i look over and see how bout that i've been kissed by the best. i didn't know you knew willard scott i don't know willard scott i just love that face. nicest kiss i've had in a long time and i appreciate that. his proper send- off ill air on today next tuesday, his last day. still to come on the k-w-w-l news at five... what cops arc doing to packages to try and track down people who are stealing them right off of front porches. and... police are looking r this futuristic thief -- who robs a convenience store on a hoverboard. --------- --------- with some legal action... a judge ordered the two websites can no longer operate in the state of new york... the two have been at the heart of controversy recently - wii opponents arguing it's a form of gambling, or sports betting -- which is illegal in much of the united states. this move in new york could spark changes with fan duel and draftkings across the united states. three major u-s airlines a

and al got to spend some time in virginia with our good friend, willard scott. this is somebody who is your second father? to all of us he's uncle willie. he means so much after 35 years. we love him and we miss him already. >> he's not going anywhere yet. >> i know. i know. >> but we'll catch up with you two in just a few minutes. we were just talking too about what a great legacy. the legacy of your career and your life as you made people happy and made people smile. >> no better job or reason to >> all the quotes from maya angelou on, they say people remember how you treat them. we can talk about willard scott's career and his terrific smile and all the people around here who remember how -- he'd pat you on the back and how he'd treat you. >> barbara bush said it well, i just love that face. i think that's how the whole country feels about willard. >>> the "star wars" premiere, the movie is three days away, but they had the premiere last night. "star wars: the force awakens" out in hollywood. wow! >> that was not animation. >> that was our little knockoff j.j

it flashed me back to wilder times >> there's a man who's been with us for years, willard scott. and he's retiring next week. and people have been talking about him today. it was kind of a fun day to look back. take a look. this is one of our favorite willard moments, and it involved jenna and somebody you might recognize. >> i look over and see this man race over, give that man a kiss, race back to george. kissed by the best. >> he said i didn't know you knew willard scott? i said i don't know willard scott. i just like that face. >> that's the nicest kiss i've had a long time. >> we named our cat willard. but after willard scott because he is so beloved. >> that was so cute that your grandmother just ran up. >> a real kiss. >> a real kiss. she's not afraid to give a kiss here or there. you know? >> we're going to honor willard next tuesday. that will be his last official day. there's this guy named billy eichner. he does this billy on the street thing. he runs down the street and starts yelling at people. will ferrell joined for true tv trivia. take a look. >> oh, will! >> for a

well, we made a toast today to willard scott after 65 years at nbc, and he is our uncle willard. he is. he retired today. and he started out as an nbc page just like regis did, but look, he was in 1950. >> wow. he is one of the people who just seem to represent america. when you saw him, you felt that everything would be okay. >> he is a completely joyful man. >> yes. he's done 40,000 birthday announcements. here's a little look at what matt had to say. >> on a personal note, we want to say, willard, thank you for caring for all of us, and the first one who has welcomed all of us to the show in our first days and also for being there with a hug or the pat on the back when times were good or bad. solsol willard, so willard, every time we are have seen each other over the past 20 years plus, we have always greeted each other with a hug and a kiss. while i am not there today, as i raise the glass to you, i want to ask al to be my surrogate hugger and kisser and say it is with a huge hug and kiss that we and god bless you. >> here, here. >> and don't you love that? >> and matt has th

captain tug was willard scott. and i sat on willard scott, his baby. the good news. willard has retired, hoda, i am officially the oldest person here at the today show. live strong, willard. >> i hope he enjoys that reretirement in florida. >> this is fun, they did an unveiling and rere-named the plaza willard scott way. perfect. >> perfect. >> and if you were up until # 10:00 and a lot of people were with, and we aired the live in new york city adele concert. it is the first concert in four years and the first time boyfriend simon was in the audience. >> first time he had ever seen her sing. >> and she opened up with the song "hello" which everybody love and she sang the older hits like "someone like you" and she asked the crowd to sing along. and so i'm so mad i'm get old it makes me reckless it was just like a song when we were young young" and got the sanding o. and check out the rek action. just watch. oh. room. that is so her. >> i certainly missed you. and i just wanted to come back to surprise you. >> oh, t

i said, i don't know willard scott. i just love that face. >> that's the nicest kiss i've had in a long time and i appreciate that. >> did she ever talk about that? >> yes, she does. you know, we actually named our cat -- r.i.p. -- named our cat willard, after a lot of willards, but willard scott because he was so beloved. >> that was so cute, your grand matter ran up and gave a real kiss. >> she's not afraid to give a real kiss here and there, you know. >> we're going to honor willard on tuesday. that will be his last official day. never more fun there's a guy named billy eisner. he does those billy on the street things. >> we love him. >> he's running down the street yelling at people. will ferrell joined him for christmas trivia. take a look at billy on the street. >> who is that? you've got $100 million. >> for a dollar, which is better, gold, frankincense or myrrh. >> it's so obvious. >> which is better, gold, frankincense or mer. >> gold. >> it's myrrh. >> who is better? yes! >> who is the elf? >> buddy. >> what's

. >> it's a little sad at the man who has been with us for years. 65 years of nbc, willard scott. he's going to be retiring next week. people have been talking about him today. it was a fun day to look back. take a look. this was one of our favorite willard moments. it involved jenna and somebody you might recognize. >> suddenly i look over and see this very happy face, race over, >> thanks. >> race back to george. >> how about this. i've been kissed by the best. >> he said, i didn't know you knew willard scott. i said, i don't know willard scott. i just love that face. >> that's the nicest kiss i've had in a long time and i appreciate that. >> did she ever talk about that? >> yes, she does. you know, we actually named our cat -- r.i.p. -- named our cat willard, after a lot of willards, but willard scott because he was so beloved. >> that was so cute, your grand >> she's not afraid to give a real kiss here and there, you know. >> we're going to honor willard on tuesday. that will be his last official day. never more fun there's a guy named billy eisner. he does those billy on the s

jim: we wanted to stay around forever, but after 65 years, willard scott has earned retirement. lately he has been spending much of his time shouting out the happy birthday wishes to people jessica: he shared >> right now on news 3, new potential isis threat. >> and the cold, could it be a damper on the weekend. authority.

(ron) and i had the pleasure of doing the weather with willard scott back in 1997. scott was in emmetsburg, iowa giving a speech as part of the dedication of their wellness center there. scott was cracking jokes through the entirereorecast and it's still one of the most memorable weathercasts i've ever done here at ktiv. we've put that weathercast on our web page... still to come.... a young girl who lososher entire family got a special holiday surprise. see what a friend surprised her with. announcer: a horrific terror attack in paris. then, a brutal act of terror here at home. it's time for a tested and proven leader who won't try to contain isis. jeb bush has a plan... to destroy them. and keep america safe. jeb bush: the united stas should not delay in leading a global coalition to take out isis with overwhelming force. jeb b sh. right to rise usa is responsible survived an arson that killed her family received some big news today that she is going to disney world. eight-year-old saf'yre terry only wished to receive christmas cards for christmas. but her friend z

. >> willard scott way. >> so fantastic. what a great retirement gift for a great man. this morning, "today" say good-bye to willard scott. >> he has been a part of the nbc family for 65 years, starting as an nbc page before working his way up the ranks. 30 years as the member of the "today" show team, often of the show. for him. >>> tonight, on news 4 new york at 5:00, we're going to have an update on the threat that closed los angeles schools. tonight we'll find out what's being done here in new york. and you're seeing that live look there from los angeles. >> yeah, we have no control over that chopper, but again, we'll >>> plus protecting our seniors. we are teaming up for a warning about a scam targeting the superstitious. remember for breaking news and weather updates any time, anywhere, go to nbc dmork.com or download our mobile app. >> new york live is next, have a great day. meet the moore's! we're the moore family, and as you can see, we need an internet that can do more. we do more games, and more streaming. so we need more speed. that's why we switched to tim

our beloved friend willard scott is retiring. >> we plan to honor his on tuesday, his official last day and today we look back at one of our favorite willard moments. >> mr. president, bless your heart. do we love you. >> i remember one of the happiest days of our lives, the inauguration parade. >> 100,000 people on the parade route. >> he got barbara bush to come over and kiss him. >> i think people are so drawn to willard that they want to be part of his orbit and that includes first ladies. >> i see his face and race over and give that face a kiss. >> how about that, i've been kissed by the best. >> and he said i didn't know you knew willard scott, and i said i don't know willard scott. i just love that face. >> i'll tell you, that's nicest kiss i've had in a long time and i appreciate that. >> the list is long of those willard scott have kissed over the years. >> barbara bush and willard were kind of made for each other, i'm not surprised that she gravitated towards him. >> barbara bush singled him out, a member of the first family chose to single out america's weatherman, and i rem

time and i appreciate that. >> the list is long of those willard scott have kissed over the years. >> barbara bush and willard were kind of made for each other, i'm gravitated towards him. >> barbara bush singled him out, a member of the first family chose to single out america's weatherman, and i remember smiling from ear to ear for willard at that moment. >> we do. >> and we're going to honor willard and say a big thank you to him next tuesday morning right here on "today." >> looking forward to that. going to be so fun to look at some of that old footage and reminisce, and willard is like the inspiration of your life. >> he's like my second dad, really, is and he was in the control room in weese et morning this show first went on the air as a page. >> that's amazing. >> we can't wait to do that. >> stick >>> this morning on "today's take" "the force" frenzy. "star wars" fans already lining up as buzz fills for the biggest movie of the year. sensation who has had quite a week. charlie puth. >>> and al is in the kitchen cooking up, what else? bacon. all that and more coming up now.

how about that. willard and after willard scott, b he is so beloved. >> and that is so cute that your grandmother ran up. kiss here and, there you know. >> and that is so sweet, and we we will be honoring willard for his last official day. guy billy eichner, and he does the "billy on the street" things, and he runs down the street and starts to yell at thing, and so will ferrell joined him that? >> leo dicaprio. >> oh, come on, will! you have $100 million. and which is better, gold, frankincense or myrrh? >> gold? >> no, it is myrrh. >> and now, for $1, who is the actress in "love actually"? >> laura linney. >> yes! >> and what is the elf's name? >> buddy. >> oh, it is the movie. >> she has never seen "elf." >> he s is right here. will ferrell. >> and what is a better mo elf f "elf" or "scrooge"? >> oh, can we please be on the billy on the street. can he take us along. >> i want one of those onesies anyway. >> those are -- >> is it inappropriate for a 34-year-old to do that? >> no, because a 51-year-old and a 52-year-old are going to to be anyway. harrison ford by the way is >> 73. >>

willard scott has greeted americans every morning for 35 years on nbc's "today" show.is most famous assignment, he says, was the 1989 presidential inaugural parade when barbara bush ran over and kissed him in his life shot. he's now 81 years old. he turned over daily weather duties to al roker in the 1990s. next tuesday, he will officially retire and the show is planning a big sendoff. >> who's going to do all the happy birthdays from smucker's? >> al roker will have to take over. >> jeff, you spent time at 30 rock with today show appearances. he's fun. willard scott is an icon. >> the time i got to meet him was literally one of the most memorable times in my career. he can't leave. >> for willard, a quick forecast. >> let's give that out. you can see for the south bay, 59 on saturday. san francisco in the mid-50s. tri-valley also the upper 50s. it will stay cold through the weekend, and the big headline will be the rain returning sunday morning. it looks like the strongest rain will arrive by 10:00 a.m. and push to the south bay by 1:00 p.m. >> enjoy your friday night