Are you on the cusp of planning an outdoor wedding or family gathering? Or are you someone who loves to go hiking in the mountains now and then? Perhaps you’re eager to start preparing for your upcoming beach holiday?
Have you nodded your head in agreement to any of the above questions? Then what’s the first thing you’ve done right before planning to venture into the outdoors? If you’re like most people, chances are you’ve checked the weather forecast on the day/duration of your outing.
Reliable and accurate weather forecasts have become an integral part of how we plan our days. When you know it’s going to rain in the next thirty minutes, you’ll remember to carry a windproof umbrella while going out to run errands.
Likewise, you can check the weather at a new location before you start planning a holiday there. It can go a long way to get the timing of your vacation right. Weather-related information also comes in handy to ensure your safety at the workplace.
This is especially crucial if your job belongs to a weather-dependent industry, such as construction, aviation, mining, etc. The good news is that you don’t have to wait for the local weatherman to appear on the daily newscast on TV. Instead, you now have access to insightful weather data right at your fingertips.
How, you ask?
All you need to do is use the right weather app or website to find accurate, reliable, and timely weather updates. As long as you’re connected to the internet, you can check the temperature, wind speed, humidity, etc. in any corner of the world from the comfort of your home.
But finding the right weather app or website that’s the perfect fit for your needs is easier said than done. This is because of the overwhelming variety of options available on the internet. From AccuWeather and ClimaCell to CARROT Weather and The Weather Channel – you’ll find numerous options.
So, how can you know for sure if a weather app or website is the right choice for you? In this blog, I’ve compiled a few simple tips to make this process easier for you. Let’s take a look.
Weather Apps vs. Websites: What’s the Right Choice?
Before you start your online hunt for the best weather intelligence platform, you must decide whether you need an app or a website. A weather app provides you with precise and timely forecasts on the go. It even sends regular updates and alerts to warn you about inclement weather.
It’s convenient and goes a long way to save you from the wrath of adverse weather conditions. That is, of course, as long as you’ve installed the app on your phone. But if you’re someone who doesn’t like to clutter their phone with too many apps, it isn’t the best choice for you.
A weather site, on the other hand, also provides you with a wealth of relevant and insightful information. For instance, I tested this site called ClimaCell and found that they provide you with detailed weather information for any city or neighborhood.
You even get access to hourly temperature, wind, and precipitation breakdown, as well as a 6-day weather forecast. The only catch is that, unlike an app, it requires you to deliberately type the URL and visit the website to check any weather-related information.
So, the decision to use a weather app or website ultimately comes down to personal preference. While an app is more convenient for people who’re constantly on the move, a website is often a more secure option.
Now that this dilemma is out of the way, here are a few more tips to help you find the right weather app or website:
1. List the Must-Have Features
Typically, any weather intelligence platform will provide you with different types of data, including:
- Temperature
- Wind speed
- Air quality index
- Precipitation level
- Visibility index
However, some apps/websites also offer advanced data, including the details of seasonal allergies. It’s up to you to decide what features you want in your weather app or website.
If you’re looking for an, make sure you analyze the necessity of additional features, such as:
- In-app notifications
- Real-time alerts
- Video-based forecasts
Next, run a quick Google search for the “best weather apps/websites” to explore the available options. Carefully check the features offered by each service and analyze whether it suits your needs. Shortlist the ones that perfectly fit the bill.
2. Consider Ease of Use
The next step is to take every shortlisted option for a spin and evaluate it in terms of speed, responsiveness, and user-friendliness. You wouldn’t want to use an app/website that requires you to scroll or swipe through multiple pages to find relevant data.
If you’re looking for an app, this is also a good time to consider how much space it’ll occupy on your phone’s memory. Also, find out how easy it is to set alerts and modify various settings.
3. Prioritize Security
What’s security got to do with a weather intelligence platform, right? You’d be surprised to know that many weather apps came under fire in 2019 for harvesting the personal data of their users. So, make sure you check the privacy policy of each shortlisted app/website to understand how they’re going to use your data.
4. Check Ratings & Reviews
Now that you’ve almost made up your mind, it’s time to find out what real-life users think about the app/website. Check out various app stores, consumer review websites, and other discussion forums to determine whether the service you’ve selected is worth its salt.
5. Don’t Forget Pricing
Most weather apps and websites let you access basic data and forecasts for free. However, the free version is often flooded with intrusive ads. Find out how much it’ll cost you to upgrade to a premium plan. Also, check whether the app/website provides any advanced features with the premium plans.
What weather app/website are you using in 2021? Share your recommendations in the comments section below.
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