Trust winter forecasts again with the top 4 most accurate weather apps
Over the weekend, 10 million Americans across 11 states were under winter weather alerts. Yep, it’s that time of year already.
If your weather “forecasts” — quotation marks intentional — feel useless, I’ve got something you should know: Weather apps pull information from different data networks, and those networks vary in quality as reported by orgs like ForecastAdvisor. Some even vary by region of the U.S. I’ll show you the best to use depending on where you live.
A change in the weather
If you do any searching online about weather apps, you’ll still see “Global Weather Corporation” recommended as one of the most accurate weather forecasts, especially for the West Coast. It’s true, but GWC isn’t available to everyday folks like us anymore. Those services have been bundled off to automotive and data companies so only they can access them — womp womp.
The Weather Channel
Who’s really surprised this long-term player — also known as weather.com — is still at the top of the game when it comes to accuracy? Several apps pull their info from Weather Channel data, so you’ve got some choices other than The Weather Channel app.
Weather Underground is known for its hyper-local weather data and unique network of personal weather stations. You can also check out Storm Radar or the Google Weather app, which pulls data from The Weather Channel.
Best for: The South and Midwest, including in snowstorm-prone states like the Dakotas, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Vermont.
Weather in Microsoft Start
Microsoft, a weather guru? Microsoft Start has a proprietary weather app named the most accurate global forecast provider. Microsoft commissioned the study, so take it with a grain of salt. The trick is a mix of pulling accurate data and using Microsoft AI powers to get the best predictions. Use it here or download the Start app.
Best for: East Coast states and, for you snowbirds, Hawaii.
Weather.gov
Cool trick to get your iPhone to warn you right before it rains
There are plenty of weather apps available with varying degrees of functionality. Most of them will give you basic information like the temperature, humidity and the forecast for the next few days.
But what if you want to receive alerts when it’s about to rain? Well, if you have been looking for an app just like that, you don’t have to search very far. You already have one on your Apple device. A little-known update in the latest version of iOS 15 is there to help.
Worried about storm damage? New phone alert will warn you of 'destructive' weather
Your smartphone has many uses to make life easier, whether it’s related to work, school or your social life. Whatever use you get out of it, remember that it can also keep you aware of dangerous situations and weather conditions, giving you time to prepare or get somewhere safe.