NBC News programs are beginning to incorporate meteorologists from The Weather Channel, which NBCU acquired in a multi-billion dollar deal with two private equity firms last month. Weather Channel meteorologist Jim Cantore has appeared on the Today show and Nightly News over the past two days discussing Hurricane Gustav.

This raises the question about what NBC’s plans are for NBC Weather Plus. The network, based at the CNBC complex in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, provides forecasts for a 24-hour, localized digital channel as well as for MSNBC and CNBC. Weather Plus meteorologist Bill Karins appeared on Nightly News Wednesday.

But if NBC’s goal is to begin incorporating The Weather Channel meteorologists into its programs, the next several weeks will give them the best opportunity all year. The NBCU acquisition of the Weather Channel is expected to be complete by the end of the year.