All articles tagged with #weather apps
Google's Pixel Weather app for Wear OS is gaining three new watch-face complications—Air quality index, Pollen, and Precipitation—bringing the total to six alongside Sunrise/Sunset, UV Index, and Weather. The update appears in version 1.0.0.94 and can be added via the Pixel Watch companion app or by long-pressing the watch face; some third-party Weather apps already offer similar options, and the rollout is ongoing.
Google's Pixel Weather update adds a white-background icon for older Pixel models, introduces a last-forecast timestamp under the city name, and renames AI Weather reports to Weather Brief in version 1.1.202, with the UI aligning to Google's Material 3 design language.
A winter storm is expected to bring several hours of freezing rain to the St. Louis metro area on Monday, potentially causing icy road conditions and travel delays. While significant ice accumulations are not anticipated, around a tenth of an inch of ice accumulation is projected. The freezing rain is expected to start around 2 a.m. and continue through the morning, impacting morning commutes. Residents are advised to stay updated on the weather through the FOX 2 weather and news apps.
With the loss of Dark Sky and Apple's Weather app experiencing crashes, third-party weather apps are integrating with multiple data sources to offer the most accurate forecasts. Many apps are also leaning into subscriptions and catering to weather nerds with more data and tools. Forecast Advisor, a website that compares the accuracy of weather forecasters, is becoming a valuable resource for users and developers. The real competitive edge for weather apps is being better at telling you the weather, which means more data, more data sources, and more tools for people to be their own meteorologist.
Weather apps can be frustratingly inaccurate, leaving users unprepared for sudden changes in weather. As climate becomes more unpredictable, the need for quick and accurate weather information becomes increasingly important. The challenge lies in finding ways to effectively communicate this information to users.
Dark Sky, the popular weather app, was acquired by Apple and discontinued. While iPhone users still have some of its features in the stock Weather app, Android users can still access it through weather apps that use the WeatherKit API, which includes much of the same weather information that powered Dark Sky. Some Android weather apps that use WeatherKit as a data source include Forecaster, Real Weather, Weawow, Today Weather, and Weather Today. However, these apps lack some of Dark Sky's features, such as precipitation alerts.
Red flag warnings are being issued in many parts of the US due to warm temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds, increasing the risk of wildfires. The National Weather Service issues these warnings in conjunction with local and state agencies. People should prepare for a possible ignition or evacuation, keep their phones charged, and make sure they know where their loved ones are during the day. The NWS is working on a "hazard simplification" effort to help the public understand the warnings better. Ultimately, creating wildfire-resistant communities is the way forward.
After Apple's weather app went down last week, users started questioning why Dark Sky, which Apple bought in 2020, was killed, forcing people to use Apple Weather instead. For those moments when Apple Weather isn’t working out, we’ve compiled a list of nine solid alternatives, including Carrot Weather, NOAA, Pix11, Windy.com, Fox Weather, Weather Underground, WeatherBug, AccuWeather, and The Weather Channel. Most of these apps have at least one killer feature that Apple Weather doesn’t, so jilted Dark Sky fans might even find a new favorite here.
Weather apps rely on similar data from sources like NOAA and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, but different apps use their own algorithms to interpret the data. The problem with weather apps is that they often lack a human interpreter who can offer caveats or a range of outcomes instead of a definitive forecast. While people need reliable forecasting, true loyalty to a weather app comes from one that makes them feel good when they open it.