As the weather warms, so does our time outside. And our need to know just what the weather will be like, where we are…and when. There are scores of weather apps available for smartphones and tablets. This week, we look at three of the most powerful premium weather apps that you may want to consider.
One of the handiest weather apps I’ve found is called DarkSky and it answers the number one outdoor question I have every summer, namely, if rain is in the forecast, just when will it start…or how long can I stay outside and be dry. This app gives you to the minute notice. It’s expensive as apps go, at $399, but offers brilliantly clear animation and radar animations and forecasts that are right down to the minute for your location. For the iPhone and iPad, coming soon for Android devices.
The ultimate source for weather info is NOAA, of course, and NOAA Weather Radar for iPhone sand iPads offers 1 tap access to every single NOAA Weather Radar site in the continental US for precise local weather and radar. But what makes it worth the still $2.99 pricetag is it’s ability to warn you of potentially hazardous weather with audible alerts that sound even if your device is asleep.
Finally, the most expensive weather app, the $4.99 WeatherGeek Pro for iPhone and Android. It’s claim to fame is that it uses the same weather model data meteorologists use to develop their forecasts. As the name suggests, it’s for serious weather hobbyists who want raw access to various levels of formations from precipitation to atmospheric conditions.