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Most accurate weather apps depending on where you live
I was talking to my brother, who got 7 inches of snow in Florida the other day. Wow!
We’re on the edge of a weather forecasting revolution. Google’s AI weather forecasting system, GenCast, can predict as far out as 15 days with up to 97% accuracy. We’re entering the age where severe weather will no longer surprise anyone.
Until these new tools are completed, though, we still have to rely on imperfect data and apps that are, well, kinda right. Weather apps pull information from different data networks, and those networks vary in quality, as reported by tools like ForecastAdvisor. I’ll share the most accurate apps, depending on where you live.
A change in the weather
Search online and you’ll see Global Weather Corporation (GWC) recommended as one of the most accurate weather forecasts. It’s true, but GWC isn’t available to regular folks anymore; their services have been bundled and sold off to automotive and data companies so only they can access them. Womp, womp.
The Weather Channel
Best for: Florida, the South and the Midwest, along with snowstorm-prone states like North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, and Vermont.
Who’s really surprised 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 hyperlocal 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.
Weather in MSN
Best for: East Coast states and, for you snowbirds, Hawaii.
Microsoft? A weather guru? MSN (Start) has a proprietary weather app named the “most accurate global forecast provider.” Microsoft commissioned the study, though, so take that with a grain of salt.
Their trick is a mix of pulling accurate data and AI to get the best predictions. Use it here or download the MSN app. FYI, for this region, Foreca is a strong contender, too.
Weather.gov
Best for: All locations … but it’s clunky.
Weather.gov, aka the National Weather Service, isn’t pretty, but this ugly duckling is reliable and pulls info from many sources to provide an excellent U.S. weather map. If you don’t need a slick interface, you may prefer its deeper dives into forecast maps and radar results.
Enter your ZIP code and save your profile, and it’ll always show you local data. It’s a good option if you don’t want to download an app.
AccuWeather
Best for: Midwest states.
AccuWeather’s app lets you parse weather data however you please. It’s won awards from the World Meteorological Organization for its user interface. Neat feature: RealFeel temps that factor in wind chill to show you how cold kids and pets will feel. It’s also got a two-hour MinuteCast forecast. The downside: The app is a little ad-heavy.
Before you yell about me missing your favorite: There are endless options that all do certain things well. Your fave might not even be the most accurate one for your area, just sayin’.
🌳 Reminds me … What’s the difference between weather and climate? You can’t weather a tree, but you can climate!
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Tags: AccuWeather, Google, Midwest, National Weather Service, network, quality, states, weather, weather alerts, weather apps, Weather Underground
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