After nearly three decades of bringing San Diegan's the latest local weather, "Captain" Mike Ambrose is hanging up his barometer and retiring from KGTV.

Captain Mike gave his final forecast Monday on 10News Live at 5.

Ambrose began his career in radio, working at KFWB in Hollywood in 1965, and at KRLA in Los Angeles in 1966. He came to San Diego in 1966 first at KOGO radio, moving to television at KGTV in 1973.

During his long tenure as San Diego’s most popular weatherman, Captain Mike gave over 15,000 weathercasts for 10News.

He also made San Diego's 10Toy Drive a local tradition, providing thousands of toys to needy children. Helping just 12 Native American children in its first year, the 10Toy Drive is now the largest of its kind in San Diego.

SLIDESHOW: See Mike's Many Faces

"Mike Ambrose personifies what 10News is all about ... accuracy, stability, dependability and community involvement. He has always been a bright spot in our newscasts and in the newsroom itself. He may be leaving to enjoy a well-earned retirement, but he will always be a part of the Channel 10 family. I know viewers will join all of us in wishing Mike all the best," News Director Mike Stutz said.

Wondering why they call him "Captain"? Ambrose got the nickname after he donned a World War I flying ace costume and rode a hot air balloon as a publicity stunt. He’s also substituted for Spencer Christian on ABC’s Good Morning America, and has visited Brazil, Hawaii, Mexico, Paris and Switzerland for 10News travel segments.

While Capt. Mike may no longer be on the air, he will remain in the hearts of San Diegans and the 10News family.