Finding good weather forecast apps is one of the first things you should do after setting up your new device, whether it’s an iPhone, Android tablet, Windows 10 device, a Mac, or even a computer running Linux.
The free default weather app that comes pre-installed is usually a pretty solid choice for basic forecast tasks, but there’s a variety of third-party weather apps worth checking out; either for their stylish design or additional features.
Best iOS Weather App: The Weather Channel
The official Weather Channel app is a solid iOS weather app alternative on iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. This app features detailed information on location-specific weather that’s updated hourly with forecasts made available for up to 15 days in the future.
Unique background photos that change with the location.
Support for Apple Watch and iMessage for sending weather data to others.
Requires iOS 10, which doesn’t run on older Apple devices.
$5.99 in-app purchase to remove ads is a bit much.
The Weather Channel iOS app offers support for the Apple Watch, which can display basic temperature and weather information, wind speeds, sunrise and sunset times, and time of day. The Apple Watch app can also receive weather alerts for dramatic changes in weather conditions and allows for customization so you can get it to show the information relevant to you.
Something that sets The Weather Channel app apart from others is its allergy data, which displays the daily pollen outlook and alerts you via a notification when pollen levels are higher than usual.
Best Android Weather App: YoWindow
YoWindow is a gorgeous free weather app for Android devices that presents current weather conditions via animated images that update in real-time. Each animation is unique depending on the city or country being viewed, and while not every city in the world is represented, most of the major ones are.
Completely free weather app for Android tablet and phone users.
Beautiful animations that reflect location and weather conditions.
YoWindow’s art style won’t be to everyone’s taste.
May crash occasionally on older Android tablets and smartphones.
The YoWindow app isn’t purely focused on the visuals though, and also displays written information on temperature, UV index, chances of rain, and more. There’s also support for an Android weather widget, which can display this data on your tablet or phone’s home screen.
Best Windows 10 Weather App: AccuWeather
Windows 10’s default MSN Weather app is admittedly solid but AccuWeather gives it a run for its money. This alternative weather app provides you with exact weather forecasts based on your GPS location and features radar data, Cortana integration, and support for light and dark app themes.
This fully-featured weather app is completely free.
A Windows 10 weather app that works on Xbox One consoles as well as Windows Phones.
Weather information completely blocks the nice animated background.
Menu layout isn’t as intuitive as it could be.
AccuWeather also supports several sizes for Windows 10’s Live Tile feature that allows the app to display information directly from the Start Menu, forgoing the need to open it.
Also Available on: Windows 8.1, Xbox One, and Windows 10 Mobile
Best Linux Weather App: Temps
Temps is a free weather app for Linux boasting a streamlined, stylish design that shows you the kind of basic weather information most users require, such as temperature, whether it’s sunny or rainy, and what the weather forecast is for the next few days.
Very cool minimalist weather app design with subtle animations.
Adjustable timezone and location.
Those wanting detailed radar or map views of weather conditions need to look elsewhere.
The basic design won’t be to everyone’s taste.
Weather data can be set to specific cities and the option to switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit is also available. Temps won’t be an app for weather enthusiasts who want to study detailed satellite data, but it’s highly recommended for those looking for a weather app with a stylish flare that cuts to the chase.
Best macOS Weather App: Weather Dock
Weather Dock is a free weather app for Mac featuring data viewable in either Imperial or Metric units. It also provides detailed forecasts for up to three days in the future.
7-day basic forecasts and 3-day detailed weather reports.
Mac dock icon is fully customizable.
30-day forecasts would be better with hourly weather reports.
The app background is a little bland for a weather app.
However, the real star of Weather Dock, as its name suggests, is its Mac dock icon; this can be customized to display weather conditions, temperature, or wind data, and allows the app to enhance the Mac user experience without it being open.
Best Windows Phone Weather App: Strawberry Weather
Strawberry Weather is a cute little weather app for Windows Phone users that features a simple design sensibility and an impressive array of customizable options, allowing you to change the app’s color theme, weather data source, time format, and temperature unit.
Very lightweight and fast-loading.
Full Windows 10 Mobile Live Tile support for showing weather data on Start Screen.
Weather data for nearby locations requires an in-app purchase.
Weather displayed at three-hour intervals instead of hourly may frustrate some users.
This free weather app boasts full support for Windows 10 Mobile features such as Live Tiles, notifications, and Lock Screen information. All preferences sync to the Windows 10 version on PC or tablet to create a seamless experience when switching between devices.
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