The KSTP 5 Eyewitness News weather team has experienced notable roster shifts. Viewers tracking local broadcast news across the Minneapolis-St. Paul market have watched several high-profile meteorologists exit the station, sparking widespread curiosity about what is happening behind the scenes at Hubbard Broadcasting.
Recent departures include meteorologists Matt Serwe and Wren Clair, both of whom played central roles in delivering daily forecasts to Twin Cities audiences. These changes, coupled with broader industry shifts in how local stations produce weather content like "Maps" segments, have left viewers asking who left, why they departed, and how the station is adapting its lineup.
Who Left the KSTP Weather Team?
The most prominent recent departures from the 5 Eyewitness News weather department involve meteorologists Matt Serwe and Wren Clair.
Wren Clair departed the station in February 2025 after joining KSTP in 2018. Clair had stepped into prominent evening and prime-time slots following the retirement of longtime Twin Cities weather staple Dave Dahl. Her exit came without a publicly detailed reason, leading to substantial discussion across local media forums and news sites.
Shortly after, Matt Serwe announced his departure in March 2026. Serwe spent more than four years at KSTP, earning a reputation for his approachable on-air style and willingness to step away from the desk to inspect severe weather conditions firsthand. News director Michael Garber informed staff of Serwe's departure via email, noting his deep commitment to meteorological science.
Context Behind the Eyewitness News Roster Changes
Local television news is notoriously fluid, driven by contract renewals, career advancements, and shifting station strategies. When veteran anchors and meteorologists leave major market stations like KSTP-TV (owned by Hubbard Broadcasting), it often reflects a mix of individual career progression and corporate programming adjustments.
For instance, after Clair's departure, the station relied on core weather veterans like Ken Barlow and Jonathan Yuhas, while simultaneously integrating new talent such as Harrison Klopp. High-profile vacancies in a top-15 media market like Minneapolis-St. Paul trigger immediate viewer reaction because local meteorologists become trusted daily fixtures in households.
To understand how local broadcast standards evolve, you can review reporting from industry outlets like Bring Me The News or check regional broadcast updates via WJON.
How KSTP and Twin Cities Media Are Adapting
The broader Twin Cities television landscape has faced a wave of talent movement. Alongside changes at KSTP, rival stations have also managed major retirements and staffing shifts. Viewers often wonder how these transitions impact day-to-day weather coverage, especially during severe Minnesota winters and storm seasons.
Stations typically respond to on-air departures by:
- Shifting internal schedules among remaining experienced meteorologists to maintain continuous coverage.
- Bringing in fresh meteorological talent to introduce new graphical styles and digital presentation methods.
- Expanding digital and mobile weather offerings to meet audiences where they consume news outside of traditional broadcast windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Matt Serwe leave KSTP?
Matt Serwe left KSTP in March 2026 after a four-year run with the station to pursue new professional opportunities, expressing gratitude for his time in the Twin Cities newsroom.
Who are the current meteorologists on 5 Eyewitness News?
The station frequently updates its roster, but long-standing team members like Ken Barlow and Jonathan Yuhas have anchored the weather department alongside newer additions brought in to fill recent vacancies.
Where did Wren Clair go after leaving KSTP?
Following her departure from KSTP in early 2025, Wren Clair briefly transitioned to another local station in the market before pursuing subsequent media opportunities.
How do viewer habits affect local weather team changes?
Modern audiences access weather data instantly through smartphone apps, prompting stations to lean heavily on meteorologists who can explain complex radar data clearly while building personal rapport during high-stakes weather events.
