AccuWeather.com Introduces AccuPOP™, World's Most Accurate Precipitation Predictor

Consumers can now know the probability of snow, ice and rain in each three-hour period for the next four days

(State College, PA, January 7, 2003) - AccuWeather.com (www.accuweather.com), the second largest and fastest-growing weather Web site, has introduced the perfect tool for planning weather-related activities with the introduction of the revolutionary new AccuPOP™ - the AccuWeather Probability of Precipitation.

A scientific and technological breakthrough, AccuPOP delivers the percentage chance that a measurable amount of precipitation will fall in every specific 3-hour time period over the next 96 hours anywhere in the U.S. By simply going to www.accuweather.com and looking up a local forecast, consumers can find the AccuPOP for that specific area, including information on precipitation amounts and type. AccuPOP is updated hourly, making it especially useful for weather-related decisions such as best times to travel and what to wear.

AccuPOP is available free to the general public at AccuWeather.com.

Created in response to The American Meteorological Society's 2002 statement endorsing probability forecasts and recommending that their use be substantially increased, AccuPOP features two graphical representations for ease of use. One shows six time periods with probability and precipitation amounts: the next three hours, the next six hours, the next 12 hours, the next 24 hours, the next 48 hours and the next 96 hours. The other shows probability in three-hour segments over the next 96 hours. A low AccuPOP means there is a small chance of measurable precipitation, while a high AccuPOP indicates the chance is far greater. AccuPOP forecasts are generated by the AccuWeather Forecast Engine™ using proprietary computer algorithms that determine the probability of precipitation for each three-hour period based upon a combination of longer-term probabilities and precipitation amounts. AccuWeather is so confident in the impact the technology will have in the meteorological community that it has applied for a U.S. patent for AccuPOP.

"At AccuWeather, our goal is to provide weather information that allows people to better plan their outdoor, business and recreation activities," Dr. Joel N. Myers, president and founder of AccuWeather, Inc., said. "AccuPOP is a result of years of research combining our resources, creativity and, most importantly, our commitment to serve the public with weather data that is extremely valuable."

AccuPOP forecasts represent the first time that a weather service has provided detailed precipitation forecasts updated every hour in three hour increments.This offers the user more up-to-the-minute and comprehensive data on approaching storms and precipitation. Other weather services update once or twice each day and only provide the chance of precipitation over a 12-hour period. AccuPOP provides probabilities and amounts of each type of precipitation for each period - rain, snow and ice.

The benefits to consumers are profound. If an impending winter storm was approaching a metropolitan area, residents could visit AccuWeather.com to learn about expected conditions for next morning's commute. For example, at 8 p.m. AccuPOP would provide the precipitation probabilities for any three-hour period during the duration of the storm, along with the predicted amount of snowfall and other precipitation at the following times: 11 p.m. that night; 2 a.m., 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. the next day; and at 48 and 96 hours. This would enable users to know the time snow will start and what to expect the rest of the night, as well as during the morning. Users could also learn when the storm is expected to end.

In addition to their Web site, AccuWeather offers AccuPOP to traditional media outlets. Television and radio stations can use AccuPOP's up-to-date precipitation probabilities to enhance their weather presentation. AccuPOP also complements the RealFeel Temperature™, AccuWeather.com's exclusive index that describes what the temperature will actually feel like based on a variety of factors. Combining AccuPOP and RealFeel gives consumers a complete and accurate assessment of potential upcoming weather conditions.

For more information and to access AccuPOP, visit www.accuweather.com. AccuPOP can be found as part of AccuWeather.com's local forecasts.

About AccuWeather and AccuWeather.com

AccuWeather.com, The World's Weather Authority®, provides a portfolio of products and services through the airwaves, via the Internet, in print, and behind the scenes that benefit hundreds of millions of people worldwide. AccuWeather.com services more than 130,000 paying customers in media, business, government and institutions, and millions more through the website. AccuWeather.com also provides content onto more than 1200 Internet sites including CNN Interactiv, ABC's owned and operated stations, The Associated Press©, The Washington Post and The New York Times.

To speak with an AccuWeather meteorologist about breaking weather news, contact 814-235-8650.

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