Forecast calls for more Al

If NBC’s takeover of The Weather Channel wasn’t already noticeable to the network’s fans, it will be starting today.

The “Today” show’s Al Roker, probably the country’s best-known weatherman, begins an hourlong weekday morning show today. (It airs at 3 a.m. PDT, and repeats at 7 a.m. with updates for fast-changing conditions.)

It’s a symbol of his celebrity status that the show is named “Wake Up With Al” even though he has a co-host, Stephanie Abrams.

The show will include news and business headlines along with the weather. Roker drew a comparison to “Today,” where he will continue to work.

“We look at this as kind of a weather-centered version of that show,” he said.

“Everything you need to know you’re going to get, and you’re going to get it quickly and concisely and with a little flair.”

He and Abrams will try to create morning-show chemistry despite rarely being in the same state.

Roker will work at NBC’s Manhattan headquarters, across 49th Street from the “Today” studio, and from the road when “Today” travels. Abrams will be based at The Weather Channel’s Atlanta headquarters.

Besides the forecasts, the team will do a “Take it or Leave it” segment, a thumbs-up or thumbs-down on the weather in a particular city.

Roker also will periodically “wake up” celebrities or viewers with arranged phone calls.

“We will not be cold-calling people,” he assured.

The birthday bunch

Actress Diana Rigg (“The Avengers”) is 71. Country singer T.G. Sheppard is 65. Singer Kim Carnes is 64. Guitarist Carlos Santana is 62. Actress Donna Dixon (“Bosom Buddies”) is 52. Singer Chris Cornell is 45. Guitarist Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam) is 43. Actor Josh Holloway (“Lost”) is 40. Actor Simon Rex is 35. Actor Charlie Korsmo is 31. Singer Elliott Yamin is 31. Supermodel Gisele Bundchen is 29. Dancer/singer Julianne Hough (“Dancing with the Stars”) is 21. Actress Billi Bruno (“According to Jim”) is 13.