iPhone users trying to plan what to wear around the weather on Tuesday might have had some trouble relying on Apple’s weather app.
Apple Weather temporarily went out in the morning, displaying only a city name without any forecast — an apparent repeat of other outages over the past month.
The glitch was especially frustrating for iPhone users who previously used Dark Sky, a once-popular weather app that shut down and collapsed into the weather app that comes with iPhones.
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday, but the app appeared to be working again by mid-morning.
Of course you have other options besides the phone in your hand or pocket.
Go local.
Instead of relying on an app that provides forecasts for around the world, find one that focuses on where you live. Many local news stations have their own weather apps or news apps with weather features. The local meteorologists behind those apps probably know your area well and can make accurate forecasts.
Watch the weather channel or AccuWeather.
If you’re looking for forecasts from around the world, consider the Weather Channel or AccuWeather apps. Both go beyond detailed forecasts and provide a look at allergens in forecast areas.
Pay for storm tracking.
If you live in a region prone to severe weather and you like storm tracking, RadarScope has detailed radars that show the intensity of an incoming storm and its path. Those detailed radars have a one-time price of $9.99. Third-party apps like Carrot Weather and Weather Underground also offer paid options.
Add the National Weather Service web page to your phone.
Many TV station meteorologists regularly consult with the National Weather Service, so you might as well go straight to the source. The service’s forecasts are usually accurate and reliable.
The Weerdienst does not have an app, but the website is available on mobile phones. For quick access, search for your local Weather Service office and add the web page to your phone.
On an iPhone, you can do that by clicking the submit button at the bottom of the screen, selecting “Add to Home Screen” and clicking “Add.” It creates what looks like an app on your phone’s screen, but it directs you to the weather service’s forecast page for the region you’ve selected. On an Android device, add a web page by tapping the menu button, then clicking “Add to home screen.”
Keep it simple.
If you’re looking for a weather app with just the basics and no frills, consider the Real Weather app for iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. The app has a minimalist design with font and graphics that look like they were hand drawn.
