Longtime Today show meteorologist Al Roker abruptly departed midway through the September 28, 2026, broadcast to report for jury duty in Lower Manhattan. Co-host Savannah Guthrie informed viewers of the sudden exit while Dylan Dreyer stepped in to finish the morning program.
How Al Roker’s Morning Shift Turned Into Jury Duty
The broadcast started like any other for the 72-year-old television staple. Al Roker delivered Hurricane Polo updates, presented the nationwide weather forecast, and joined the anchor desk for Jenna’s Morning Boost alongside Jenna Bush-Hager, Carson Daly, Savannah Guthrie, and Craig Melvin during the Monday morning program.
Just an hour into the show, however, the lineup shifted without warning. Guthrie passed the baton to third hour co-host and meteorologist Dylan Dreyer, announcing to the audience: We have Dylan taking over for Al, who had to leave a little bit early.
Dreyer acknowledged the change by noting they executed a little switcheroo again this morning
while providing updates on the countrywide rain forecast. Roker rushed out of Studio 1 in Rockefeller Center, leaving fans wondering about his exact whereabouts during the remainder of the broadcast.
An Explanation on Social Media
The mystery of the missing weatherman was quickly solved when Roker took to Instagram to post a video explaining his absence. Standing in front of what appeared to be the New York County Supreme Court building in Lower Manhattan, dressed in a dapper gray suit, white button-up shirt, gray tie with paisley graphics, and a brown hat, Roker revealed his relatable reason for the fast departure.
He captioned the clip: Hey now!!! All rise!! Time for #juryduty,
and set the video to Here Comes the Judge
by Shorty Long.
Well, got out of the 'Today' show early because I’ve got jury duty,
Roker explained in the video. It’s everybody’s civic duty to do your duty.
Updates From the 3rd Hour
Because of his court obligations, Roker missed the show’s 3rd Hour, which he normally co-hosts alongside Dreyer and Craig Melvin. Sports reporter Kaylee Hartung filled in for Roker alongside Melvin and Dreyer.
At the top of the hour, Melvin offered reassurance to viewers, sharing: Al had to step out for just a little bit. He'll be back tomorrow.