There are several excellent weather apps available for both PC and mobile devices. Here are some of the best options.
AccuWeather, Users Choice
AccuWeather (PC, Mobile): AccuWeather is a popular and reliable weather app that offers detailed forecasts, radar maps, severe weather alerts, and customizable widgets. It provides accurate weather information worldwide.
Download and Install the App
Visit the app store associated with your mobile device (e.g., Google Play Store for Android, App Store for iOS) and search for “AccuWeather.” Download and install the app on your device.
Grant Necessary Permissions
When you launch the app for the first time, you may be prompted to grant the app permission to access your location, notifications, and other relevant features. Allowing these permissions will ensure accurate weather information and timely alerts.
Set up Your Location
AccuWeather usually utilizes your device’s GPS to detect your current location automatically. Ensure that your device’s location services are enabled. Alternatively, you can manually search for a specific location within the app to view weather information for that area.
Explore the App’s Features
AccuWeather offers a range of features to help you access weather information. Here are some common features you can expect:
Current Conditions
The app displays the current temperature, real-feel temperature, humidity, wind speed, and other relevant details for your location or the selected location.
Forecasts
View detailed forecasts for hourly, daily, and extended periods. These forecasts typically include information on temperature, precipitation, wind, and other weather parameters.
MinuteCast
AccuWeather’s MinuteCast feature provides minute-by-minute precipitation forecasts for the next two hours, helping you plan for rain or snow.
Severe Weather Alerts
The app notifies you about severe weather alerts issued for your location, including thunderstorms, high winds, snowstorms, and other significant weather events.
Radar and Maps
AccuWeather often includes interactive radar maps, satellite imagery, and weather maps to track storms, view cloud cover, and observe weather patterns.
Lifestyle Forecasts
Some versions of AccuWeather offer lifestyle forecasts, providing information on how the weather may impact activities like outdoor workouts, gardening, or travel.
Customize settings: Explore the app’s settings menu to personalize your experience. You can often adjust units of measurement, enable/disable specific notifications, set preferred weather sources, and customize the app’s appearance.
The Weather Channel (PC, Mobile): The Weather Channel app provides real-time weather updates, hourly and 10-day forecasts, radar maps, and severe weather alerts. It also offers personalized weather content and videos.
Weather Underground (PC, Mobile): Weather Underground combines data from various weather stations to provide hyperlocal forecasts. It includes interactive radar maps, severe weather alerts, and a wide range of weather data.
Dark Sky (Mobile): Dark Sky is known for its hyperlocal and up-to-the-minute weather forecasts. It provides detailed information about current conditions, hourly forecasts, and precipitation timelines. Dark Sky was acquired by Apple, and its features have been integrated into the Apple Weather app.
WeatherBug (PC, Mobile): WeatherBug offers real-time weather updates, radar maps, lightning alerts, and live weather cameras. It provides detailed forecasts, along with features like pollen count and air quality index.
Weather.com (PC): The website of The Weather Channel, weather.com, is also a great option for PC users. It offers comprehensive weather information, including hourly and 10-day forecasts, radar maps, and weather news.
NOAA Weather App
NOAA Weather (Mobile): The NOAA Weather app is an official app from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It provides access to reliable weather forecasts, severe weather alerts, and radar imagery.
To Use the NOAA Weather App, Follow These Steps
Download and install the app: Visit the app store associated with your mobile device (e.g., Google Play Store for Android, App Store for iOS) and search for “NOAA Weather.” Download and install the app on your device.
Grant Necessary Permissions
When you launch the app for the first time, you may be prompted to grant the app permission to access your location, notifications, and other relevant features. Allow the app to access the necessary permissions to ensure accurate weather information and timely alerts.
Set Up Your Location
The NOAA Weather app typically uses your device’s GPS to detect your location automatically. Ensure that your device’s location services are enabled. Alternatively, you can manually search for a specific location within the app to view weather information for that area.
Explore the App’s Features
The NOAA Weather app provides various features to help you access weather information. Here are some common features you can expect:
Current Conditions
The app displays the current temperature, humidity, wind speed, and other relevant details for your location or the selected location.
Forecasts
View detailed forecasts for hourly, daily, and extended periods. The forecasts typically include information on temperature, precipitation, wind, and other weather parameters.
Severe Weather Alerts
The app notifies you about severe weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) for your location. These alerts may include severe storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other significant weather events.
Radar Imagery
The NOAA Weather app usually offers access to radar imagery, allowing you to view current precipitation patterns, storm movement, and other weather features.
Additional Features
Depending on the app version and updates, you may find additional features such as satellite imagery, weather maps, tide information, and more.
Customize Settings
Explore the app’s settings menu to customize your preferences. You can often adjust units of measurement, enable/disable specific notifications, set up favorite locations, and personalize other aspects of the app to suit your needs.
Follow These Steps To Install a Weather App for PC
Open your web browser: Launch your preferred web browser on your PC (e.g., Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge).
Visit the app store or website: Go to the official website of the weather app you want to install or visit the app store associated with your operating system (e.g., Microsoft Store for Windows, App Store for macOS).
Search for Your Suitable Weather App
Use the search function within the app store or website to find the specific weather app you want to install. Alternatively, you can also search for weather apps using a search engine like Google by typing the name of the app along with the platform (e.g., “AccuWeather for Windows”).
Select and Download the App
Once you have located the desired weather app, click on the download or install button associated with it. The process may differ slightly depending on the app store or website you’re using.
Follow the Installation Prompts
If you are downloading the app from an app store, you will typically be guided through the installation process automatically. If you downloaded an installation file from a website, locate the file in your downloads folder and double-click it to begin the installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Launch the Weather App
Once the installation is complete, you should see the weather app icon either on your desktop or in your list of installed applications. Double-click the icon to launch the app.
Set up the Weather App
Upon launching the app for the first time, you may be prompted to configure your location settings or grant necessary permissions. Follow the prompts to set up the app according to your preferences.
That’s it! You have now installed a weather app on your PC. You can usually customize the weather apps settings, such as preferred units of measurement or notification preferences, within the app itself.
Which Weather Apps are Free?
Many weather apps offer free versions with basic features, while also providing premium versions with additional features and benefits. Here are some weather apps that offer free versions:
AccuWeather: AccuWeather offers a free version of its app that provides basic weather information, including current conditions, hourly forecasts, and 15-day forecasts. It also includes severe weather alerts. Premium features like MinuteCast (minute-by-minute precipitation forecasts) and extended radar options are available with a subscription.
The Weather Channel: The Weather Channel app offers a free version that provides current weather conditions, hourly and 10-day forecasts, radar maps, and severe weather alerts. Premium features such as ad-free experience, enhanced radar, and advanced forecast maps are available with a subscription.
Weather Underground: Weather Underground offers a free version of its app that provides current conditions, 10-day forecasts, interactive radar maps, and severe weather alerts. Premium features like ad-free experience and advanced radar options are available with a subscription.
WeatherBug: WeatherBug offers a free version of its app that provides current weather conditions, hourly forecasts, 10-day forecasts, radar maps, and severe weather alerts. It also includes features like pollen count and air quality index. Premium features such as ad-free experience and enhanced radar are available with a subscription.
NOAA Weather: The NOAA Weather app is entirely free and provides access to reliable weather forecasts, severe weather alerts, and radar imagery. It is an official app from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
It’s important to note that while these apps offer free versions, they may include advertisements or limited access to certain features. Premium versions or subscriptions often provide additional benefits, such as ad-free experiences, extended forecasts, and more detailed radar options.