In a moment that blended heartfelt nostalgia with the crisp efficiency of a perfectly forecasted sunny day, Al Roker, the beloved meteorologist of NBC’s Today show, has officially announced his retirement date, marking the end of an era that has brightened American mornings for over three decades. The announcement, delivered during a live segment on November 4, 2025, sent ripples through the entertainment world, as Roker, now 71, shared that he plans to step away from the iconic Rockefeller Plaza studio by the end of 2026. “It’s time to hand over the umbrella to someone who’s been dancing in the rain right beside me all these years,” Roker quipped, his trademark humor masking the emotional weight of the decision.

Roker’s journey on Today began in 1996, transforming him from a local New York weather anchor into a national treasure. Over the years, he has not only delivered spot-on forecasts but also become the show’s emotional anchor, weathering personal storms like his high-profile health battles—including a life-altering gastric bypass in 1999 and a kidney transplant in 2022 donated by his daughter, Leila. These trials only amplified his resilience, making him a symbol of perseverance for viewers tuning in for their daily dose of optimism. His on-air chemistry with co-hosts like Matt Lauer, Ann Curry, Savannah Guthrie, and most recently, Hoda Kotb (who herself exited the show in early 2025 to focus on family), has been the glue holding the franchise’s morning magic together.

The timing of Roker’s exit feels poignant, coming just months after Kotb’s departure, which reshuffled the Today lineup and introduced fresh dynamics. As Guthrie and Craig Melvin settled into their expanded roles, Roker’s announcement underscores the show’s commitment to evolution while honoring its roots. And here’s where the succession story takes a turn that’s as predictable as a Midwestern winter blizzard: Dylan Dreyer, the 44-year-old meteorologist who has been Roker’s right-hand woman since joining Today in 2013, has been named as his official replacement. Sources close to the production confirm that Dreyer will assume the full-time weather lead starting January 2027, with a transitional period allowing Roker to mentor her through the final months of 2026.

Dreyer’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. A former Boston and Cleveland weather reporter, she brought a blend of sharp intellect and relatable warmth to Today, often filling in for Roker during his absences—most notably in 2023 when health issues sidelined him for weeks, and again in mid-2025 amid rumors of his potential early exit. Her segments, infused with personal anecdotes about motherhood (she’s mom to three young boys) and her passion for meteorology, have endeared her to audiences. “Dylan’s got that spark—the one that makes a forecast feel like a conversation with a friend,” Roker said in his announcement, praising her as “the natural choice” who has “been prepping for this longer than she knows.”

This handoff isn’t just logistical; it’s a testament to the Today show’s family-like ethos. Dreyer, who has shadowed Roker on everything from Thanksgiving parades to hurricane coverage, embodies the next generation’s blend of expertise and empathy. While fans may mourn the loss of Roker’s larger-than-life presence—think his viral dance moves and endless dad jokes—the transition promises continuity. Early buzz suggests special tribute episodes, guest spots from Roker’s celebrity pals like Billy Crystal and Oprah Winfrey, and perhaps even a Roker-Dreyer weather duel to celebrate the shift.

As Roker looks ahead to more time with his wife, ABC News correspondent Deborah Roberts, and his growing brood of grandkids, the broadcasting world watches with bated breath. His retirement isn’t an end but a forecast of new beginnings, proving that even after 30 years under the studio lights, the weather—and the show—must go on. With Dreyer at the helm, Today‘s mornings are set fair and square for another golden era.