On June 5th 1998 WSFA debuted with one system and a promotion to donate four more AirWatch weather stations to schools in the area by the Fall. Though a small market, WSFA met the challenge of securing a large corporate sponsor in Alabama Power to support their WeatherNet. Not only has this allowed the network to expand, but it has also generated sponsor revenue through advertising on-air and on the Web.

Participating schools will access AirWatch weather data to enhance hands-on applications in science, math, geography and computer skills. WSFA will broadcast localized conditions from the local communities during their weathercasts. The real time weather data will also be prominently featured on the station web site. Since the debut, school applications for the program have poured into the station.

"We have been overwhelmed by the quick response of schools throughout Montgomery. Educators are just thrilled by this program and how it can be utilized within the classroom," commented Rich Thomas, WSFA Chief Meteorologist. "Previously, the only local weather data that was measured in Montgomery was at the airport. Now, through the WSFA Storm Team Neighborhood WeatherNet Program, WSFA is the exclusive provider of live weather conditions from downtown Montgomery. Plus, our viewers who link to our web site are particularly impressed with their ability to get real-time weather observations at any time."

AWS pioneered the concept of remote weather station networks for broadcast and education in 1992. Today 104 television broadcasters air the AWS School Weather Network. Over 2,500 schools, museums, science centers and businesses participate in the network worldwide.