History of AccuWeather in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 11, 2026

AccuWeather, Inc., is a private American media company providing commercial weather forecasting services. Founded in 1962 by Joel N. Myers, the company officially adopted the name 'AccuWeather' in 1971. It is a key player in the weather forecasting industry.

1962: AccuWeather Founded

In 1962, AccuWeather was founded by Joel N. Myers.

1971: Name Change to AccuWeather

In 1971, the company adopted the name 'AccuWeather'.

1982: The Weather Channel Launched

In 1982, The Weather Channel was launched, becoming the first 24/7 weather network on American television.

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April 14, 2005: Introduction of the "National Weather Service Duties Act of 2005"

On April 14, 2005, U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) introduced the "National Weather Service Duties Act of 2005" in the U.S. Senate, which was seen as an attempt by AccuWeather to profit from taxpayer-funded weather research.

2005: Launch of The Local AccuWeather Channel

In 2005, AccuWeather launched The Local AccuWeather Channel as a digital subchannel to television stations.

2007: Barry Lee Myers becomes CEO

In 2007, Barry Lee Myers became chief executive officer of AccuWeather.

2009: End of Westwood One Partnership

In 2009, AccuWeather ended its partnership with Westwood One.

2010: Jim Kosek's "Snowmaggedon" Forecast

In 2010, AccuWeather's broadcast meteorologist Jim Kosek gained attention for his "all-out, manic style" announcements, including a blizzard forecast that became known as "snowmaggedon".

2011: WeatherNation TV Launched

In 2011, WeatherNation TV was launched, becoming the second 24/7 weather network on American television.

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April 2012: Historical Data Range Shortened

In April 2012, AccuWeather drastically shortened the range of their publicly available historical data from 15 years to 1 year.

2013: Assessment of AccuWeather's 25-Day Forecasts

In 2013, an informal assessment by Jason Samenow at The Washington Post asserted that AccuWeather's forecasts at the 25-day range were often wrong by as many as ten degrees Fahrenheit.

2014: Plume Labs Started

Plume labs started in 2014, as an air pollution visualization and forecasting service.

2015: Joint Venture with Huafeng Media Group

In 2015, AccuWeather entered into a joint venture with the Chinese company Huafeng Media Group, gaining rights to deliver forecasts from the China Meteorological Administration.

2015: Launch of The AccuWeather Channel on Verizon FiOS

In 2015, Verizon FiOS replaced The Weather Channel with a new 24/7 all-weather television network called "The AccuWeather Channel".

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2016: Extended Forecast Range to 90 Days

By 2016, AccuWeather increased its forecast range to 90 days.

August 2017: AccuWeather iPhone App Privacy Issue

In August 2017, it was discovered that the AccuWeather iPhone app inadvertently sent location information to Reveal Mobile without user consent, due to a faulty SDK.

October 12, 2017: Nomination of Barry Lee Myers to Head NOAA

On October 12, 2017, President Donald Trump nominated AccuWeather CEO Barry Lee Myers to head the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

January 1, 2019: Barry Lee Myers Steps Down as CEO

On January 1, 2019, Barry Lee Myers stepped down as CEO of AccuWeather.

November 12, 2019: Myers Withdraws Nomination

On November 12, 2019, Barry Myers withdrew his consideration for nomination to head NOAA due to ill health after two years of inaction on the nomination.