The Face of the Storm: The Resilience and Career of Dave Rexroth

On a typical evening in Southeast Michigan, families gather around their screens, looking for more than just a temperature reading.

They are looking for a familiar face to guide them through the unpredictable Great Lakes climate. For over two decades, that face has been Dave Rexroth.

But in 2014, the man who spent his life watching the skies faced a personal storm that would change his life forever.

A devastating accident involving a firework cost him his left eye, a moment that could have ended a career built on visual communication. Instead, it became a testament to his grit.

Today, as the WXYZ-TV Chief Meteorologist, Rexroth isn’t just a weather expert; he’s a symbol of Detroit’s “comeback” spirit.

A Foundation Built in the Heartland

Before he was a fixture on Detroit television, Dave Rexroth was a student of the skies in the Midwest. Born in 1966 (making him 60 years old as of 2026), Dave grew up with the pragmatic, hard-working values of Iowa.

His academic journey was elite. After graduating from Luther College, he moved to the University of Chicago. It was here that he earned a Master’s degree in Meteorology, studying under the legendary Ted Fujita.

Known as “Mr. Tornado,” Fujita created the F-Scale for rating tornado intensity. Learning from the best in the world gave Rexroth a technical edge that few local broadcasters can match.

From Des Moines to the Miami Heat

Dave’s career wasn’t an overnight success. It was a calculated journey through diverse climates:

• WOI (Des Moines, Iowa): Where he learned the ropes of local broadcasting.

• WRGB (Albany, New York): Navigating the heavy snows of the Northeast.

• WFOR-TV (Miami, Florida): A high-stakes environment where he covered Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Harvey.

This “climatic tour” prepared him for the complex lake-effect snows and summer thunderstorms of Michigan. In 2000, he joined WXYZ (Channel 7), eventually rising to Chief Meteorologist in August 2010.

What Happened to Dave Rexroth? The 2014 Accident

In July 2014, while vacationing with his family in Iowa, tragedy struck. A firework malfunctioned, causing a severe injury to Dave’s left eye. Despite multiple surgeries and the best medical care, he underwent a procedure to receive a prosthetic eye.

The recovery was grueling, but Dave’s return to the airwaves just months later was a viral moment for Detroit media.

He addressed the injury with his trademark humor and transparency, choosing not to hide his “new look” but to embrace it. This vulnerability turned viewers into lifelong fans.

Life Behind the Map: Family and Net Worth

While his professional life is public, Dave keeps a steady, grounded home life. He lives in Oakland County with his wife, Deborah Rexroth. The couple has three sons—all of whom were a driving force behind his recovery in 2014.

The Numbers: Salary and Net Worth

In the world of broadcast journalism, Chief Meteorologists in a Top 15 market like Detroit command significant compensation.

• Estimated Salary: While WXYZ doesn’t publish contracts, industry standards for a Chief of his tenure suggest a salary between $200,000 and $350,000 annually.

• Estimated Net Worth 2026: Factoring in his 30-year career, real estate in Oakland County, and investments, his net worth is estimated at approximately $1.5 million to $3 million.

Awards and The “Lion King” Emmy

Dave isn’t just a weather guy; he’s an entertainer. His trophy shelf includes:

1. MAB Awards: Won “Best Weather” in 2007 and 2008.

2. Emmy Award: Received for his work on a Lion King special, proving his range extends beyond the 7-day forecast.

The Rexroth Style: “Humor in the Nasty Weather”

Dave’s philosophy is simple: “I like to laugh… but when there is nasty weather, it’s my priority to make sure viewers are safe.” This balance is hard to strike.

If a meteorologist is too somber, they are “fear-mongering.” If they are too happy during a blizzard, they are “out of touch.”

Rexroth navigates this by being a “weather communicator” rather than just a “weather presenter.” He explains the why behind the clouds, a skill he honed under Ted Fujita.

Impact on Detroit Culture

As an avid fan of the Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, and Pistons, Dave is woven into the fabric of the city. He is often seen at charity events and remains one of the most accessible local celebrities in Michigan.

Interactive: What’s Your Favorite “Dave Moment”?

Do you remember Dave’s first broadcast back after his accident? Or perhaps a specific blizzard he guided you through? Share your stories in the comments below!

Quick Facts Summary

Sources and Further Reading

• WXYZ Official Profile: Dave Rexroth

• Detroit Free Press Archives: Dave Rexroth Recovery Interview (2014)

• National Weather Association Member Directory

• Luther College Alumni Spotlight