Al Roker was not in the studio on Tuesday, but he made sure nobody forgot he was watching. The longtime Today meteorologist and co-anchor, currently on assignment at Universal Orlando, found a way to make his presence felt when a guest he was particularly eager to meet stopped by 30 Rockefeller without him.
Irish actor Andrew Scott, 49, visited the Today set to discuss his upcoming film Pressure, in which he plays James Stagg, a real-life meteorologist whose weather forecasting in the 72 hours before the D-Day landings played a critical role in one of the most consequential military decisions of the Second World War. For a show staffed by meteorologists, the subject matter hit close to home.
A video message that made the studio smile
Roker, 71, did not let the distance stop him from connecting with Scott. His colleague and fellow meteorologist Dylan Dreyer told Scott during the segment that Roker had gone a step further than simply watching from afar. He had gathered members of the NBC News weather unit for a private screening of the film before his departure, and then recorded a personal video message to be played on air during Scott’s appearance.
In the clip, Roker appeared dressed for travel, delivering a warm greeting to Scott and asking him about his favorite kind of weather. Scott responded with characteristic charm, joking that as an Irishman he is accustomed to experiencing four seasons in a single day before expressing his affection for sunshine.
Roker also shared his enthusiasm for the film on Instagram, posting a photograph of the NBC weather team gathered in a small screening room and describing the film as a drama about the meteorologists responsible for the most important forecast in history.
Where Roker was and what he was doing
Roker announced his assignment on social media before departing, telling his followers he was heading to Universal Orlando for a shoot. He is expected to broadcast live from the theme park on Wednesday, embracing what he described as a busy stretch ahead.
His temporary replacement at the anchor desk on Tuesday was Emilie Ikeda, who filled in during his absence. The handoff was smooth, but Roker’s enthusiasm for staying connected even while away underscored the degree to which he remains invested in the show’s daily rhythms despite his decades of tenure.
Retirement is not part of the plan
Roker has been a fixture on Today for more than 30 years, joining the program first as a meteorologist before expanding into his broader role as co-anchor. His longevity on one of American television’s most enduring morning programs is remarkable, and there is no indication he is ready to step away.
When he marked his 30-year milestone with the show in January 2026, Roker said he had given no thought to retirement and expressed genuine affection for the work itself. He said he feels good, loves what he does, and intends to keep going for the foreseeable future. Nothing about his current behavior, including arranging private screenings for his weather colleagues and recording personal video messages while traveling for work, suggests that sentiment has changed.
For Roker, missing a day is not the same as stepping back. It is simply a reason to find a creative way to show up anyway.
