GERMANTOWN, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Earth Networks, the leading provider of weather intelligence solutions and Global Weather Corporation® (GWC), the world’s most accurate forecast data provider today announced several new features to the ENcast suite of forecasts including new weather variables, improved near-term precipitation, and advanced detection of severe weather areas. These new offerings are particularly valuable for weather-sensitive industries where forecasting accuracy is most critical – ranging from air and ground transportation to public safety and national meteorological and hydrological agencies.

ENcast is based on Earth Networks proprietary weather station and lightning sensor networks coupled with GWC’s weather forecasting platform. The use of Earth Networks data helps eliminate model biases and increases forecast accuracy across the globe. Independent research has proven that by infusing these hyperlocal data networks, forecast errors are reduced by as much as 40%, boosting thunderstorm detection and forecast accuracy by as much as 80% - an industry first.

ENcast users now have access to an even wider range of proprietary forecasts that include the following specialty variables:

• Solar Insolence – used to measure potential solar energy production.
• Wet Bulb Temperature – the temperature at which dew point occurs.
• Wet Bulb Globe Temperature – used to measure heat stress in direct sunlight.
• Snowfall Accumulation – the amount of snowfall in a hyperlocal area.
• Ice Accumulation (Horizontal) – the amount of ice accumulation on the ground.
• Ice Accumulation (Radial) – the amount of ice accumulation around utility wires and tree limbs.

“Even the smallest error in a short-term weather forecast can pose a challenge to maintaining business continuity and negatively impact an organization’s bottom line. More importantly it can threaten the safety of employees,” said Mark Hoekzema, Chief Meteorologist at Earth Networks. “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with GWC, the global leader in accurate weather forecasts, by offering these enhanced ENcast capabilities that deliver unmatched hourly forecasting accuracy from 0-15 days.”

Pinpoint forecasts are increasingly critical for organizations to address the growing volume of severe weather outbreaks, which through early 2017 were occurring at twice the average rate over the past decade. The Earth Networks weather network consists of more than 10,000 stations that are exclusive to Earth Networks and update with live data every two seconds. And with over 1,500 sensors measuring lightning in 90 countries, Earth Networks Total Lightning Network is the most extensive and technologically-advanced lightning network in the world.

“The combination of Earth Networks’ total lightning and vast weather station network allows GWC to provide a unique offering only available through ENcast,” adds Mark Flolid, CEO, of Global Weather Corp. “We can respond to any customer need for specialized, reliable forecasts for any location.”

For additional information on how ENcast can help your organization, visit here. For more information on Global Weather Corporation, visit here.

About Earth Networks

Earth Networks has been Taking the Pulse of the Planet® for more than 20 years. We help organizations mitigate financial, operational and human risk by providing environmental intelligence from the world’s largest hyperlocal weather network. Schools, airports, sports teams, utilities and government agencies rely on our early warning solutions to safeguard lives, prepare for weather events and optimize operations. Companies across all industries use our weather data to automate decisions regarding risk management, business continuity and asset protection.

About Global Weather Corporation

To serve a world connected by information, Global Weather Corporation© (GWC) is transforming how weather forecasts are created, delivered, and used. GWC's artificial intelligence systems process the world's best weather data into forecasts that have been independently validated as the most accurate available anywhere (by ForecastWatch, www.bit.ly/1HHncFd). Our customers are large and small companies globally; we improve how they serve their customers, and make their operations more effective. For further information, visit www.globalweathercorp.com.