(ECNS) - A new rule that comes into effect on May 1 will ban unauthorized weather forecasts by any organization or individual, the Shanghai Morning Post reported Tuesday.
According to the Weather Forecast Report and Communication Management Regulation, only a meteorological observatory is allowed to make such reports, and violators will be fined up to 50,000 yuan ($8,000).
A microblogger on Weibo called "Huatenglongxin" became an online celebrity in 2009 after accurately predicting a cold front in Shanghai.
He says the new regulation will not affect him much, but that he will be more sensitive to the wording he uses when discussing weather phenomena, such as typhoons.
Other amateur weather enthusiasts say the new rule targets those who make sensational statements that lead to public panic, the newspaper reported.
Yu Xinwen, the deputy head of the China Meteorological Administration, has said that consolidating the reporting of weather information could curb negative causes brought on by too many sources.
However, experts say the regulation needs to further clarify certain issues, such as whether paid services are allowed and how weather apps can operate in the market.
