Storm season is upon us, and depending on where you live, you might already be experiencing strong thunderstorms, minor flooding, or even severe tornadoes. The best way to stay informed about what’s coming next is to keep an eye on your local weather forecast using your smartphone. Below are some of our recommended free weather apps that everyone should consider using on their iPhone or Android device.
Some recommended weather apps
There are many weather apps available on the App Store and Google Play, but they vary quite a bit in quality. Each app provides different types of information, features unique user interfaces, and gets its weather data from various sources, which can lead to some inaccuracies and gaps. Relying on just one app or consistently watching the same TV weather forecast might not give you the complete picture of what’s happening in your area.
When a serious weather event occurs, having the best weather app is just part of the equation.
As the go-to “weather person” for my family, I mix information from various apps to get a clearer understanding of weather conditions. All the following apps are free, though many have ads. To get rid of ads or unlock additional features, you can usually subscribe, but we’ll focus on the accessible versions here.
The Weather Channel app
The Weather Channel app debuted in 2008, only a few months after Apple launched its App Store. It has undergone numerous redesigns but remains one of the most dependable weather apps available. It’s particularly strong in predicting daily and weekly weather forecasts. The live radar feature provides a clear view of storms as they move. Its Severe Outlook map layer helps you determine if your area might experience severe weather. Plus, real-time notifications for precipitation and lightning allow you to know exactly when rain is likely, distinguishing between light showers and heavier downpours.
AccuWeather App
AccuWeather has been around since 1962, earning trust from local TV and radio stations nationwide. The app includes a feature called Minutecast, which estimates rainfall in the upcoming hour, making it easier to plan outdoor activities. The Radar filter also provides multiple views of live radar, temperature, and cloud cover. Personally, I really appreciate the government-issued event map, as it color-codes monitoring and warning zones, similar to what you see on television.
Weather Underground app
While not as well-known as the previous two, Weather Underground has built a reputation over 30 years for its hyperlocal forecasting service. The app combines standard weather indicators in a sleek, modern design. What keeps me using this app is its detailed map data, specifically its storm tracks. Unlike other apps that charge for storm tracking, Weather Underground offers it for free. This feature allows you to view detailed radar information about storms, including their paths, intensity markers, and overall threat levels (like tornado risk, hail, or wind damage). Knowing these details can significantly affect your preparedness if a tornado is heading your way.
Native weather app
If you find yourself in a pinch, your smartphone has a built-in weather tracking option that you can utilize.
iPhone users can access Apple Weather, which relies heavily on data from the Weather Channel. With the addition of Dark Sky’s hyperlocal weather capabilities in 2020, Apple has created a strong weather app that offers detailed rain alerts, severe weather notifications, and articles related to weather from local and major news outlets.
In my view, Apple Weather could improve its radar feature, as I find it tends to highlight only minimal precipitation, which can lead to some inaccuracies, such as false rain alerts, but your experience might be different. Overall, it serves as a solid tool for checking local conditions.
Samsung Galaxy users have Samsung Weather, a straightforward app that presents hourly forecasts, air quality, and other typical weather metrics. However, this app is essentially powered by the Weather Channel, redirecting you to its web app for more detailed data, which isn’t as user-friendly as the main Weather Channel app. If you are a Samsung user, I’d recommend just downloading the Weather Channel app for a better experience.
As for Google Pixel users, they have access to Pixel Weather, an AI-driven app that summarizes expected weather conditions and provides daily forecasts, air quality data, and a slightly improved radar system compared to Apple Weather. While it has a modern look, the accuracy—especially for recent snowfall predictions—has been called into question.
Stay safe with emergency alerts
In severe weather situations, knowing your local forecasts is crucial, but you also need to receive emergency alerts. Fortunately, most smartphones support government alerts to inform you when it’s time to evacuate. Make sure to check your settings so that you’re prepared when the next storm strikes.
- iPhone: Go to the Settings app and tap Notifications. Ensure “Emergency Alerts” and “Security Alerts” are enabled at the bottom.
- Samsung Galaxy: Open the Settings app, tap Notifications, then Advanced Settings, and look for Wireless Emergency Alerts. Ensure “Extreme Threat” and “Severe Threat” are activated.
- Google Pixel: Access the Settings app, select “Notifications,” and then “Wireless Emergency Alert.” Here, toggle the options for Allow Alerts, Extreme Threat, and Severe Threat.
Spring can bring rapidly changing weather, but with a few apps and alerts, you can stay informed to keep yourself and loved ones safe.
