The first weather channel in China will be launched in June, providing updated weather forecasts every ten minutes around the clock.

It will follow extreme climate events and provide real-time emergency reporting on typhoons, sand storms and flooding, according to the China Meteorological Administration.

Other information about environment, traffic, tourism and artistic performances will also be offered.

The channel named China Weather will be produced by Huafeng Group under the administration and operated by China Digital TV Media Inc. Ltd.

Subscribers will be charged eight yuan (about US$1) per month, said Shi Yongyi, general manager of Huafeng Group.

The channel will start trial operation on May 1 and be formally opened on June 6. The programs will cover weather forecasts on domestic cities and overseas cities, as well as climate news and science promotion programs.

(Xinhua News Agency April 8, 2006)