Darren Sweeney, the NBC Connecticut Meteorologist, brings Connecticut’s most accurate forecast to viewers every weekend morning on NBC Connecticut. Additionally, he enjoys covering breaking weather events live in the studio and out in the field during the week.

Joining the First Alert forecast team in October 2008, Darren has received recognition from prestigious meteorological organizations. He has earned the seal of approval from the American Meteorological Society (AMS) and the National Weather Association (NWA).

A true Connecticut native, Darren was born and raised in West Hartford. He feels fortunate to forecast for the station he grew up watching and passing by almost every day. His fascination with weather began at a young age, captivated by New England’s wild weather extremes. Even during storms when others sought shelter, Darren would venture outdoors with a video camera to capture the phenomena.

Having experience with forecasting New England weather, Darren previously served as a meteorologist for a Springfield TV station, where he won two Associated Press awards for coverage of historic flooding and best weathercast.

He has reported live during severe weather events, including extensive coverage of the massive flooding along the Merrimack River. He was also honored with a “Breaking news” award by the Connecticut Society for Professional Journalists for his coverage of the 2009 EF-1 Wethersfield tornado.

Before returning to New England, Darren gained valuable experience forecasting severe weather and chasing hurricanes in Fort Myers, Florida. He was also deployed to New Orleans to aid sister stations in covering Tropical Storm “Isidore” and Hurricane “Lilly” in 2002.

During his tenure at NBC CONNECTICUT, Darren has provided coverage for some of the most significant storms of his career, including Superstorm Sandy, Hurricane Irene, and numerous tornado touchdowns.

Darren holds a Bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University and a Master’s degree from Syracuse University’s renowned Newhouse School of Communication. He furthered his education in Broadcast Meteorology at Mississippi State University in 2003.

Outside of his meteorological work, Darren is an avid explorer of beautiful New England, especially during the summer months. He also proudly serves as a tenured Associate Professor at his alma mater, CCSU, where he teaches in the Department of Journalism and mentors students aspiring to enter the field of journalism and broadcast journalism.

Additionally, Darren is actively involved with the Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists and volunteers his time at events supporting cancer research and finding homes for homeless animals, promoting the motto “Adopt Don’t Shop.”