Veteran weather forecaster Dave MacDonald is leaving CTV News after more than 40 years of discussing everything from sunshine to snowstorms on the air.

MacDonald made the announcement on Friday evening, but will remain on the air until the end of June.

Dennis Watson, general manager and vice-president of CTV Southwestern Ontario, says "Dave is arguably the most recognized person in this area…There is no doubt he will be missed, but we are happy for him and wish him all the best."

Also the general manager at Faith FM, MacDonald was born in London, Ont. but grew up in Vienna, attending high school in nearby Tillsonburg.

He worked for Environment Canada before joining CTV Southwestern Ontario, then CKCO-TV, in 1969.

Over the years MacDonald has also been very active in the community, getting involved in the Ride for Dad, raising funds for prostate cancer, as well as with the Waterloo Region Food Bank and other groups.

For his part MacDonald says he'll likely keep on checking the weather every morning, "It's been a part of my routine for so many years now, making sure I'm not going to get wet when I go out for coffee on the [motor] bike."

MacDonald's replacement will be introduced Monday, and a special farewell package will air on June 30.

For an in depth look at MacDonald's life and career watch ProvinceWide on Sunday, June 26 at 6:30 p.m.

MacDonald is leaving CTV to enter politics.