Al Roker Left TODAY Broadcast Mid-Show
The veteran meteorologist departed the program to attend to an assignment during the live broadcast.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Current Conditions
NBC meteorologist Al Roker departed the TODAY show mid-broadcast on September 23, 2026. Anchor Savannah Guthrie confirmed that his absence was due to an assignment.
Why it matters
The sudden departure of the long-time weather personality prompted a change in the show's planned lineup. Viewers saw other team members step in to cover his responsibilities for the remainder of the broadcast.
Al Roker has maintained a weather career spanning five decades since joining NBC in 1983. He has served as the full-time meteorologist for the TODAY show since 1996.
The players
Al Roker
He is a long-standing meteorologist who has been a staple of the NBC network for over five decades.
Savannah Guthrie
She serves as a primary anchor on the TODAY show and provided the explanation for Roker's mid-show departure.
Dylan Dreyer
She is a meteorologist who stepped in to provide the weather forecast during the broadcast.
Savannah Sellers
She is a journalist who joined the Third Hour broadcast panel alongside other hosts.
Craig Melvin
He is a television anchor and host who participated in the Third Hour of the program.
The details
Dylan Dreyer assumed weather forecasting duties for the main show following Roker's departure. During the Third Hour, Savannah Sellers joined Craig Melvin and Dylan Dreyer in his absence.
Timeline
Al Roker joined the NBC network in 1983.
Al Roker became the full-time meteorologist for TODAY in 1996.
Al Roker left the broadcast on September 23, 2026.
Seasonal Patterns
Al Roker’s departure interrupts the established schedule of a role he has held since 1996. This event highlights the operational flexibility required by the show to maintain live broadcasting standards during unexpected staff changes.
Viewers can continue to watch the program to see regular weather coverage provided by the remaining team members. No specific changes to service or accessibility for the general public have been announced.
The takeaway
The show demonstrated its contingency planning by immediately rotating in secondary talent to cover weather segments. This transition ensured that the broadcast proceeded without interruption for the audience.
Further reading
Learn more about local weather updates and broadcast changes on the Current Conditions page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by HELLO!.
