Calling Your Cell With Weather Information @ (NAPSA)—In the wake of a rough hurricane season, you definitely want to know which way the wind is blowing. Fortunately, your cell phone may provide just the warning system you need. Many cell phone companies now offer weather forecast sub- scription services that are easy to download into a cell phone. Just follow the directions on the wire- less provider’s home Website and you'll know all about any hazardous weatherconditions. “Customers can get warning information about storms,blizzards and other weather hazards,” said Mike Bennett, consumer affairs director of Cingular Wireless. Costs vary depending on the numberof features and the brand of phone, ranging from $1 to $4 a month, with most averaging around $2 and the charges showing up on your monthlybill. The weather forecast services have many features: In addition to severe weather alerts, callers receive current U.S. weather conditions, including real-time Doppler radar and satellite imagery. The services allow callers to view temperatures, winds, dew points and sky conditions dis- played over regional, national or local weather maps. Among the most helpful features, especially for business travelers, are the 12hour and seven-dayforecasts. Health-conscious people can even receive information about ultraviolet light exposure, the air- quality index and pollen counts. One service, AccuWeather.com Messenger, also available from Cingular, calls wireless users daily with the forecast for a speci- fied area and with weather alerts for flood warnings, hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and winter storms. This service works with phones that do not have (SMS) text messaging. Changes to the service are made via the AccuWeather.com Messenger Website. Not all phones are configured to receive the information. Your wireless provider’s Web site will tell you which phones can receive the forecasts. If you buy a new phone, be sure to ask if the phone you haveselected is compatible. Andthere is always the chance that someone, especially outdoorsmen and fishermen, will be out of range. “Get your weather forecast before you head for remote areas,” Bennett said. You can learn more at “Ask the Wireless Guru” at www.thewire lessguru.com.
