AccuWeather mashes forecast tool into Google Maps

Google Maps has worked hard to place just about every capability you'd want when you stare at a map into its Web app. That includes the ability for third-party developers to ornament Google's maps with their own KML, or keyhole markup language, mapplets.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

AccuWeather.com announced today its Forecast Snapshot for Google Maps. The add-on slips into the MyMaps tab of a user account and offers multiple ways to fetch the weather forecast while fixating on a particular locale.

Click the map, or enter the ZIP code or city into the AccuWeather.com search bar to grab meteorological data in Celsius or Fahrenheit. AccuWeather.com displays a three-day forecast in the sidebar and on the map face, but the widgetlike qualities stop there. Clicking for compressed or extended forecasts, animated radar, or anything else opens new tabs on AccuWeather.com.

Refreshing the forecast is a little clunky since you'll have to remember to click the map or duplicate your search in AccuWeather's box. Still, it's handy to see the weather report integrated with a directions field right on the map.

Download other AccuWeather.com tools, including browser extensions and an iPhone app, on CNET Download.com.