Accuweather and Air Quality (Is it trustworthy?
The below article talks about AccuWeather, some services they provide, the air quality, along with some frequently asked questions about the accuracy of air quality information provided by AccuWeather.
Does AccuWeather provide accurate data?
AccuWeather is a trusted source of a weather data platform that is used globally by public and private stakeholders, to get access to various kinds of data about weather forecasts to air quality. A recent study conducted by ForecastWatch showed that an analysis of 120 million forecasts from over 1000 locations over a 4-year period produced by AccuWeather in the past, has proven to be the most accurate in all categories and is thus a clear winner on accuracy amongst other competitors.
The recent partnership between AccuWeather and Plume Labs shows us that both the internationally recognized platforms are taking efficient efforts to provide users around the world with localized air quality data, along with other information that will help users make informed decisions about their daily activities and thus reduce the chronic impacts of poor air quality in health and well-being.
About AccuWeather
AccuWeather was founded in 1962 by Dr. Joel N. Myers in State College, Pennsylvania. By 1966 it had become the first government radar service used as a Snow Warning/ Forecast System. In 1972, the first radion station – WARM-AM, Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre and televisions station – WPVI – TV, Philadelphia, signs with AccuWeather. In 1975, AccuWeather gives the first ever 7-day weather forecast for television. In 1980, AccuWeather is named as the official weather forecaster for the Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, New York. 3 years following this historic event, AccuWeather launches their worldwide weather forecasting services and begins directly communicating with newspaper stations through data transmitted via typesetting computers.
In 1986, AccuWeather pioneers electric data delivery via weather pages which is used by different newspaper stations, satellites, radar, and weather graphics systems for televisions. In recognition of AccuWeather’s stellar work, on its 30th anniversary in 1992, November 15 was proclaimed AccuWeather Day in Pennsylvania. AccuWeather launches its official website AccuWeather.com in 1996, and introduces a Local Cable Weather channel for television. In 1997, AccuWeather’s founder Dr. Joel N. Myers is recognised as one of the greatest entrepreneurs in American history; and in 1998 AccuWeather opens its new headquarters in State College, Pennsylvania.
In 2002, AccuWeather brings its services to PDAS and cell phones, and the 24/7 AccuWeather Channel is introduced in 2005. In the same year, AccuWeather receives the ESRI Special Achievement in GIS Award for their innovative usage of geographic information systems. In 2006, AccuWeather is officially recognised by the Congressional Committee when it predicted threats of Hurrican Katrina to New Orleans, 12 hours before the National Hurrican Center. In 2009, AccuWeather expands its base and starts providing its weather services for New York Times.
By 2011, AccuWeather has partnered with over 85% of the world’s mobile manufacturers, and in the following year the StoryTeller+ is introduced which enhances the television newsroom experience. This system is currently used by 14 of the top 15 US television markets. In the years to follow AccuWeather launches a first of its kind 5-day, 10-day, 15-day, 25-day, 30-day, 45-day, and 90-day forecasts. In 2015, AccuWeather forms a partnership with Huafeng Media Group, owned by the China Metereological Administration for exclusive weather information distribution in China. In 2017, AccuWeather is named as the world’s most accurate source of weather forecasts and warnings.
Today, the company is a leading global weather and media system, that offers reliable, continuous, efficient, weather data along with media and advertising opportunities for over 1.5 billion citizens around the world. AccuWeather is known globally to being able to extract opportunities on the weather platform be it for business, forming new partnerships, advertising, or other media purposes and is led by an extraordinary team of experts from across the world to produce the best results. AccuWeather has been relied on for decades for accurate information and has saved the lives of many due to its services. Its founder and CEO, Dr. Joel N. Myers was quoted saying,
“ Over our history, we have many examples of where we made a big difference, prevented injuries and the spread of disease, and saved lives outright.”
(AccuWeather, n.d.).
Accuracy and AccuWeather
AccuWeather has been identified as the world’s most accurate weather forecaster in various studies conducted all over the world. AccuWeather believes in having superior accuracy and superior value to the data they provide so that it could help people understand the impact of the weather they would be living through, and thus make decisions that could have lasting implications. AccuWeather boasts of a team of over 100 expert metereologists, plus designers, writers, software and code developers, and other collaborators who work in conjunction to provide the best service suited to the needs of their respective customers.
AccuWeather’s foundation in superior accuracy rests on an efficient framework of enhanced communication system that has been fitted with the best features for details, displays, forecasts, warnings, news bulletins, extra information, etc. so that users are able to chose what they would like to see in a manner that is comfortable to them, and is thus easier to comprehend than other weather data sources. AccuWeather focuses on the data it provides, as well as the impacts these analyses could have on the daily well-being of the citizens, different businesses, etc. so that they can make informed decisions about their daily operations. The company considers the difference in situations across varying places and considers the implications of the same event across varying locations, and provides data in a manner to the users that is relevant to where they are. The company aims to use weather data and technology in a human-centered approach to improve lives and the world around us.
AccuWeather and Air Quality
In May 2020, AccuWeather forms a partnership with the internationally recognized Paris-based Plume Labs. Air quality data from the Plume Labs will now be integrated into AccuWeather’s forecasts, providing users all over the world localized air quality information. The data will be sourced exclusively through Plume Labs and is so far the only partnership in the industry that will incorporate localised air quality data into a platform like AccuWeather for every location in the world through web and mobile platforms. Forecasts will now include unique and specialized data about the weather and how it impacts health and well-being with respect to air quality, with upto a 4-day forecast.
The air quality data can be accessed through a widget which holds data in the Plume Labs’ patented Air Quality Index, to show the air quality through an unbiased lens from anywhere in the world for any location of choosing. The categories under the scale portrays air quality under the following divisions: Excellent, Fair, Poor, Unhealthy, and Very Unhealthy and Dangerous. It also produces information about the dominant pollutant and its concentrations along with other sources that contribute to the levels of the air quality shown.
As air quality becomes an increasing concern amongst global actors, especially at the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is crucial for citizens around the word to consider the pollutants they are exposed to and the implication it could have on them. Through AccuWeather’s partnership with Plume Labs, the company aims to work towards creating a system that cares about human health and well-being, as well as aim at increase trust and accountability between citizens, public, and private actors to take necessary actions against climate change. The initiative is aimed at being accessible to all and to improve overall well-being through enhanced utilization of the resources available through the AccuWeather platform.
The motivation behind the initiative was captured clearly in a statement made by the company’s president, Steven R. Smith:
“When people understand where the worst air is, they can plan to avoid it and minimize the adverse impact it can take on their health. With heightened awareness of people’s health and well-being due to COVID-19, now is the perfect time to build awareness of this opportunity to minimize exposure to bad air, putting people in greater control of their health and safety.”
With AccuWeather’s history of providing accurate information, along with the various awards they have received over the years for their innovative use of geographic information systems to better improve lievs around them, it is evident that the information provided through AccuWeather about Air quality with help from Plume Labs can be trusted, as they are internationally recognised platforms that are relied upon by billions for information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Does AccuWeather provide accurate information about air quality?
What are some features that is included with the air quality data on the AccuWeather platform?
The air quality data will also have information about the health implications it can have on different groups of people depending on the risks or vulnerability factors such as those with respiratory issues, kids, chronically diagnosed individuals, etc. Varying insights are available to different users depending on where they check in from, which ensures that the data they are able to view is relevant to their circumstances and ground reality.
The mapping tool allows for the user to identify regions of poor and good air quality on an hourly basis and gives insights so that users can make informed decisions about going outdoors or their duration of exposure, etc. AccuWeather hopes that these combinations of features will help citizens all over the world make better decisions to reduce the impact of air pollution on their health as well as reduce the impacts it could have on those around them.
How to understand the US Air Quality Index (AQI) ?
US AQI is measured on a scale between 0 and 500, with 0 being pure air and 500 and above representing hazardous air quality.
Source: AccuWeather, n.d.
Is there any country that has passed 500 AQI?
Yes, unfortunately, there are various countries that pass the 500 AQI limits, which means that air quality is hazardous in these areas. For example, in India’s capital of New Delhi the AQI surpassed 999 AQI in 2019, which shows that even short-term exposure has the health consequences of smoking 25 cigarettes. (AccuWeather, n.d.).
Other FAQs about Air Quality that you may be interested in.
How can you improve indoor air quality?
Is Seattle Air Quality Good or Bad?
How bad is the air quality in Osoyoos?
References
AccuWeather. (2016, May 31). AccuWeather is most accurate source of weather forecsats and warnings in the world, recognized in new proof of performance results. Viewed on 12-05-2021. https://www.accuweather.com/en/press/57827706
AccuWeather. (2020, May 6). AccuWeather.com adds air quality insights to weather forecasts in the US and globalluy for greater health management. Viewed on 12-05-2021. https://www.accuweather.com/en/press/accuweather-com-adds-air-quality-insights-to-weather-forecasts-in-the-us-and-globally-for-greater-health-management/734919
AccuWeather. (n.d.). About Us. Viewed on 12-05-2021. https://corporate.accuweather.com/company/about-us/
AccuWeather. (n.d.). How to know when air quality is poor and what to do about it. Viewed on 12-05-2021. https://www.accuweather.com/en/accuweather-ready/how-to-know-when-air-quality-is-poor/693924
CISION. (2020, January 13). AccuWeather, Plume Labs partnership to put users of popular, free app in more control of their health and well-being. Viewed on 12-05-2021. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/accuweather-plume-labs-partnership-to-put-users-of-popular-free-app-in-more-control-of-their-health-and-wellbeing-300986050.html
CISION. (2020, January 14). Latest study of 120 million forecasts proves AccuWeather forecasts are most accurate. PR Newswire. Viewed on 12-05-2021. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/latest-study-of-120-million-forecasts-proves-accuweather-forecasts-are-most-accurate-300986848.html