KSTP meteorologist Wren Clair has officially parted ways with the Twin Cities station, confirming the end of her impactful tenure. A spokesperson for KSTP confirmed to the public this week, stating her last day of work was on Wednesday. Clair delivered her final forecast on Sunday, leaving many viewers expressing their dismay over her departure.
“Wren Clair is no longer employed by KSTP-TV,” said Channel 5 News Director Kirk Varner. “We wish her the best with her next opportunity.” Despite the statement from Varner, no specific reasons were provided for Clair's exit from the prominent position within the station's weather team. Her biography has already been removed from KSTP's official website as of Friday.
Wren Clair joined KSTP-TV back in 2018, bringing with her prior experience from stations situated in Wisconsin and Boston. During her time at KSTP, Clair was propelled to the spotlight after the retirement of longtime weatherman Dave Dahl in 2020, quickly becoming the prime evening meteorologist for the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m. newscasts. Her departure has resulted in the KSTP weather team now consisting of four meteorologists: Ken Barlow, Jonathan Yuhas, Chris Reece, and Matt Serwe.
Clair’s presence was greatly missed by viewers, many of whom relied on her forecasts. Peg Wiggins expressed her thoughts on Facebook, stating, “Wren Clair was one of the best weather forecasters in the Twin Cities. And she was the main reason I would tune in to KSTP.” Such sentiments reflect the strong connection Clair built with her audience throughout her career.
Academic excellence also defined Clair’s career. She earned her meteorology degree from Mississippi State University, complemented by degrees in chemistry and anthropology from the University of Minnesota. Clair also holds a master’s degree in environmental science and policy from Johns Hopkins University, showcasing her commitment and depth of knowledge within the field of meteorology.
The news of her departure reverberates beyond the station itself. Engaging discussions around her contributions and the reasons for her departure have surfaced within community forums, as viewers speculate about future changes at KSTP. Clair's exit raises questions about the station's direction as it navigates the shifting media environment and viewer expectations.
KSTP has been known for its strong weather team, and Clair's absence marks the departure of not just a skilled meteorologist but also someone who had established herself as a viewer favorite during her five years at the station. The move raises anticipation for who might step up to fill the void left by Clair, positioned at the helm of KSTP’s prime time televised forecasts.
Although unconfirmed reports suggested she might be moving on to new opportunities, the exact nature of her future plans remains undisclosed as attempts to reach Clair have been unsuccessful. With the swiftly changing dynamics of local news, her decision to leave has sparked discussions surrounding the overall fate of broadcasters and their engagement strategies with audiences.
Communities have long relied on familiar faces within local news stations for trusted information, and Wren Clair certainly fulfilled this role. Her departure signifies not only the end of her chapter at KSTP-TV but signals the importance of the relationships between weather broadcasters and the communities they serve.
At this juncture, KSTP continues onward with its remaining meteorological team. While the weather can often present unpredictable challenges, Clair’s previous forecasts demonstrated her ability to tackle the most complex weather patterns, providing clarity to her viewers. Observers will be eager to see how the rest of the KSTP team adjusts to this staffing change and whether Clair’s legacy persists within the Twin Cities’ meteorological discussions.
While Wren Clair departs KSTP-TV, her influence undoubtedly lingers among viewers and the community. How this exit will be viewed historically and its impact on local television remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: she leaves behind shoes to fill at KSTP.