The default weather app on Android is pretty good: It's quick, simple, and tells you the basics. For many people, that's all they need. But “fine” isn't enough for some people. That's why they turn to AccuWeather!
1. Minute by minute forecast
One of the things that attracts users to AccuWeather is the MinuteCast feature. This feature gives you minute-by-minute rainfall updates for the next 4 hours. This feature is precise and something you never knew you needed until you used it.
Let's say you're planning a quick walk to the store and it's looking a little dark. With the default weather app on Android, you'll get the vague “rain expected” message.
But with AccuWeather, you can know exactly when the rain will start, how heavy it will be, and when it's likely to stop.
Even other Android weather apps tried before deciding on AccuWeather were not accurate enough to accurately determine when or how long it would rain. This difference may not seem like much until you're deciding whether to run to the store or wait for a brief drizzle to pass.
2. Interactive satellite and radar maps
Another great feature of AccuWeather is the interactive radar and satellite maps. Unlike the static images on default apps, these maps are dynamic, detailed, and amazingly intuitive. You can zoom in to see what's going on in your area or zoom out to get a more complete picture of the weather patterns in your area.
Want to know if a thunderstorm forming nearby is headed your way? Radar allows you to monitor it almost in real time. Satellite overlays provide even more depth, showing cloud layers and weather, so you can really understand what's coming.
This feature is especially useful in stormy weather. Seeing a “severe weather warning” is one thing, but seeing a storm's trajectory is a whole new level of awareness. You can supplement it with apps that help prepare for major storms to plan even better.
3. RealFeel temperature
Many weather apps, including the default app on Android, provide “felt” temperatures. These apps are useful but often basic, taking into account only temperature and wind chill. AccuWeather's RealFeel Temperature goes even further, providing more detailed and personalized information.
RealFeel considers many factors – humidity, wind speed, amount of cloud cover and even sunlight intensity or shade. The result is a temperature that reflects what you actually feel when you step outside.
For example, 50°F on a calm, sunny day will be very different from the same temperature when the wind is gusting and the sky is overcast. RealFeel takes those details into account, so you don't have to guess.
4. Extended forecast
Are you planning a vacation, outdoor event or just want to know what's coming up? AccuWeather's 15-day forecast has you covered. While most default weather apps give you a standard 7- to 10-day outlook, AccuWeather goes further, providing a glimpse of the next 15 days.
AccuWeather also provides extended forecasts up to 45 days, but the 15-day range is most realistic for planning purposes.
Having that expanded view helps you spot trends, though. Is there a heat wave brewing? Should you expect a blast of colder air next weekend? AccuWeather gives you early details, even if specifics may change as the date gets closer.
5. Better widget options
Customization is another area where AccuWeather really excels, especially with its wide variety of widgets.
You can choose from a variety of styles, sizes, and layouts, customizing the experience to your home screen look and specific needs. I have a nice 4×2 widget that shows current temperature, RealFeel temperature, and even chance of rain – all at a glance.
Default weather apps often include basic widgets, but they are often limited in both design and functionality. AccuWeather widgets allow you to adjust display content and presentation.
In addition to being visually appealing, AccuWeather widgets are also extremely useful. On busy days, you don't even need to open the app, you can see all the important details right on your home screen. This is one of those little widgets that makes AccuWeather much more relevant to daily routines.
Switching to AccuWeather from the default Android weather app is an easy decision once you experience its rich features and detailed accuracy. While the default apps are good for basic weather updates, AccuWeather's depth and personalization make it a top choice for many people.
