NBC launches weather channel

NEW YORK, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- NBC has partnered with its affiliates to launch an all-weather channel focusing on local weather instead of national reports like The Weather Channel.

NBC Weather Plus began airing Monday in New York, with plans during the next three months to broadcast in 15 additional markets, including Chicago, Detroit and Washington, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.

Weather Plus, a digital channel, is airing over spectrum broadcasters received from the government for high-definition and digital TV. NBC said affiliates reaching 50 percent of the United States are committed to airing the new channel.