Meet The KSTP Weather Team: Your Trusted Twin Cities Forecast Experts
Minnesota weather is notoriously unpredictable. From sub-zero winter blizzards and treacherous ice storms to humid summer afternoons ripe with severe tornadoes, residents of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area require timely, accurate, and hyper-local meteorological data. For decades, the KSTP weather team—broadcasting under the banner of 5 Eyewitness News—has served as a primary source of climate information for millions of households across the Upper Midwest.
Operating from their historic studios on University Avenue on the border of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, this group of certified meteorologists combines decades of collective experience with state-of-the-art tracking technology. Understanding who makes up this dedicated team, the history of their broadcasting excellence, and how they analyze complex atmospheric patterns can help you stay prepared for whatever the Minnesota skies deliver.
The Legacy of 5 Eyewitness News Weather
The foundation of KSTP’s weather broadcasting is built on a rich history of pioneering television journalism. KSTP-TV was the first television station in Minnesota, and its commitment to meteorological accuracy has remained a cornerstone of its programming since its inception in 1948. Over the decades, the station has adapted to massive technological shifts, transitioning from hand-drawn weather maps to high-resolution 3D computer models and live dual-polarization radar feeds.
For over forty years, the legendary Dave Dahl anchored the station's weather coverage, becoming a household name and a comforting voice during some of the state's most historic weather events, including the infamous 1991 Halloween Blizzard. Following Dahl's retirement, the KSTP weather team successfully transitioned into a new era, retaining its commitment to scientific integrity while embracing digital platforms, social media engagement, and mobile application delivery to meet the demands of modern viewers.
Today, the team operates under a philosophy of "preparation over panic." Rather than sensationalizing oncoming storms, they focus on delivering clear, actionable, and scientifically sound data. This approach has earned them multiple regional Emmy Awards and the trust of viewers who rely on their forecasts to plan commutes, protect agricultural assets, and keep their families safe during extreme weather events.
Current KSTP Weather Team Lineup
The strength of KSTP's weather department lies in the diverse expertise and credentials of its current on-air personalities. Each member of the team holds professional certifications from prestigious meteorological organizations, including the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the National Weather Association (NWA).
Ken Barlow – Chief Meteorologist
Ken Barlow leads the KSTP weather team with over three decades of broadcast experience. A highly respected figure in both the local community and the national meteorological field, Barlow holds the AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) seal. Known for his warm on-air presence and clear explanation of complex physical dynamics, Ken has covered everything from major hurricanes along the East Coast to devastating Midwestern tornadoes. Beyond his forecasting duties, Barlow is a prominent public advocate for mental health awareness, sharing his personal journey with bipolar disorder to help reduce stigma across Minnesota.
Wren Clair – Evening Meteorologist
Wren Clair brings a deep passion for severe weather analysis and winter storm dynamics to the evening newscasts. A native of the Midwest, Clair graduated with a degree in meteorology from the University of Minnesota and went on to forecast in challenging climates like Boston and the Northwoods of Wisconsin before returning home. Her analytical approach to tracking complex low-pressure systems makes her a critical asset during fast-moving winter weather events.
Jonathan Yuhas – Weekend/Meteorologist
Jonathan Yuhas has spent over twenty years analyzing the unique microclimates of the Twin Cities metro area. With extensive experience in aviation meteorology and severe storm tracking, Yuhas specializes in predicting rapid atmospheric changes. His deep knowledge of localized geography allows him to provide highly specific warnings for communities ranging from outer-ring suburbs like Minnetonka and Woodbury to rural farming communities across Greater Minnesota.
Guy Brown – Meteorologist
Guy Brown brings a fresh energy and a strong focus on educational outreach to the morning and midday broadcasts. Certified by the American Meteorological Society, Brown is passionate about climate literacy and frequently visits local schools to teach children about weather safety. His ability to translate complex environmental data into easily digestible graphics helps viewers kickstart their mornings with confidence.
Reporter swaps Florida for Twin Cities as she joins KSTP's traffic team ...
Advanced Meteorological Technology: How KSTP Predicts Extreme Weather
Forecasting in the Upper Midwest requires more than just looking out the window; it demands a massive technological infrastructure. The KSTP weather team utilizes a proprietary suite of forecasting tools designed to analyze atmospheric conditions in real time.
At the center of their operations is the VIPIR Radar system (Visual Information Platform for Instruction and Results). This advanced dual-polarization radar allows meteorologists to distinguish between different types of precipitation, such as rain, snow, sleet, and hail. It can even detect non-meteorological targets like airborne debris signatures, which is critical for confirming active tornado touchdowns when visual confirmation is obscured by darkness or heavy rain.
In addition to radar technology, the team utilizes high-resolution computer modeling, including the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) model and the European Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) system. By comparing multiple data streams, the KSTP team can pinpoint snowfall accumulation ranges, severe wind threats, and flash flooding risks with high geographic precision hours before they arrive in the Twin Cities.
Comparing Twin Cities Broadcast Weather Teams
The Twin Cities is one of the most competitive local news markets in the country. To understand how KSTP’s weather team positions itself against its primary competitors, it is helpful to look at the unique focus and technological strengths of each station.
| Broadcast Station | Weather Brand Name | Core Technological Feature | Primary Forecasting Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| KSTP (Channel 5) | 5 Eyewitness Weather | VIPIR Radar & Interactive App | Localized microclimates, safety preparation, and scientific accuracy |
| WCCO (Channel 4) | NEXT Weather | NEXT Drive & Mobile Tracker | Commuter impact, community-focused reporting, and long-range trends |
| KARE 11 (Channel 11) | KARE 11 Weather | First Alert Radar | Visual storytelling, backyard climate conditions, and high-energy broadcasts |
| KMSP (Fox 9) | Fox 9 Weather | Fox 9 Weather App & Live Radar | Fast-paced updates, social media integration, and extended seasonal outlooks |
How to Get the Most Out of KSTP Weather Coverage
To maximize your storm preparedness, it is highly recommended to engage with the KSTP weather team across their multiple delivery channels. Relying solely on the standard, built-in weather application on your smartphone often misses the localized nuances that human meteorologists provide.
1. Download the 5 Eyewitness Weather App
The free mobile app provides live-streaming video updates during severe weather outbreaks, interactive radar overlays, and localized push notifications. Users can customize alerts based on their exact GPS coordinates, ensuring they receive warnings only when their specific neighborhood is threatened.
2. Follow On-Air and Digital Live Streams
During active tornado warnings or major winter blizzards, the KSTP weather team provides continuous, commercial-free streaming coverage on their website, mobile app, and connected TV platforms (such as Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV). This ensures you have access to live radar analysis even if you lose power or cable access.
3. Interact via Social Media
The team's meteorologists are highly active on social platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). During calm weather periods, they share fascinating scientific insights, astronomical events, and seasonal outlooks. During active weather, they use these channels to crowdsource real-time storm reports, damage photos, and snowfall measurements from viewers across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions About the KSTP Weather Team
Who is the current Chief Meteorologist at KSTP?
The Chief Meteorologist at KSTP is Ken Barlow. He leads the 5 Eyewitness Weather team, anchoring the evening and late-night newscasts, and oversees the station's overall forecasting strategy.
What happened to long-time KSTP meteorologist Dave Dahl?
Dave Dahl retired in 2020 after an illustrious 43-year career at KSTP-TV. He remains one of the most celebrated broadcast figures in Minnesota history and occasionally makes guest appearances for special station retrospectives.
How does KSTP-TV gather local snowfall measurements?
The KSTP weather team relies on a combination of official National Weather Service reporting stations (such as MSP Airport), volunteer observers from the CoCoRaHS network, and direct, verified reports submitted by viewers using calibrated snow measurement boards.
Is the KSTP weather app free to use?
Yes, the 5 Eyewitness Weather app is completely free to download on both iOS and Android devices, offering interactive radar, customizable alerts, and live video streaming.
Stay Ahead of the Storm with KSTP
Whether you are preparing for a brutal winter freeze or planning a summer weekend at one of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes, having a reliable meteorological team is essential. The KSTP weather team offers the perfect blend of local experience, scientific rigor, and cutting-edge forecasting technology to keep you informed and safe.
Don't wait for severe weather to strike. Head over to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store today to download the 5 Eyewitness Weather App, bookmark the KSTP weather live stream, and tune in to Channel 5 to experience the Twin Cities' most trusted meteorological coverage firsthand.
