Veteran Chicago Meteorologist Tom Skilling Announces Retirement After 45 Years: ‘It Just Feels Right'

The famed local weatherman, who will turn 72 in February, will appear in his final broadcast on Feb. 28, 2024

Tom Skilling, a beloved meteorologist in the Chicago area who’s been on the air for more than four decades, has announced his retirement.

The 71-year-old weatherman revealed the news of his retirement on Thursday’s broadcast of WGN Evening News. His last day on the air will be Feb. 28, 2024.

Skilling, who will also turn 72 in February, said the last 45 years on the air have been “marvelous.” The decision to retire was a difficult one, he added.

“It was tough,” the chief meteorologist said, “but it was reached and it just feels right.”

Related: CBS New York Meteorologist Elise Finch Honored at Celebration of Life Service: 'We All Love You'

Skilling has been on WGN-TV in Chicago since August 1978, according to the station. He also hosted severe weather seminars at Fermilab for almost four decades and has led talks about climate change across the United States.

In addition to his numerous Emmys from the Chicago/Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Skilling received the Illinois Broadcasters Association “Broadcast Pioneer” award in 2018.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Related: California Meteorologist Says She's 'Going to Be OK' After Fainting During Live Broadcast

During his on-air announcement, Skilling looked back on some of his favorite moments with the station, including chasing tornadoes, dogsledding in Alaska, participating in Chicago Weather Day at Guaranteed Rate Field and much more.

Skilling is explaining his decision to retire from his lengthy and illustrious career. “We all get to the point where you have to make a decision. Is it time to retire? And it’s the toughest decision I can tell you about,” he said Thursday.

Related: Iowa Meteorologist Resigns Due to PTSD from Threats Made Over His Coverage of Climate Change

Skilling still plans to stay in Chicago after his retirement but hopes to do some traveling as well. Still, he doesn’t plan to go away entirely.

“I don’t know what I’m going to be doing when I get done with this, except [I won't] have deadlines!” he exclaimed.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.