The Weather Channel Launches New API for Developers

The Weather Channel Companies have announced the global launch of The Weather Channel API, an easy-to-use application programming interface that allows developers to offer the most accurate, reliable weather information within websites, mobile websites and within apps for the Web, PC, mobile phones and smart phones.

The Weather Channel API is an unbranded (i.e. white label), electronic information service containing meteorological information that is being made available under a subscription model by TWCC in both XML and JSON data formats. The service, intended for use in commercial applications, will be available for subscription in 33 countries and is targeted at the small to medium-size business (SMB) market.

"The Weather Channel has been a leader in data services, providing access to the most comprehensive global forecast set available anywhere, to some of the most recognizable names in business" said Scott H. Zucker, director of revenue management & optimization for TWCC. "The launch of The Weather Channel API is a natural extension of our core business and now makes available the weather information that users have come to trust from The Weather Channel in an application programming interface that developers can use to extend the value of their own digital applications."

The Weather Channel API provides access to weather information for more than 100,000 worldwide location IDs and has built-in support for five languages: English, Spanish, French, German and Portuguese. Developers will have access to current weather condition data, forecast information in data and text format, sunrise and sunset times, the current and forecast UV index and climatology information. Also available in the United States are abbreviated severe weather alerts and four different types of national and regional maps, including Doppler Radar which is updated every 15 minutes.

Multiple features are available to registered developers through The Weather Channel API portal located at http://portal.theweatherchannel.com/:

• Evaluate The Weather Channel API for free by signing in to the "Can I try it before I subscribe?" feature
• Access The Weather Channel API Implementation Guide for technical details of requesting data and using the service
• Receive The Weather Channel icon set to present a graphic representation of sky conditions.
• Receive support for developers from TWCC via e-mail at theweatherchannelapi@weather.com or The Weather Channel API Hotline at (770) 226-2329.

Subscriptions to The Weather Channel API start as low as $19.99 per month. Since each app is as unique as its developer, developers can review the cost of the service for unique implementations with TWCC's handy pricing guide, available at http://portal.theweatherchannel.com/pricing1.aspx.

Subscriptions to the service are offered on either a monthly or yearly recurring basis. Subscribers who opt for the yearly plan receive a discount equal to getting one month free. For more information about The Weather Channel API, go to: http://portal.theweatherchannel.com/.