MetService to launch redesigned website

New Zealand weather forecasting service MetService is set to launch a new version of its MetService.com website.

The three-year-old site is one of New Zealand's top 10 most visited. The new version of the website is currently in beta and available for the public to view.

Many of the changes were made in response to user feedback.

“Our users are enthusiastic and highly engaged, and their input has transformed the way metservice.com looks and operates,” said MetService interactive manager Craig Delany.

The new website will incorporate easier-to-understand graphs, new maps and charts, and a design that bears more than a passing resemblance to Microsoft's "Metro-style" live tiles.

Severe weather information is also more clearly displayed in a large red banner near the top of the homepage, which changes to a neutral colour when no severe weather warnings are in effect.

The website has also incorporated social media for the first time. Users will soon be able to share the latest forecast on their Facebook or Twitter feeds.

“We have a great community of visitors,” Delany said. “We love interacting with them, checking out their photos and videos and answering their questions. We know that New Zealanders really love the weather."