Rain or shine, Journal-World readers will be greeted by a colorful and more informative weather page starting today on page 8B.

Readers can expect a more comprehensive and timely weather package prepared by AccuWeather, a leading commercial weather forecasting service with more than 15,000 clients, including The Associated Press, CNN and CBS.

The weather page continues to feature 6News chief meteorologist Jennifer Schack’s five-day forecast.

In addition to the Kansas and national maps, the weather package includes a topographical map of the region, a plus for commuters.

“The maps give readers a better feeling for what the weather is going to be locally and statewide,” said Scott Homan, a director and meteorologist for AccuWeather, which is based in State College, Pa. “The weather package will also give readers a better feel for how to plan their week.”

The weather package includes several new features, including probability of precipitation, and wind speed and direction.

“In the Plains, wind is very influential in our forecast, and knowing its strength and direction is important,” Schack said. “If you are having a picnic and the forecast is for 72 degrees and sunny skies, that’s wonderful. But if the winds are expected to be 25 mph, that’s a big difference.”

The weather package also includes some fun features, including Weather History and Weather Trivia.

AccuWeather has a staff of 113 meteorologists who use the latest technology and up-to-the-minute data resources.