NEW YORK — Al Roker surprised some viewers by leaving during Monday’s broadcast of NBC’s “ Today” to report for jury duty.

The veteran weatherman started the week on camera with his colleagues, but was replaced by Dylan Dreyer after delivering a few morning reports, according to People.

Host Savannah Guthrie told viewers Roker “had to leave a little bit early,” but offered no further explanation.

They mystery deepened when co-host Craig Melvin acknowledged Roker’s absence with little elaboration.

“Al had to step out for just a little bit. He’ll be back tomorrow,” Melvin forecasted.

Roker finally cleared things up on Instagram, where he appears wearing a suit and standing in front of a courthouse.

“Well, got out of the ‘Today’ show early because I’ve got jury duty,” he says with a smile. “It’s everybody’s civic duty to do the duty.”

Appearing to be working without cue cards, Roker notes that his explanation was a bit redundant.

“I said duty twice,” he laughs.

A sample of the Shorty Long song “Here Comes the Judge” plays while Roker talks about fulfilling his civic responsibility.

Roker, who celebrated his 30th anniversary on “Today” in January, found himself in a scary situation that will have legal implications in July when a 41-year-old man allegedly slipped past security, took a swing at Melvin and made racist comments. Authorities said Roker, 72, was the suspect’s initial target.

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