Integrated information and communication technology provider Vox has launched an interactive weather channel with meteorologist Annette Botha to deliver informative, educational and credible weather analysis.

Amid increasing adverse weather events and a global movement to deal with the climate crisis, Vox Weather aims to provide top-tier credible forecasts and inspire consciousness and activism around climate change and protecting the planet.

The interactive weather channel, presented by Botha, will focus on viewer education.

“Understanding the weather goes beyond knowing whether to pack an umbrella. It is vitally important for people, both young and old, to develop a holistic understanding of broader trends and how our actions are affecting the health of our planet,” says Vox CEO Jacques du Toit.

Mainstream weather broadcasts have regressed to “static representations which add little value” and have left South Africans in a meteorological drought and applications, which can only partly fill the void, are unable to provide a thoughtful and methodical overview of the intersection between science and the weather.

“Our research has indicated a pressing need for informative, educational and credible weather analysis and we believe that, by providing this to South Africans, we can drive broader understanding and acknowledgement of climate change and how it affects every one of us,” he explains.

“If we can inspire young people to take an active interest in our regional weather and the forces shaping these changes, we would have gone a long way towards arresting the damage we are inflicting on our only planet.”

Vox intends bringing educational content to as many people as possible, in as relevant a time as possible, on the devices where they want to consume their media, by pioneering the most cost-effective production in South Africa and prioritising the immediacy and reach of social media.

Further, Vox Weather will focus on relevant topics of interest every month, adding context and depth to the public’s understanding of topics related to the weather and the planet.

“There is a wealth of data available and we wish to bring insights from this data, through the expertise of Botha, to the wider community, from sportspeople to the general public to those with a vested interest in renewable energy, besides others,” Du Toit comments.

Vox also plans to work with partners ahead of, and during, important sporting events, such as golf, outdoor running and cycling, besides others, to deliver detailed forecasts and drive awareness of the importance of quality and trustworthy weather data and insights.

The technical capabilities will allow for overlaying the track or area of the event on Google Earth and then animating the weather expectations over the course of the event.

“The team will be able to build highly specific and relevant insights for each event, to help for planning for the athletes and supporters,” he explains.

Du Toit highlights the importance of having a qualified meteorologist to present forecasts, with Botha boosting the credibility of what is being presented with her depth of knowledge.

“Beyond this, Vox recognises her passion for educating and inspiring positive behaviour to deal with climate change,” he adds.

“I am thrilled to be presenting the weather again, supported by the best quality tools to bring relatable and informative graphics and information to the public,” Botha says.