Staff Sgt. Brandon Proctor, a weather broadcast technician at the American Forces News Weather Center at Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., builds a graphical animation for a Pacific Region weather report. (U.S. Air Force photo/G. A. Volb)OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb (AFPN) -- In an effort to offer servicemembers, their families and other Department of Defense personnel stationed overseas access to timely weather updates, American Forces Network Weather Center weathermen here now include daily forecasts on their Web site.
In what is a typical 11-forecast daily programming cycle for broadcast technicians here, they now upload two products for each of four regions covered. The Atlantic, Pacific, Europe and Southwest Asia Regional forecasts will include an "extended" and "morning" video link on the Air Force weather Web site. When selected, the videos will play the current forecast in Windows Media Player.
"We wanted to enhance the viewing opportunities for our customers," said Staff Sgt. Annette Prato, an AFNWC weather broadcast technician. "Not everyone is sitting in front of the television when our broadcasts are aired, so this provides them with an alternate method of getting those forecasts."
Sergeant Prato said each of the forecasts is uploaded by midafternoon the day prior, central standard time.
According to Chief Master Sgt. Mark Redford, 2nd Weather Group superintendent, this new capability is another example of Air Force weather professionals taking advantage of technology to improve quality of life for families overseas.
"This new process allows families access to weather information whenever and wherever they need it," said Chief Redford. "Whether you're trying to decide how to dress the kids for school or if you will get your weekly round of golf in, the 2nd Weather Squadron is committed to providing families with a quality product that best serves their needs."
To enjoy the new broadcasts via computer, use the following link: http://www.afweather.af.mil/weatherupdates/index.asp