The Weather Channel recently launched its first free application for BlackBerry smartphones. The app includes features such as GPS-based Location Tracker and interactive radar maps.

This version of The Weather Channel’s mobile application for RIM smartphones is supported by advertising. So be on the lookout for expandable banner ads.

The Weather Channel for BlackBerry includes interactive radar maps as well as current conditions, hourly, 36-hour, and 10-day forecasts. Users can share severe weather alerts, current conditions and forecasts with friends and contacts via e-mail or text message directly from the application.

Integration with the BlackBerry calendar and address book allows folks to check weather for daily appointments as well as stored contacts.

This free application is available from the BlackBerry App World and from the BlackBerry browser here for BlackBerry Curve, Bold and Tour users and here for Storm owners.

The premium, ad-free version of The Weather Channel for BlackBerry is still available for a one-time fee of $3.99. Well worth the price of admission if you can’t stand mobile advertising.