After nearly three decades of brightening Britain’s mornings, BBC weather icon Carol Kirkwood has announced her official retirement — and her next chapter sounds like something out of a romance novel. At 65, the beloved broadcaster is hanging up her weather maps and packing her bags to travel across Europe with her younger husband, leaving fans both heartbroken and inspired.

For millions, Carol wasn’t just the BBC’s resident meteorologist — she was a comforting presence, a ray of optimism in rain or shine. From her early days joining BBC Breakfast in the mid-1990s to becoming one of the network’s most cherished faces, her departure marks the end of an era in British broadcasting.

In a touching on-air announcement, Carol revealed her decision with trademark grace:

“It’s been the privilege of my life to be welcomed into your homes every morning. But now, it’s time to chase a few sunsets of my own.”

Her words sent social media into a frenzy. Fans flooded the BBC’s pages with tributes, sharing memories of waking up to her cheerful forecasts and heartfelt interactions with co-hosts. Many admitted they were moved to tears, calling her “the nation’s sunshine” and “irreplaceable.”

Behind her decision lies a deeply personal journey. After enduring a painful divorce in 2008, Carol found love again later in life — a story that’s resonated with countless viewers. She married her younger partner last year in a quiet ceremony in Berkshire, describing him as “kind, funny, and the calm to my storm.”

Now, the couple plans to travel across Europe, starting with Italy, France, and the Greek islands. “For so long, my life was about early alarms and weather charts,” she shared in a recent interview. “Now, it’s about slowing down — enjoying wine in Tuscany, watching sunsets in Santorini, and remembering there’s more to life than work.”

Former BBC colleagues have praised her as “a consummate professional and a true friend.” Dan Walker, her longtime co-anchor, wrote:

“Carol isn’t just a brilliant broadcaster — she’s one of the kindest people in the business. She deserves every bit of happiness coming her way.”

While her departure leaves a void in the BBC Breakfast lineup, Carol insists this isn’t a goodbye forever. “I’ll always be part of the BBC family,” she smiled. “Just… maybe from a sunnier location.”

As she sets off on her European adventure, fans can’t help but feel that her story mirrors the very essence of her forecasts — sometimes cloudy, often bright, but always full of hope.

Carol Kirkwood may be leaving the weather desk behind, but she’s walking straight into a future that looks as radiant as any sunrise she’s ever predicted. 🌅