Dan Skoff: Biography, Age, KNWA Career, Wife, Family, and 2026 Updates
Dan Skoff is an American Certified Broadcast Meteorologist widely known for his role as Chief Meteorologist at KNWA-TV and KFTA-TV (FOX24) in Northwest Arkansas. With more than two decades of severe weather tracking across the central United States, he has built a trusted reputation for keeping communities informed during critical weather outbreaks, tornadoes, and winter storms. From his early days tracking extreme systems across Tornado Alley to serving as the leading on-air weather authority in Fayetteville and Fort Smith, Skoff remains a pillar of regional broadcast journalism.

His deep understanding of atmospheric science, combined with real-world storm chasing experience, makes his forecasts both accurate and accessible to everyday viewers. Over the years, Skoff has tracked dozens of tornadoes firsthand, including historic supercell outbreaks, while continually using his platform to promote science literacy and community safety throughout Arkansas and neighboring states.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Daniel Skoff |
|---|---|
| Nick Name | Dan |
| Profession | Broadcast Meteorologist, Storm Chaser, Science Communicator |
| Birth Date | June 21, 1977 |
| Age | 49 years 3 months old |
| Birth Place | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Chief Meteorologist at KNWA/FOX24, severe storm tracking, tornado chasing |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Qualification | Bachelor of Science in Meteorology (University of Oklahoma) |
| Religion | Christian |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Jennifer Skoff |
| Children | Callie Skoff, Cade Skoff |
| Current Residence | Northwest Arkansas, United States |
| Current Work | Chief Meteorologist, KNWA (NBC) & KFTA (FOX24) |
| Years Active | 1998–present |
| Certifications | AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM), NWA Member |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 Million – $2 Million |
In the regional broadcast meteorology community, Dan Skoff works alongside respected colleagues and weather professionals, including KNWA morning meteorologist Josh Rugger, veteran Arkansas forecaster Barry Brandt, KFSM chief meteorologist Matt Standridge, Little Rock broadcaster Carmen Rose, and pioneering storm tracking icon Gary England.
Early Life & Education
Dan Skoff was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Growing up in the Upper Midwest, he developed a deep fascination with atmospheric phenomena during childhood. While most kids ran indoors when thunder sounded, Skoff was drawn to the shifting clouds, lightning, and rapid changes in barometric pressure.
His defining career turning point occurred at eight years old when a destructive tornado touched down within a quarter mile of his childhood home. While his family sought shelter in the basement, young Skoff watched the black skies roll across the horizon. Following the passage of the storm, he observed the contrast between a bright rainbow overhead and the devastation just down the street. That moment ignited a lifelong drive to understand severe weather systems and protect the public.
After graduating from high school in Wisconsin, Skoff enrolled at the prestigious University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma—widely regarded as one of the premier atmospheric science programs in the world. Located in the heart of Tornado Alley, the university gave him access to top radar technology, field research opportunities, and storm interception studies. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology, earning credentials from both the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the National Weather Association (NWA).
Career Journey
Storm Chasing Beginnings and Oklahoma City (1998–2001)
Skoff began his professional on-air broadcasting career in 1998 while still in college. He joined CBS affiliate KWTV News 9 in Oklahoma City as a professional storm tracker under the mentorship of legendary meteorologist Gary England. Skoff navigated extreme conditions across the Southern Plains, transmitting real-time video and radar data directly to the studio.
During this period, Skoff was on the ground during the historic May 3, 1999 tornado outbreak in central Oklahoma. He observed the initial touchdown and development of the Bridge Creek-Moore F5 tornado, which produced the highest wind speeds ever measured on Earth (over 300 mph). His frontline footage helped forecasters provide life-saving lead times to local residents.
Broadcasting in Texas and Central Arkansas (2001–2006)
After finishing his degree, Skoff moved to Amarillo, Texas, to serve as the weekend meteorologist for NBC and FOX affiliates KAMR-TV and KCIT-TV. Covering the Texas Panhandle allowed him to forecast a wide variety of extreme conditions, ranging from high-plains blizzards to severe supercell thunderstorms.
He later relocated to Little Rock, Arkansas, stepping into the weekend meteorologist role at NBC affiliate KARK-TV Channel 4. During his tenure in Little Rock, he honed his understanding of Arkansas terrain, convective dynamics, and the unique challenges of Dixie Alley tornado systems.
KNWA Chief Meteorologist and 2026 Milestone
On June 30, 2006, Dan Skoff officially joined KNWA-TV (NBC) and KFTA-TV (FOX24) in Fayetteville, Arkansas, taking the helm as Chief Meteorologist. Working closely with station team members like Rick Katzfey and later Josh Rugger, Skoff upgraded the station’s severe weather tracking capabilities and established the KNWA Weather Lab as a premier source for regional forecasts.
Over the subsequent decades, Skoff guided viewers through historic ice storms, flash floods, heat waves, and intense tornado outbreaks. In mid-2026, Skoff celebrated his milestone 20th anniversary as Chief Meteorologist at KNWA & FOX24. His continuous on-air presence in 2026 highlights two decades of steady service to Northwest Arkansas, the River Valley, and surrounding areas.
Personal Life
Outside the television studio, Dan Skoff is an active family man who loves living in the Ozarks. He is married to Jennifer Skoff, a successful and well-known licensed real estate professional serving Northwest Arkansas. Jennifer has made appearances on HGTV’s popular program House Hunters, showcasing the region’s vibrant housing market.
Family and Children
Dan and Jennifer Skoff are proud parents to two children:
- Callie Skoff – Daughter
- Cade Skoff – Son
The family enjoys spending quality time outdoors, traveling, attending local sports events, and participating in church and school activities throughout the Northwest Arkansas community.
Hobbies and Community Involvement
Skoff frequently visits local schools, civic organizations, and community centers across Benton and Washington counties to teach children about weather safety, radar interpretation, and science careers. He also hosts regular live social media broadcasts, answering viewer questions about incoming storm fronts and local climate trends.
Awards & Achievements
- Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM): Awarded the prestigious CBM seal by the American Meteorological Society (AMS) for high-level broadcast quality and scientific accuracy.
- National Weather Association Member: Active contributor to severe storm education and operational meteorology standards.
- 20-Year Service Milestone: Recognized in 2026 for 20 continuous years of chief meteorological leadership at KNWA/FOX24.
- 90+ Tornado Interceptions: Successfully tracked and documented more than 90 tornadoes during his extensive field research career.
- Community Science Ambassador: Recipient of regional praise and educational recognition for school outreach programs across Arkansas.
Physical Statistics
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 170 lbs (77 kg) |
| Body Build | Athletic / Average |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
Quotes
“I’ll never forget how black the clouds were on the horizon before the tornado struck. Right after the storm passed, there was this bright rainbow and birds chirping. That contrast showed me the power and beauty of weather, and I was hooked from that moment.”
“Our goal every single day in the Weather Lab is simple: keep our viewers ahead of the storm so families stay safe when severe weather threatens.”
Controversies
Dan Skoff has maintained an exceptionally clean professional record throughout his career. He avoids sensationalism on television, focusing strictly on verified meteorological models and National Weather Service data. While severe weather warnings can sometimes disrupt scheduled prime-time programming, local viewers consistently appreciate his calm, factual approach during dangerous atmospheric events.
Favorites
- Favorite Weather Phenomenon: Supercell Thunderstorms and Tornado Formation
- Favorite College Team: Oklahoma Sooners
- Favorite Local Spot: The Ozark Mountains and Beaver Lake
- Favorite Hobby: Storm chasing and outdoor photography
Dan Skoff Net Worth and Salary in 2026
As of 2026, Dan Skoff has an estimated net worth between $1 million and $2 million. His primary income comes from his long-standing position as Chief Meteorologist at KNWA and KFTA, where seasoned chief meteorologists in top regional markets earn estimated annual salaries ranging from $85,000 to $130,000.
In addition to his broadcast salary, the Skoff household benefits from his wife Jennifer’s successful career as a high-performing real estate agent in the growing Northwest Arkansas metropolitan area.
Interesting Facts
- He has witnessed the lifecycle of over 90 tornadoes in person since his first official storm chase in 1996.
- He witnessed the early development of the historic 1999 Bridge Creek-Moore F5 tornado in Oklahoma.
- As a child in Wisconsin, he used to climb onto the roof of his home to watch lightning storms approach.
- His wife Jennifer Skoff was featured on an episode of HGTV’s popular series House Hunters.
- He frequently hosts live digital Q&A sessions to demystify complex radar technology for casual weather watchers.
Did You Know Already?
- Dan earned his degree from the University of Oklahoma, which houses the National Weather Center.
- He holds both the AMS Television Seal of Approval and the modern Certified Broadcast Meteorologist designation.
- Before arriving in Fayetteville in 2006, he forecasted for television markets in Amarillo, Texas, and Little Rock, Arkansas.
Social Media Links
- Facebook: Meteorologist Dan Skoff Official Facebook
- Station Profile: KNWA FOX24 Homepage
- X (Twitter): Active under station and verified professional handles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dan Skoff?
Dan Skoff is an American Certified Broadcast Meteorologist who serves as Chief Meteorologist for KNWA-TV (NBC) and KFTA-TV (FOX24) in Northwest Arkansas.
How old is Dan Skoff?
Born on June 21, 1977, Dan Skoff is currently 49 years 3 months old years old.
Who is Dan Skoff’s wife?
Dan Skoff is married to Jennifer Skoff, a licensed real estate professional based in Northwest Arkansas who was featured on HGTV’s House Hunters.
How long has Dan Skoff worked at KNWA?
Dan Skoff joined KNWA in June 2006, celebrating 20 consecutive years as Chief Meteorologist with the network in 2026.
What is Dan Skoff’s net worth?
Dan Skoff has an estimated net worth of $1 million to $2 million, built through his decades-long career as a leading broadcast meteorologist and regional media figure.
Summary
Dan Skoff remains one of Arkansas’s most dependable and experienced broadcast meteorologists. Through his passion for storm tracking, commitment to scientific education, and calm guidance during severe weather, he has become a household name across Northwest Arkansas. If you enjoyed reading about Dan Skoff’s career and personal story, feel free to share this biography with friends and family on social media!
Key Sources:
- KNWA / FOX24 Official Station Biographies and On-Air Profiles
- American Meteorological Society (AMS) Certified Broadcast Directory
- National Weather Association (NWA) Member Records
- University of Oklahoma Atmospheric Science Alumni Records












