By Alex Smith, TODAY
This coming weekend marks meteorologist Dylan Dreyer’s debut on NBC News as Weekend TODAY’s new weather anchor. Dreyer comes to 30 Rock from WHDH, the NBC affiliate in Boston, where she was voted that city's best meteorologist in 2008. We flew a few questions past the New Jersey native and Rutgers grad so you (and we) could get to know her before her big debut.
What are three things TODAY fans should know about you??
1. I love to cook and play softball or golf.
2. I know the words to pretty much every song from the late '50s and early '60s.
3. Thunderstorms are my favorite type of weather and I'd give anything to watch a storm roll in at night!
How have you prepared for the early morning hours? What’s your morning routine?
I've worked early mornings for almost 6 years in Boston and for me it's all about routine. I eat a Stella d'Oro breakfast treat every morning dunked in coffee (and have eaten one every day since 5th grade!). I eat fruit at 6 am, cereal at 7 am, lunch at 10 am, and dinner at 4 pm. I'm in bed no later than 8 pm. My fiancé is awesome at making sure I stick to that schedule!
What’s your ideal day?
I'd love to wake up in the morning, eat a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, golf, swim, then watch a thunderstorm roll in at night!
Do you have any advice for fans on the TODAY plaza? What should they do to get your attention?
I'm surprisingly shy, but I love people who smile and are happy. When I walk around before I go on camera, just have a nice conversation with me. The more I know about you, the more I'd love to share what I know with everyone watching! Flowers are always nice too! Ha-ha.
What makes you most excited about joining TODAY?
The fact that it's the TODAY show! I've always watched NBC and I've only ever worked at NBC stations. This is a true dream come true. I get to talk about weather which is my specialty, but I get to do it in such a fun way, trying new things, and meeting so many new people along the way!
What book are you reading right now?
Is it bad that I'm embarrassed to say “Fifty Shades of Grey”?
What destination do you most want to visit?
Italy!! I can't believe we're going for our honeymoon in October -- food and wine. Perfect!
What was your childhood nickname?
Turtle or just plain Dyl.
What song is currently playing on repeat on your iPod?
“Some Nights” by Fun.
What’s your guilty pleasure TV show?
“Vampire Diaries.”
Be sure to tune in on Saturday, September 15th — Weekend TODAY's 25th anniversary — to catch Dylan's first broadcast!
Alex Smith is editor/producer for TODAY.com who also quite enjoys Stella d’Oro breakfast treats.