Weather updates are a crucial part of daily life. Whether you’re a gardener planning to plant your next crop or an outdoor enthusiast eager to see some whales, knowing the forecast is key. Luckily, smartphones offer plenty of handy weather apps, but beware: many of them collect and share data that could potentially put your privacy at risk. Read on to find out more about these apps, their pitfalls and how you can minimize their impact.
Apps can give you detailed forecasts for a specific location, which is great when you want to know exactly what the weather will be like throughout the day. You can also get alerts and warnings for severe weather events, which can help you stay safe and make smart decisions. Some apps also include historical weather data, which can be useful for identifying trends and patterns.
The most popular weather app, AccuWeather, offers a variety of features, including local forecasts, Severe Weather Alerts and WinterCast snow alerts. Its accurate forecasting has earned it a top spot in a YouGov poll of America’s most-trusted news sources for four years running.
Having access to accurate forecasts is vital for preventing disasters such as hurricanes, floods and heat waves. These early warning systems allow cities to prepare and protect housing, and emergency services can be on standby. While improvements have been made in forecasting across income levels, many countries still lack these vital systems. Making them available would greatly improve lives.