A service providing the current time and temperature via a telephone call. This automated system responds to a dialed number with a synthesized voice announcement stating the precise time of day and the local temperature, often obtained from a nearby weather station. For instance, dialing a specified local exchange might result in an announcement stating, “At the tone, the time will be 3:15 PM, and the temperature is 72 degrees Fahrenheit.”
Historically, it offered a convenient way to ascertain the correct time before the widespread availability of synchronized clocks and devices. Its benefits included providing a reliable time standard for setting watches and clocks, as well as offering readily accessible temperature information for planning daily activities. The service played a vital role in coordinating schedules and activities across communities.