Dave Rexroth: WXYZ Meteorologist Biography & Career
Dave Rexroth is an American award-winning American meteorologist currently serving as the Chief Meteorologist at WXYZ-TV Channel 7 in Detroit, Michigan.
He provides daily weather updates and forecasts for southeast Michigan during the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 11 p.m. newscasts.
Rexroth has been with WXYZ-TV since 2000 and was promoted to Chief Meteorologist in 2010.
Rexroth began his career in Des Moines, Iowa, at WOI, and has also worked at WRGB in Albany, New York, and WFOR-TV in Miami, Florida.
He has covered significant weather events, including Tropical Storm Harvey and Hurricane Irene.
Rexroth is known for his engaging smile and humor, but he prioritizes keeping viewers safe and informed during severe weather.
Rexroth resides in Oakland County with his wife and their three sons. He is an avid Detroit sports fan and enjoys coaching his sons’ baseball and basketball teams.
Early Life and Education:
Rexroth’s interest in weather began during his childhood in Omaha, Nebraska, located in the heart of Tornado Alley. Dave Rexroth was born and raised in the United States.
He attended Luther College, a private liberal arts college in Decorah, Iowa, where he completed his undergraduate studies.
Afterward, he pursued a Master’s degree in Meteorology at the University of Chicago.
During his time at the University of Chicago, he had the opportunity to study under Ted Fujita, the renowned meteorologist who developed the Fujita Scale for measuring tornado intensity.
Career:
Before joining WXYZ-TV, Rexroth worked as an evening meteorologist at WFOR-TV in Miami, Florida, where he covered significant weather events such as Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Harvey.
He also gained experience at WRGB in Albany, New York, and began his broadcasting career at WOI in Des Moines, Iowa.
Throughout his career, Rexroth has contributed to national television programs, including “CBS News Saturday Morning” and “Good Morning America Sunday.”
In 2010, Rexroth was named Chief Meteorologist at WXYZ-TV, succeeding Jerry Hodak.
In this role, he leads the station’s weather team and delivers forecasts during prime-time newscasts.
His engaging presentation style and comprehensive weather knowledge have earned him recognition, including an Emmy Award for a special program and multiple Michigan Association of Broadcasters awards for “Best Weather.”
WOI-TV in Des Moines, Iowa
Dave Rexroth’s meteorology career began at WOI-TV in Des Moines, Iowa.
This was an important foundational experience where he gained valuable insights into weather forecasting and reporting.
His time at WOI-TV helped him develop a solid understanding of meteorology and the skills necessary to deliver accurate and engaging weather reports.
Being in Iowa, he encountered various weather conditions, including severe storms and winter weather, which provided a rich environment for honing his expertise.
WRGB in Albany, New York
After gaining experience at WOI-TV, Dave moved on to WRGB in Albany, New York.
Albany’s diverse weather patterns, from harsh winters to humid summers, allowed Dave to further expand his meteorological knowledge.
At WRGB, he continued to build his reputation as a reliable and engaging meteorologist.
His ability to communicate complex weather information in a clear and relatable manner made him a favorite among viewers in the Albany area.
WFOR-TV in Miami, Florida
Dave then joined WFOR-TV in Miami, Florida, where he served as an evening meteorologist for three years.
Miami’s tropical climate and frequent hurricanes presented new challenges and opportunities for Dave.
During his tenure at WFOR-TV, he covered significant weather events such as Tropical Storm Harvey and Hurricane Irene.
These experiences allowed him to develop a deeper understanding of tropical meteorology and the unique challenges associated with forecasting severe weather in coastal regions.
WXYZ-TV in Detroit, Michigan
In 2000, Dave joined WXYZ-TV in Detroit, Michigan. Initially, he worked as a meteorologist for “Action News This Morning” and “Action News at Noon.”
Over the years, he became a trusted source of weather information for viewers in southeast Michigan.
His engaging smile, humor, and dedication to keeping viewers informed and safe during severe weather events earned him a loyal following.
Eventually, Dave became the Chief Meteorologist at WXYZ-TV, providing weather forecasts during the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 11 p.m. newscasts.
His long tenure at WXYZ-TV is a testament to his expertise and commitment to accurate weather reporting.
Throughout his career, Dave has also made contributions to national television shows such as CBS News Saturday Morning and Good Morning America Sunday.
His passion for meteorology and his ability to connect with viewers have made him a respected figure in the field.
Here are the notable coverage highlights of Dave Rexroth:
- Hurricane Irene: Covered during his tenure at WFOR-TV in Miami, Florida.
- Tropical Storm Harvey: Also covered at WFOR-TV, providing crucial storm updates.
- Severe Weather in Michigan: Reports on snowstorms, thunderstorms, and tornadoes as Chief Meteorologist at WXYZ-TV.
- National Television Appearances: Contributed to CBS News Saturday Morning and Good Morning America Sunday.
Awards and Recognition:
Dave Rexroth has received several awards and recognitions throughout his career, highlighting his expertise and dedication to meteorology:
- MAB Awards for “Best Weather”: Dave won the Michigan Association of Broadcasters (MAB) awards for “Best Weather” in 2007 and 2008, recognizing his outstanding weather reporting and forecasting skills.
- Emmy Award: He received an Emmy for his work on the Lion King Special, showcasing his ability to engage and inform viewers through special programming.
- Trusted Meteorologist: Over his career, Dave has built a reputation as a trusted and reliable meteorologist, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues and viewers alike.
Some notable names who have worked alongside Dave Rexroth at WXYZ-TV:
- Glenda Lewis: A news anchor and reporter at WXYZ-TV, Glenda co-anchors alongside Dave during the evening newscasts.
- Carolyn Clifford: Another prominent news anchor at WXYZ-TV, Carolyn has also worked closely with Dave during the station’s broadcasts.
- Alicia Smith: A morning anchor and reporter who has been a part of the WXYZ-TV team, Alicia provides news coverage that complements Dave’s weather forecasts.
- Brad Galli: A sports anchor and reporter at WXYZ-TV, Brad often collaborates with Dave during sports and weather segments.
- Heather Catallo: An investigative reporter at WXYZ-TV, Heather has collaborated with Dave during various news segments.
These colleagues, along with the rest of the WXYZ-TV team, contribute to providing comprehensive news coverage to the viewers in Detroit.
Financial Status:
Unfortunately, Dave Rexroth’s net worth and salary are not publicly available. As a public figure, his income is likely substantial, but exact figures are not usually disclosed.
However, we can make some educated guesses:
- Salary:
Meteorologists in major TV markets like Detroit typically earn between $80,000 to $200,000 per year, depending on experience, market size, and on-air presence.
As the chief meteorologist at a well-known station like WXYZ, it’s likely Rexroth earns towards the higher end of this range.
- Net Worth:
Estimating net worth is even more difficult. It would depend on his investments, real estate holdings, and other assets.
Given his long career in a stable profession, it’s reasonable to assume he has a comfortable net worth, but without more information, it’s impossible to provide a meaningful estimate.
Personal Life:
- Age: Dave Rexroth was born on October 23, 1966, making him 58 years old as of 2025.
- Zodiac Sign: His zodiac sign is Libra.
- Ethnicity: His ethnicity is white.
- Nationality: Dave Rexroth is American.
- Relationship Status: Dave is married.
Wife:
Rexroth is married to his wife, Deborah, and together they have three sons. The family resides in Oakland County, Michigan.
The couple has been married for over three decades, celebrating their 23rd anniversary in July 2014.
Their eldest son, John, pursued collegiate basketball and suited up for Grand Valley State University in a game against Oakland University in 2015.
Another son, Chris, distinguished himself in high school football, earning First Team All-State honors and leading Farmington Hills Harrison to the state finals in 2016.
The Rexroth family has faced challenges together, notably in 2014 when Dave lost his left eye in a fireworks accident during a family celebration.
Throughout this difficult period, Deborah and their sons provided unwavering support, aiding in his recovery and return to broadcasting.
Beyond their professional and academic pursuits, the family enjoys quality time together, often engaging in outdoor activities and supporting each other’s endeavors.
Deborah, in particular, has an eye for photography, capturing moments like their snow-covered backyard, which Dave proudly shared on social media.
Through triumphs and trials, the Rexroths exemplify a close-knit family, balancing demanding careers with a strong commitment to each other.
Accident
In 2014, Dave Rexroth experienced a life-changing accident while celebrating the Fourth of July with his family in Iowa City, Iowa.
During the celebration, a fireworks mishap resulted in a severe injury to his left eye, causing him to lose vision in that eye.
Details of the Accident
- Date: July 4, 2014
- Location: Iowa City, Iowa
- Injury: Dave lost vision in his left eye due to a fireworks explosion.
Recovery and Prosthetic Eye
Following the accident, Dave underwent surgery to begin the process of receiving a prosthetic eye.
His recovery involved both physical and emotional challenges, but he remained determined to continue his career and maintain his active lifestyle.
Impact and Advocacy
Despite the trauma, Dave has thrived and continued to work as the Chief Meteorologist at WXYZ-TV.
He has also taken on a new role in offering support and hope to others facing similar challenges.
Dave provides notes of encouragement to individuals with eye injuries and shares his story to inspire others.
Physical Attributes:
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 meters) tall.
- Weight: Estimated to be around 160 pounds (72.5 kilograms).
- Distinguishing Features: Brown hair and a prosthetic left eye due to his accident in 2014.
Social Media Activity:
Dave Rexroth is active on social media. He engages with his audience through platforms like Twitter and Facebook.
He often shares updates related to weather, his personal life, and his experiences, such as his recovery after his fireworks accident.
On these platforms, he connects with viewers and shares moments from his family life, including his wife’s photography and family celebrations.
He’s also known for being active on Instagram, where he shares personal and professional updates.