Sven Sundgaard: Beyond the Forecast – A Journey of Resilience and Climate Advocacy

For over two decades, Sven Sundgaard has been a household name in Minnesota, a familiar face who didn’t just tell us if we needed a coat—he explained why our seasons were shifting.

From his early days in Duluth to his high-profile tenure at KARE 11, Sundgaard has become more than a meteorologist; he is a science communicator, a world traveler, and a voice for social justice.

But the road hasn’t always been sunny. In 2020, a public departure from his longtime TV home sparked a legal battle that highlighted his resilience and commitment to his personal identity.

Today, Sundgaard is busier than ever, balancing roles at MPR News, Bring Me The News, and as a climate science advisor.

Quick Facts: Sven Sundgaard At a Glance

Early Life and “The 1991 Blizzard” Hook

Born and raised in the Twin Cities, Sven’s obsession with weather started early. Like many Minnesotans, the Halloween Blizzard of 1991 was his defining moment.

While other fifth-graders were mourning their ruined trick-or-treating, Sven was fascinated by the three feet of snow that paralyzed the state.

He eventually took that passion to St. Cloud State University, where he graduated in 2003.

His undergraduate research in thermodynamics didn’t just earn him a degree; it won him several awards, setting the stage for a career defined by scientific rigor rather than just “TV personality” fluff.

The KARE 11 Years and the Famous “Settlement”

In 2006, Sven joined KARE 11, where he spent 14 years becoming a fixture of the morning news.

However, in May 2020, the station “parted ways” with him following a social media post where Sven criticized protesters during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fallout was significant. Sven filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination based on his sexual orientation and religious beliefs (Judaism).

He claimed a hostile work environment and sought back pay and damages. In June 2022, the case was officially dismissed following a settlement between Sundgaard and KARE 11’s parent company, TEGNA.

While the exact financial details remain private, the event marked a major turning point in his career, pushing him toward more independent, science-focused platforms.

A Global Perspective: Climate and Conservation

Sven isn’t a meteorologist who stays behind a green screen. He has traveled to six of the seven continents to report on:

• The Arctic: Melting sea ice and polar shifts.

• The Galapagos: Biodiversity under threat.

• Africa & Australia: Extreme weather and conservation efforts.

His work as a Science Advisor for The Minneapolis Foundation and his “Climate Re:Action” video series aim to make complex climate data relatable to the average person.

“Climate change doesn’t eliminate cold temperatures; it just makes them less frequent,” Sven recently noted, explaining the science behind Minnesota’s 2025 “cool snaps.”

Personal Life: Identity and Hobbies

Is Sven Sundgaard married? While he is openly gay and has been a prominent advocate for the LGBTQ+ community—appearing on the cover of Lavender magazine as early as 2007—he keeps the specifics of his current relationship status relatively private.

• Spirituality: Raised Lutheran, Sven felt a “spiritual curiosity” that led him to convert to Judaism after a moving trip to Israel in 2009.

• Interests: Beyond weather, he is a licensed real estate agent and a former board member for Good Karma Animal Rescue of MN. He is also an avid runner and fitness enthusiast.

Sven Sundgaard Net Worth 2026

While public figures’ exact bank accounts are rarely public, industry analysts estimate Sven Sundgaard’s net worth to be between $1 million and $3 million. This stems from:

1. Meteorology Salaries: High-level positions at MPR and Bring Me The News.

2. Settlement: The 2022 legal resolution with TEGNA.

3. Real Estate: His work as a broker/agent in the Twin Cities.

4. Speaking & Advisory: Science consulting and freelance science advising.

Career Timeline

• 2003: Graduated from St. Cloud State.

• 2003–2006: Chief Meteorologist at KBJR-TV in Duluth.

• 2006–2020: Meteorologist at KARE 11.

• 2020–Present: Meteorologist at Bring Me The News.

• 2022–Present: Meteorologist at MPR News.

Where is Sven Sundgaard now?

You can currently find Sven providing daily forecasts and deep-dive climate analysis on MPR News and BringMeTheNews.com. He continues to be a leading voice in explaining Minnesota’s “weather whiplash,” from record-breaking heat domes to polar vortex disruptions.

The Legacy of a “Weather Weirdo”

Sven often jokes that “normal people are boring.” By embracing his status as a “weather weirdo”—obsessed with classical music, fitness, and Arctic sea ice—he has built a level of trust that few broadcasters achieve. He isn’t just reading a teleprompter; he’s sharing a lifelong passion.

“My late mom always taught me to stick up for myself. I do this for the young people who thanked me for being an openly gay man, making it easier for them to be true to themselves.” — Sven Sundgaard

Sources:

1. Bring Me The News – Author Profile & Recent Articles (2025).

2. MPR News – Staff Profiles.

3. Minnesota Star Tribune – Coverage of KARE 11 Lawsuit and Settlement (2021-2022).

4. American Jewish World – “Sven Sundgaard’s Jewish Connection” interview.

5. PacerMonitor – Sundgaard v. Multimedia Holdings Corporation (Docket 0:21-cv-00999).