The latest gimmick for WBBM in Chicago is the Mobile Weather Lab.

According to the station, whether severe storms bring tornadoes, hail, extreme heat, or blizzard conditions, CBS 2 can bring viewers real-time data from the rooftop of the Mobile Weather Lab. The Columbia Pulsar 600 ultrasonic weather station can pinpoint inclement weather at precise locations; and monitor temperature, wind speed and direction, dew point, and barometric pressure – just to name a few capabilities.

The Mobile Weather Lab also features two types of live transmission capabilities, including a 4G cellular technology system.

WBBM Meteorologist Megan Glaros reports the Chicago area’s first highly-advanced weather station on wheels took more than 100 hours to retrofit and engineer, transforming and taking shape piece-by-piece.

A heavy-duty HD camera gives viewers a new perspective of the ever-changing weather, capable of rotating 360 degrees while the vehicle is in motion – all controlled through a wireless joystick inside the Mobile Weather Lab.

It’s also equipped with a live satellite dish to transmit from any location, and two GoPro cameras – one on the dashboard, and one on the side of the vehicle.

A control panel behind the rear seats allows the user to monitor the cameras, and a touchscreen display creates a multiple camera switcher to deliver pictures back to the CBS 2 studios as they happen.

The car is a BMW X5 and it is sponsored by....use guessed it....BMW.