<P> The Weather Channel uses special proprietary equipment that inserts information on current and future local weather conditions , and weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service and the Storm Prediction Center and National Hurricane Center , if it is viewed on a cable television provider . The original WeatherStar technology has been upgraded on larger cable systems to the IntelliStar , which incorporates `` Vocal Local '' to announce current conditions , weather bulletins and detailed local forecasts . Subscribers of satellite , IPTV and some smaller cable providers originally saw only a roundup of local TWC - sourced forecasts for major cities across the U.S. , as well as national and regional satellite and radar images , and severe weather watch and warning maps when active . However , satellite customers with newer systems or interactive TV receivers have the choice of `` roundups '' or localized forecasts . For both cable and satellite viewers , popular music ( formerly smooth jazz ) plays in the background during these segments . Some older WeatherStar units were still in use by small cable companies that could n't afford to upgrade to the IntelliStar . The WeatherStar units are also able to overlay text - based local contact information over the national feed during certain business advertisements aired on the channel . </P>
where does the weather channel get its information
special proprietary equipment that inserts information on current and future local weather conditions , and weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service and the Storm Prediction Center and National Hurricane Center