We like our weather forecasts, survey says

Posted Jun 23, 2009 by TBO.com

Updated Jun 23, 2009 at 12:35 PM

It seems Americans have quite an interest in weather, with nine out of 10 getting an average of nearly four weather forecasts a day, according to a survey by the National Center for Atmospheric Research based in Boulder, Colo. The survey conducted in 2006 was paid for by the National Science Foundation.

Among the findings was that 85 percent of the people said that half the time they checked the weather it was just out of curiosity to see what the weather will be like.

The survey also found that the frequency people get weather forecasts varies widely depending on activities or plans or whether there are significant weather events going on. But 87 percent get a forecast at least once a day.

The most common times of day for getting forecasts were early morning, early evening and late evening, with local television being the most common source. Respondents used TV more than 33 times a month for weather forecasts. Web sites and newspapers were less frequently used, but 27 percent of those surveyed used those sources at least daily.

When asked to put a monetary value on the forecasts, the average amount came out to 10.5 cents for each forecast.