‘He’s been a great friend and a real treasure for Minnesota’: Dave Dahl leaves us smiling as he retires

Longtime KSTP-TV Chief Meteorologist Dave Dahl is retiring. He gave his final forecast on 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS at 6 on Wednesday.

Dahl has been at KSTP for 43 years and only had one boss.

"I’m so fortunate for that because the ownership here, the Hubbard family, has been spectacular," Dahl said. "They took a chance with a kid right out of college that was 23. They took a chance with me. And I’m grateful to no end for what they’ve allowed me to accomplish and do at this station. I consider them my family and I consider Mr. Hubbard a second dad to me."

And speaking of his parents, Dahl credits his mom and dad for teaching him to be considerate of others.

"They have both passed," he said. "And one thing I noticed when we came together for their funeral services is that everybody came up to me and said how wonderfully kind my mom and dad were. And I think I learned it from them."

Dave was hired at KSTP in 1977. He has seen it all and tried just about everything. Through it all, he has been a good sport, even after decades of teasing from a good friend.

"Actually, I tell him all the time, don’t get in a spraying match with a skunk," KSTP Sports Director Joe Schmit said. "I just love to see him squirm."

How lucky we are to have such a great friend that saying farewell is so hard. But it’s really not goodbye, it’s more like see you later because Dave is as Minnesotan as they come.

"I’ve been with Dave Dahl for 33 years," Schmit said. "And I’ve got to tell you, there are three things you have to know. He is as nice as he is on TV. No. 2, he loves weather and is a great forecaster. And No. 3, he’s the biggest homer for Minnesota sports in the history of Minnesota sports. But he’s been consistent, he’s been a great friend and a real treasure for Minnesota."

Thanks for everything, Dave.

"It is a total blessing for me to have been able to work in the place that I grew up," Dahl said. "And do what I really love and the people are awesome. Being able to be in one place for that long of a time period in this particular job, I guess that makes me proud that I’ve been able to stay here at home where my family is and be able to do the job that I love."

To see more of Dave’s friends talking about his retirement, click on the box above to watch the final story in a special three-part series. You can also click the links below to see more of Dahl’s farewell series.

Chief Meteorologist Dave Dahl through the years at KSTP-TV

Chief Meteorologist Dave Dahl looks back at the biggest storms of his 43-year career at KSTP-TV

Chief Meteorologist Dave Dahl is retiring after 43 years at KSTP-TV

Chief Meteorologist Dave Dahl says goodbye after 43 years at KSTP-TV