The Weather Channel has launched a new online feature called RetroCast, offering weather forecasts in the style of its 1980s and 1990s cable broadcasts, complete with simple graphics and smooth jazz. The site went live on April 1, but the channel confirmed on social media that it is not an April Fools' joke.
Users can access the retro mode by visiting weather.com on the web and clicking the 'RetroCast Now' button at the top left. The page opens with a rotating compass and a countdown, followed by live, real-time weather updates. A meteorologist's voiceover introduces the forecast, saying: 'Coming up, a look at your local radar. But first, the current local conditions.'
The RetroCast provides current conditions for the user's local area and other major US cities, along with a 36-hour forecast, an extended forecast, regional forecasts, and local radar. The channel announced the launch on Instagram, stating: 'This is not an April Fool’s joke. You’ve asked (a lot) and we’ve listened.'
Fans of the channel have praised the nostalgic interface, with many calling for the return of the old TV format. One user commented: 'Please bring back the old school format! We want local on the 8’s every 10 minutes. We want the jazz. We want 24/7 weather like it used to be.' Another added: 'I’ve prayed for times like these.'
