The domain name system (DNS) on the internet has a hierarchy, with the top-level domain (TLD) at the very top. The TLD is the part of the domain name at the end, such as .com, .gov, .org, and .edu, among others. However, as of currently, .weather is not a recognized or existing TLD in the internet DNS structure.
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is the entity responsible for managing and coordinating the DNS to ensure every internet address is unique and that all users of the internet can find all valid addresses. The TLDs are regulated by this body and it is the only organization that can approve the creation of new TLDs.
The existing TLDs can be categorized into three types:
1. Generic TLDs (gTLD), such as .com, .info, .net, .edu, .org, etc. These are the most common and are used globally.
2. Country Code TLDs (ccTLD), such as .us (United States), .uk (United Kingdom), .jp (Japan), etc. These are specifically for individual countries or territories.
3. Sponsored TLDs (sTLD), such as .gov (U.S. government entities), .mil (U.S. Department of Defense), .edu (educational institutions), etc. These require the registrant to represent a specific community or to adhere to strict regulations.
In 2012, ICANN started a new program to expand the internet’s naming system to allow organizations to apply for virtually any word as a gTLD in any language, including in non-Latin scripts. Over 1,200 new gTLDs were introduced as a result of this program (source: ICANN).
Given this, it is technically possible for .weather to be applied for as a new gTLD. It could potentially be used by businesses and organizations associated with meteorology, climate science, weather forecasting, and related industries. However, the application process is complex and costly, requiring a $185,000 application fee and justifying the need for the new TLD (source: ICANN).
Until a successful application is made and approved by ICANN, .weather will not be a recognized TLD. As of now, no publicly available information suggests that such an application has been made or is in progress.
Sources used:
1. Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) – www.icann.org
2. ICANN’s Guide to gTLDs – newgtlds.icann.org/en/applicants/candidate-guide
3. World Intellectual Property Organization – www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/guide/index.html
