More positive changes are happening at WeatherWatch.co.nz as we lock in some new features and promote some older ones.

More Variety
We had a goal that by April 1 we’d have more variety in our stories – with our three forecasters, Philip Duncan, Richard Green and Howard Joseph creating a more even mix of comments, views and stories across the week.  This has taken place in the past couple of weeks and for April and beyond all three forecasters will contribute stories and blogs on a frequent basis.

More Local Content
We often run surveys and polls asking how we’re doing. Last year you told us you wanted more local content – and we are now doing this.  We have significantly dropped small international stories and instead replaced with NZ focused weather forecasts and news.

Better International Stories
When we do source international weather news we are making them more relevant.  For example, more stories about storms hitting New South Wales and Queensland rather than remote western parts of Australia. 

5am National Forecast
Every day of the week you can now read our national forecast from 5am at WeatherWatch.co.nz.  It’s designed to be a quick glance forecast that you can read from your mobile phone or computer.

Daily Highs
We’re adding far more centres to our list of daily national highs

Philip Duncan’s Week in Review
Starting tomorrow – and continuing each Saturday morning – Philip Duncan will write a column here at WeatherWatch.co.nz discussing the week that has been – from weather and environment to outer space and politics. 

Weather Videos

• Our nzherald.co.nz weather videos will continue – uploaded Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons around 2pm.  We’re also keen on your feedback – you can send it directly to the Herald by clicking here.
• Country99TV sneak peak video will also continue on Monday evenings – a chance to see a minute teaser video about the week ahead.  Simply click the link to go to Country99TV to subscribe to our full 8 minute long range forecast, the only one of its type in New Zealand and a vaulable tool for farmers and those in agribusiness.

More changes coming
We are working on several things at the moment.  Here’s a quick glance at our main projects…

• Warnings page – to display all MetService warnings and WeatherWatch.co.nz Storm Alerts
• More detailed weather forecasts – we realise the forecasts we have around the country are very basic – except for Auckland and Hamilton.  We hope to add far more detail to these forecasts which will greatly add to the accuracy – and means you can check out the forecast for different day parts up to 6 days in advance.
• Mobile Apps – to be honest this is still a wee way off, but we do hope to have something later in the year to make accessing all our content so much easier from your mobile device.