| Core Identity |
| Developer | LIN Television Corporation | The Weather Channel Interactive | WetterOnline - Meteorologische Dienstleistungen GmbH | Aviation Data Systems, Inc | Grailr LLC | Windyty, SE | The Weather Channel Interactive |
| Category | Weather | Weather | Weather | Weather | Weather | Weather | Weather |
| Platform | iOS, Android | Android, iOS | iOS, Android | iOS | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS |
| Store Metrics |
| Rating | 4.6 / 5 | 4.8 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 | 4.8 / 5 | 4.7 / 5 | 4.8 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Ratings Count | 1,999 | 5,821,457 | 290,927 | 1,064,981 | 84,443 | 75,871 | 97,781 |
| Price | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Release Date | Jan 11, 2013 | Nov 9, 2008 | Aug 1, 2012 | Jul 17, 2009 | Mar 19, 2015 | Oct 31, 2016 | Jun 15, 2017 |
| Last Updated | Mar 5, 2026 | May 14, 2026 | Apr 15, 2026 | Apr 14, 2026 | Mar 26, 2026 | Mar 24, 2026 | Apr 21, 2026 |
| Sentiment & Reviews |
| Sentiment | mixed | terrible | mixed | positive | - | excellent | negative |
| Score | 55/100 | 15/100 | 60/100 | 75/100 | - | 85/100 | 25/100 |
| Praises | - Reliable weather alerts and severe storm notifications keep users informed during dangerous weather events
| - Live radar functionality provides essential visual tracking for storm monitoring during severe weather events
| - Forecasting Accuracy
- Radar Visualization
| - High-fidelity radar imagery provides critical situational awareness during severe weather events for outdoor users
| - | - High-fidelity radar and multi-layer weather visualization tools provide professional-grade utility for outdoor enthusiasts
| - High accuracy of weather forecasting provides reliable data during changing conditions for daily users
|
| Complaints | - Intrusive full screen advertisements without clear exit options disrupt the user experience significantly
| - Application fails to launch or remains stuck on the splash screen following the latest update
- Intrusive advertisement frequency and placement disrupt the core weather viewing experience for long-term users
| - Intrusive and Deceptive Ads
- Performance Issues
| - Aggressive advertising frequency interrupts critical weather monitoring during time-sensitive severe storm tracking sessions
| - | - Widget functionality regressions post-update cause data loading failures on specific Android device models
| - Post-update UI changes create visual clutter and reduce readability of critical weather information
|
| Requests | - Manual location search functionality to allow users to track weather in multiple saved areas
| - Option to revert to a classic interface design that prioritizes simple weather data over news
| - | - One-time purchase option to remove advertisements without requiring a recurring subscription model
| - | - Expanded visual indicators for wind direction and storm alerts would improve situational awareness for users
| - Reversion to the previous interface design to restore usability and quick data access
|
| Strategic Intel |
| Strengths | - Local meteorology team authority sustains regional user trust
- Video-first content delivery creates a unique daily habit
| - ForecastWatch 2021-2024 data validates accuracy as a primary brand differentiator
- Massive monthly unique visitor volume provides a foundational B2B distribution moat
| - Streamlined 'All-in-One' radar UI
- High perceived accuracy for temperature and rain
- Robust specialized data for ski and coastal niches
| - Patent-pending rain prediction drives daily retention
- Professional radar pack creates high-value enthusiast barrier
- Aviation data layers secure niche professional revenue
| - | - Multi-model aggregation provides scientific depth for complex meteorological analysis
- 67,000+ webcam network creates a visual-verification loop that competitors lack
- Professional-grade aviation/marine toolset creates high switching costs for power users
| - Trusted meteorological data infrastructure via The Weather Channel
- High-resolution radar visualization for storm tracking
|
| Weaknesses | - Android notification delivery failure rates
- Full-screen ad placements lack clear exit triggers
- No manual location override for travelers
| - High ad-density and small hit-targets create significant usability friction
- Persistent launch failures and widget regressions erode daily utility
| - Aggressive and inappropriate ad content
- Performance lag (ads loading before data)
- Lack of minute-by-minute precipitation granularity
| - Aggressive ad-insertion triggers severe weather churn
- Post-update stability regressions erode trust
- Premium tier lacks one-time purchase option
| - | - Premium tier lacks the hyper-local simplicity of MinuteCast
- Widget regressions on Android create a 0.16★ platform rating gap
- High battery consumption from persistent location requests
| - High-friction UI layout post-update
- Aggressive monetization of previously free features
- Reported app instability and battery drain
|
| Pricing | free | freemium | freemium | freemium | freemium | freemium | subscription |
| Momentum | - | Active | Intense | Intense | Intense | Active | Active |
| Update Cadence | - | 5 versions, 4 majors/6mo, ~10d avg | 5 versions, 5 majors/6mo, ~11d avg | 5 versions, 5 majors/6mo, ~4d avg | 5 versions | 5 versions, 4 majors/6mo, ~20d avg | 5 versions, 5 majors/6mo, ~9d avg |
