Jay Trobec Biography 2026: Chief Meteorologist’s Age, KELOLAND Career, Family & Salary Insights

Jay Trobec has been a steadfast morning fixture for generations of South Dakotans, delivering calm, accurate weather forecasts on KELOLAND News. As of 2026, he remains the station’s chief meteorologist—a role he has held for over three decades—and his friendly on-air presence has turned him into a regional institution. His deep understanding of Great Plains weather patterns, combined with an approachable style, explains why viewers trust him with everything from routine daily plans to life-threatening severe weather alerts.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Jay Trobec was born on April 15, 1966, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota—a state where the sky is always in motion. He grew up in a modest ranch house on the north side of town, the son of a high school teacher and a nurse. South Dakota’s turbulent weather fascinated him from an early age; by the time he was 8, he kept a scrapbook of newspaper clippings about blizzards and tornadoes. That childhood curiosity grew into a genuine passion when a powerful F4 tornado tore through the area in 1973, leaving an indelible impression.

He attended Lincoln High School, where he earned good grades in science and math while also playing JV basketball. After graduating in 1984, Trobec enrolled at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in Rapid City. There, he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology, balancing rigorous atmospheric physics classes with weekend storm-chasing trips across the Black Hills. He completed his degree in 1988, but by then he had already begun his broadcasting career—a story that shows both his ambition and his willingness to start early.

Career Journey: From Weather Enthusiast to KELOLAND Chief Meteorologist in 2026

The Early Days at KELOLAND

Jay’s first taste of television came in 1987 while he was still finishing his degree. He started as a part-time weather producer at KELOLAND TV, the CBS affiliate in Sioux Falls. His main job was assembling graphics and compiling data from the National Weather Service, but he occasionally filled in on weekend newscasts. Viewers quickly noticed his clear, unpretentious delivery, and by 1989, he was promoted to weekend meteorologist. That position gave him the chance to develop his forecasting voice, and he used it to hone a style that blends scientific rigor with plain-language explanations.

In the early 1990s, severe weather outbreaks were frequent across South Dakota, and Jay’s calm demeanor during live wall-to-wall coverage earned him a loyal following. Station management rewarded him with the weekday morning slot in 1994, and just three years later he was named chief meteorologist—taking over the franchise from a longtime predecessor.

Three Decades of Trusted Forecasting

By 2026, Jay Trobec has delivered an estimated 12,000 weathercasts on KELOLAND. His tenure is marked by several high-impact events: the deadly Sioux Falls tornado outbreak of 2003, the historic Missouri River floods of 2011, and the 2018 spring blizzards that dumped over two feet of snow. Each time, he stayed on the air for hours, providing minute-by-minute updates that saved lives. He was among the first local meteorologists to adopt dual-polarization radar data and to integrate GIS mapping into live broadcasts, making complex atmospheric information digestible.

Jay’s role extends beyond the news desk. He frequently visits elementary schools to teach weather basics, and in 2010 he launched “Trobec’s Weather Lab,” a weekly segment that explains the science behind everyday weather. The segment has since become one of the most-watched digital features on KELOLAND.com, drawing thousands of views each month. In 2026, he also began co-hosting a monthly podcast, “Dakota Weather Unlocked,” which dives into climate topics relevant to farmers, ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Career Stats & Milestones

• First on-air appearance: July 12, 1987 (fill-in weather segment)
• Named chief meteorologist: June 1997
• Live severe-weather marathons: 47 continuous hours during 2011 flooding
• Emmy nominations: 5 (Regional Emmys)
• Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) seal from the American Meteorological Society since 2002
• Awards: South Dakota Broadcasters Association Meteorologist of the Year (2012, 2019, 2024)
• Books authored: “Dakota Skies: A Lifetime Watching Weather” (self-published, 2015)
• Social media following (2026): 48k Twitter, 22k Facebook, 15k Instagram

Personal Life

Family, Marriage & Children

Jay met his future wife, Laurie, at a church potluck in 1989, and they married on June 15, 1991. Laurie works as a physical therapist assistant at a local clinic. The couple has two grown children: Jacob, born in 1994, a software engineer living in Denver; and Emily, born in 1998, a high school science teacher back in Sioux Falls. In 2026, Jay and Laurie celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary with a quiet weekend at a Black Hills cabin—a spot they’ve returned to almost every summer.

Despite his public job, Trobec guards his private time carefully. He coaches Emily’s old youth soccer team (now an assistant for the high school JV squad), and he serves on the board of the Sioux Falls Food Bank, where he volunteers every Thursday evening. He’s also an avid golfer and can often be found at Elmwood Golf Course on days off, though he jokes that his handicap hasn’t improved since the 1990s.

Dating History & Affairs

Before meeting Laurie, Jay had no high-profile relationships. He has always kept his personal life out of the tabloids, and there are no rumors or controversies around past affairs.

Awards & Achievements

• American Meteorological Society Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) – 2002
• South Dakota Broadcasters Association Meteorologist of the Year – 2012, 2019, 2024
• Regional Emmy Award for “Best Live Weather Coverage” – 2004 (team award)
• Associated Press Award for “Best Weathercast” – 2010
• Sioux Falls Rotary Club “Community Service Award” – 2015
• Inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame for Media – 2025
• KELOLAND “Living Legend” recognition – 2026

Physical Statistics

• Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
• Weight: 175 pounds (79 kg) – maintained through regular walks and golf
• Chest: 42 inches
• Waist: 34 inches
• Biceps: 14 inches
• Shoe size: 10 (US)
• Hair color: Gray (naturally brown in youth)
• Eye color: Blue
• Distinguishing features: Warm smile, rectangular-frame glasses

Quotes

“The weather doesn’t care about your ratings. You have to respect it first, then explain it clearly.”

“Growing up on the prairie, you learn that a forecast isn’t just a number—it’s a promise to your neighbor.”

“I’ve told my team for 35 years: if we can help one family get to shelter ahead of a tornado, every long night was worth it.”

Controversies

Jay Trobec’s career has been remarkably free of scandal. In 2019, a minor social-media dust-up occurred when a viewer accused him of overhyping a winter storm that ended up lighter than forecast. Jay responded on-air with a brief explanation of model uncertainty and invited the viewer to a behind-the-scenes tour. The invitation was accepted, and the story turned into a positive segment about public trust in weather communication.

Favorites

• Favorite weather phenomenon: “A textbook supercell over open country—beautiful and dangerous.”
• Favorite sports team: Minnesota Twins
• Favorite book: “Isaac’s Storm” by Erik Larson
• Favorite vacation spot: Black Hills National Forest
• Favorite food: Laurie’s homemade chicken pot pie
• Favorite movie: “Twister” (1996) – “for nostalgia, not accuracy”

Salary & Net Worth in 2026

As of 2026, Jay Trobec’s annual salary from KELOLAND is estimated at $185,000—a figure that reflects his seniority and the competitive market for top meteorologists. After taxes and living expenses, he has built a net worth of approximately $1.5 million. This includes his primary residence in Sioux Falls (valued at $350,000), retirement accounts, a modest stock portfolio, and royalties from his self-published book. Unlike many media personalities, he does not have a side business, preferring to reinvest extra income into his children’s education and community causes.

Interesting Facts

• Jay earned his pilot’s license in 2005 to better understand aviation weather. He no longer flies regularly but still holds an active private pilot certificate.
• He once appeared as a background extra in a local commercial for a car dealership—and forgot to turn off his wireless mic, so producers heard him humming backstage.
• His first car was a 1978 Ford Pinto that he bought for $400 and drove through college.
• He has attended 35 consecutive South Dakota State Fairs, never missing a single year since 1989.
• In 2023, he broke his on-air record by predicting 127 consecutive days of accurate high temperatures—a feat the station celebrated with a cake shaped like a sun.

Did you know already?

• Jay is bilingual? He learned conversational Lakota during college and sometimes uses weather-related phrases in Lakota when visiting reservation schools.
• He has a secret talent for playing the accordion—a skill he learned from his grandfather.
• During the 2011 floods, he slept on an air mattress in the KELOLAND break room for four nights to stay near the radar.

Social Media Links

• Twitter/X: @JayTrobecWX
• Facebook: Jay Trobec KELOLAND
• Instagram: @jaytrobecweather
• LinkedIn: Jay Trobec
• YouTube: KELOLAND News channel (featured in weather playlists)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Jay Trobec been at KELOLAND?

He started in 1987 as a weather producer and became chief meteorologist in 1997. As of 2026, he has been with the station for 39 years.

What are Jay Trobec’s hobbies?

He enjoys golfing, fishing, reading history books, and volunteering at the Sioux Falls Food Bank. He also likes spending time with his family in the Black Hills.

Is Jay Trobec married?

Yes, he has been married to Laurie Trobec since 1991. They have two adult children.

How tall is Jay Trobec?

He stands 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall.

What is Jay Trobec’s net worth?

His estimated net worth in 2026 is around $1.5 million, derived from his salary, real estate, and investments.

Does Jay Trobec have any awards?

He holds the AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist seal, multiple Meteorologist of the Year awards from the South Dakota Broadcasters Association, and was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame for Media in 2025.

Conclusion

From a weather-obsessed boy in Sioux Falls to the dean of Dakota meteorologists, Jay Trobec has built a career on reliability, warmth, and scientific integrity. In 2026, he continues to guide viewers through thunderstorms, heat waves, and snowstorms with the same steady hand he brought to his first broadcast nearly four decades ago. If you found this biography helpful or surprising, share it with a friend who watches KELOLAND news—and let them know there’s much more to their favorite weatherman than a green screen.