Longtime WTHR Meteorologist Chris Wright is signing off from the station.  

Wright has been at WTHR since 199 and he's been in Indianapolis longer than that. Wright came to WTHR from WISH where he served as the primary meteorologist for the station.

A number of staffers were surprised when the email came out from WTHR News Director Kathy Hostetter.

Here is the internal memo sent to the staff: 

This is a tough note to write as it involves a dear friend and colleague.  Chris Wright has informed us that he is going to pursue other job options outside of WTHR.  What that will be is a big question right now, but I want you all to know that this was Chris’ decision, despite many efforts to keep him here at Indiana’s News Leader.

When Chris arrived here at WTHR in 1999, I had the pleasure of working with him on the Skytrak/WALV weather project as it was in its infancy.  Chris’ leadership in that venture afforded us all an opportunity to blaze a trail in local 24/7 weather.  That has carried over to our many platforms.  Chris has maintained a solid weather presence in this market, and his voice in Central Indiana will be missed.  Chris will be with us through the end of July.  We wish him the very best of luck in the new course that lies ahead for him and his family!