BOSTON -- Dick Albert, WCVB’s longtime co-chief meteorologist, announced his plans to retire Wednesday at a meeting in the station’s newsroom.

Albert, known as “Dickie” to millions of viewers, joined WCVB in 1978. In his thirty-one year tenure, Albert was the dean of New England’s meteorologists. In his announcement, Albert said, “My career has been a gift. I’ve worked with the best in the business and enjoyed every minute of it.”

Photos: Dick Albert Through The Years | Watch A Tribute To Dick

One of the most recognized and beloved personalities in local television, Albert said, “I’m not going away. Everyone knows that I am passionate about the weather. It’s not only my vocation, but my lifelong avocation. As much as I will miss my Channel 5 colleagues and the legions of New England viewers, I will be out in the community, speaking and teaching. I’m also developing a website, www.DickAlbert.com to continue to share my love of the weather.”

WCVB President and General Manager Bill Fine said, “Dick Albert's passion for meteorology, coupled with his ability to deliver the most accurate information to New England viewers, is extraordinary and well recognized by all. He is a valued colleague, friend and mentor. All of us at WCVB will miss his daily presence, as will New Englanders who completely trust and admire him."

Albert received many accolades in his storied career, including multiple regional Emmys. He was recognized with the prestigious Silver Circle Award for Lifetime Achievement by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 2004.

Albert was voted the second most popular weathercaster in the nation by “Television/Radio Age.” His work contributed to countless station-wide honors, including Associated Press, RTNDA Edward R. Murrow and National Headliner Awards.

In addition to daily forecasting, Albert worked on children’s specials, “Use Your Smarts” and the educational vehicle, “Albert’s Weather Wagon.” He traveled the country, doing many special news series and stories about Mt. Washington’s weather, tornado alley, the Blizzard of ’78, the 1953 Worcester tornado and New England hurricanes.

“I’ve been blessed with a wonderful family. I look forward to spending more time with them and my friends. I’m also excited to pursue other interests including oil painting, tennis and lifelong learning,” Albert said.

Longtime close friend and co-chief meteorologist Harvey Leonard will take on Albert’s duties at 5 and 6 p.m. His final forecast will be Thursday, Feb. 26.