Weather App Picks

Best forecasts for your zip code.

Apple Weather (built-in)

FREE

iPhone default. Hourly + 10-day. Owned by Apple (was Dark Sky). Solid for most.

Best built-in.

Google Weather

FREE

Built into Pixel/Android. Hourly. Pollen, AQI.

Best Android default.

Weather Underground

FREE / $4/mo Premium

Hyperlocal — uses 250,000 personal weather stations. Most accurate for your zip.

Best hyperlocal.

AccuWeather

FREE / $4/mo

Long-time leader. "MinuteCast" precipitation prediction.

Best minute-by-minute.

Carrot Weather

$5/yr / $20/yr Premium

Funny + accurate. Combines multiple data sources. Best UI.

Best premium.

Windy

FREE / $25/yr

Best for storms, wind, marine forecasts. Map-based.

Best for storms.

NOAA Weather Radio (free apps)

FREE

Official US National Weather Service alerts. RadarScope, Weather Radio Plus.

Best official source.

Sign up for emergency alerts

iPhone — Settings → Notifications → scroll to Government Alerts → ON.
Android — Settings → Notifications → Wireless emergency alerts → ON.
NOAA Weather Radio app sends free severe-weather alerts.
Sign up for "[your county] alerts" texts — search county name.

Avoid sketchy weather apps

Many free weather apps sell your location data.
Stick with Apple Weather, Google Weather, or NOAA-powered apps.
Check app reviews for hidden subscriptions.
"Weather Forever Free!!!" — usually has hidden subscription.
Prefer apps that don't ask for "Always" location access.

Air quality

During wildfire season — install AirVisual or use your weather app's AQI feature. Check before going outside. Above 150 AQI — N95 mask + stay inside. Especially important for seniors with heart/lung conditions.