Whether The Weather Be Fine

Most users find that Apple's built in "Weather" app is satisfactory and gives them enough information. These people are the ones who have not tried a third party weather app. Two apps in particular are much more thorough and provide significantly more information. I will compare the likes of The Weather Channel and AccuWeather for iPhone.

Both apps offer current conditions, an hourly forecast that shows the next 24 hours, and a weather map with precipitation and heat overlays. They both display an assortment of relevant data including wind speeds and humidity, as well as a "feels like" temperature.  Weather advisories are depicted in both apps with an exclamation point to make you aware of the warning.

The Weather Channel forecast screen (left) & icon (bottom middle) with AccuWeather's icon (top middle) & home screen (right)

The Weather Channel (TWC) features both a 36 hour and a ten day forecast for advanced weather predictions.  I find the user interface (UI) for this app is more instinctual than AccuWeather's UI.  All of the forecast options  are clearly listed on the bottom of the screen (see picture below).  I also much prefer TWC for its ease of use in checking the weather for multiple locations.  You simple slide the screen to the left or right to traverse between all locations.

Get the app by clicking here!

AccuWeather boast a 15 day forecast as its long term weather information tab.  The additional current weather information (humidity, visibility, etc.) is always displayed on the main screen.  Part of what I don't like about this app is that to see the hourly forecasts you scroll to the right and see chucks of forecasts in four hours blocks.  Not a fan.  Most of the time that I am checking the weather I am doing so on the fly and cant be bothered to scroll over 4 or 5 times to see what the next day will look like.

Get the app by clicking here!

Both apps are very good and are much better than the stock weather app that comes on your iDevice.  Either one is a good choice!

The Weather Channel Professional Weather Center