You wake up, grab your coffee, flip on the Today show, and—wait. Where’s Al? If you’ve been watching NBC lately, you know that the "Where is Al Roker today?" question has basically become a national pastime.
Honestly, it’s kinda stressful. We’ve grown so used to his "here’s what’s happening in your neck of the woods" that when Dylan Dreyer or a guest meteorologist pops up instead, the collective internet starts holding its breath. Especially after everything he went through a couple of years back.
So, let’s get into what’s actually going on with America’s favorite weatherman right now.
The Big Question: What Happened to Al Roker Today?
If you missed him on the broadcast this morning, take a deep breath. Most of the time, Al’s absences these days aren't the "rush to the hospital" kind of emergencies we saw in late 2022.
Back then, things were genuinely terrifying. He dealt with blood clots in his legs that traveled to his lungs, followed by internal bleeding that nearly took him out. He’s been very open about the fact that he "almost died." But fast forward to 2026, and the reasons for his time away are usually much more low-key.
Basically, Al is a travel nut. He’s constantly jetting off for special assignments—like that "American icon" story he was shooting recently—or he’s just taking well-deserved time off with his wife, Deborah Roberts. Just a few months ago, they were living it up in Italy for a summer vacation.
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Also, we’ve gotta talk about the "grandpa life." Al is obsessed with his granddaughter, Sky. If there’s a chance to go be a "Pop-Pop," he’s taking it.
Why People Are Still Worried
The anxiety isn’t coming from nowhere. We remember the "medical whack-a-mole" he played.
- The Blood Clots: The 2022 crisis involved a seven-hour surgery, a gallbladder removal, and a colon resection. That’s a lot for any body to handle, let alone a guy in his early 70s.
- Knee Replacements: He’s had "revisions of revisions." Walking around Studio 1A is a lot of physical work when you’ve had both knees and a hip replaced.
- The Cancer Milestone: Just this past November, Al hit a huge milestone—five years since his prostate cancer surgery. He’s officially in that "survivor" sweet spot, but he still has to get regular PSA checks that keep him (and us) a little on edge.
Is He Retiring? The Rumor Mill Won't Quit
Every time a major anchor leaves—like when Hoda Kotb announced her exit—everyone looks at Al. He’s been at NBC for nearly 30 years. People are naturally wondering if he’s next.
He’s been pretty blunt about it. He told People magazine that "you know when you know," but he also said he doesn’t think his time has come quite yet. He loves the "train" and doesn't want to get off until the last stop.
That said, he is definitely practicing what Craig Melvin calls "early retirement." He pops in on his days off just to mess with his co-hosts. He’ll stand outside the window of Studio 1A and wave like a fan just to get a laugh. It’s classic Al. He’s enjoying the job more than ever because he’s doing it on his own terms now.
The "Start Today" Mindset That Keeps Him Going
You’ve probably seen his Instagram videos. The "Motivational Monday" posts where he’s walking on a treadmill at 4:00 AM, doing impressions of Mr. T or quoting The A-Team.
It’s not just for show. Al’s health journey is a daily grind. He’s had gastric bypass surgery decades ago, but he’s the first to tell you there’s "no magic bullet." He eats mini-meals, prioritizes protein (lots of salmon and chicken thighs), and tries to hit 10,000 steps even if it means doing laps inside the office.
He’s 71 now. He looks great, but he’s realistic. He gives himself "grace" when he misses a workout or eats a couple of extra cookies on a flight. Honestly, that’s the most human part about him.
What You Can Take Away From Al’s Story
If you’re looking at Al Roker today and feeling inspired (or just relieved he’s okay), there are a few real lessons here:
- Advocate for your health: Al’s a huge proponent of PSA tests, especially for men of color who face higher risks. Don't skip the checkups.
- Movement matters: He calls them "walking snacks." Just 10 or 15 minutes of moving around during the day adds up.
- The Power of Community: Al credits his recovery to his "medical team, his family, and the prayers of viewers." It sounds cheesy, but he really believes that support system saved his life.
So, if you don't see him on your screen tomorrow morning, don't panic. He’s probably just filming a segment in a random city, hanging out with his granddaughter, or sleeping in for once. He’s earned it.
Your next move: If you’re a man over 45—or you love someone who is—take Al’s advice and book that routine screening. Whether it’s a physical or a specific PSA test, early detection is why we still get to hear Al tell us about the weather today. Keep an eye on his Instagram for the most direct updates; he’s usually faster than the news outlets when it comes to sharing where he is.