Whether you're planning a picnic in the park or a beach holiday in a tropical paradise, we all know that staying on top of the weather forecast is crucial. But it’s also become easier than ever. Gone are the days of searching through a newspaper to see whether you should call off your BBQ. Say hello to weather apps.
We're living in an age where weather apps can give you an hour-by-hour weather forecast on your mobile. But there’s a lot more to them than “it’s sunny” or “a bit cloudy.” You’ll get access to all kinds of weather maps, data and even online communities. So, you can use them to plan a picnic, a day out or even an entire holiday – so you’ll always know what to pack!
So, let's dive into the three top weather apps that will keep you prepared and in the know, wherever you end up.
1.Met Office – the essential info
If you’re just after the basics, the Met Office app is clean and simple and will give you your location’s weather at a glance. You can see whether it’s going to be wet or dry or dig a bit deeper into wind speed, pollen count and more.
There’s also a weather map that you can control with a time slider, so you can watch the clouds roll in and (hopefully) around you. But if you just want a quick update without having to do loads of reading, the Met Office also has a regularly updated video that will give you the latest UK forecast.
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2.AccuWeather – the best all-rounder
This app has been around for ages, and it's still going strong. AccuWeather provides accurate forecasts with a user-friendly interface. One of its best points is the MinuteCast, which gives you minute-by-minute rain warnings. No more getting caught in a surprise downpour!
AccuWeather also gives you weather widgets, allowing you to customise your home screen with all the essential weather info you need at a glance. The app also comes with detailed radar maps, so you can track storms as they approach. Whether you're planning to dodge the rain in the UK or planning your holiday tan, AccuWeather has got you covered.
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3.Weather Underground – one for the weather nerds!
This app takes weather geekiness to a whole new level with pretty much everything you’d want to know about the weather. If you know someone you loves talking about the weather, then point them to Weather Underground. Because it has its very own community providing updated info, it’s highly rated for its accuracy – even if its display isn’t the slickest.
Users can submit their own weather observations, creating a network of real-time data – a bit like Waze for weather! You can also access webcams from around the world to see the current conditions first hand. The only possible downside is that coverage won’t be as good in areas with fewer app users.
Download for free:
With these apps in your pocket, you'll never be caught off guard by changeable again. So get downloading and stay one step ahead of the weather, wherever your adventures take you.
Got a fave weather app you’d recommend to the Community? Let us know below.