Whether you’re getting ready to do a BBQ party, spend a night out watching the stars and planets with your telescopes, or how much power to use if you’re using a solar panel. You’ll want to know what the weather would be like.
If you don’t have Ambient Weather WS-2902C installed in your backyard for more accurate weather forecast, you can download some good weather apps instead.
There are several apps and websites available on the Internet to obtain accurate weather radar data.
Many, however, charge a price, either to buy the program or to subscribe to the radar data. While most of these commercial solutions provide real-time live radar data, a few free radar websites and apps provide user-friendly radar imagery with minimum latency.
Why is it so important to have a minimal delay? Thunderstorms can build and move swiftly during the summer months. Having up-to-date radar data during the winter months can keep you safe during winter storms.
You’re at risk if weather radar websites and apps don’t update their radar data promptly, especially if you’re outside.
Table of Contents
Best of the best weather radar websites and apps
This year, we’ve compiled a list of the seven top weather radar websites and apps. They’re all completely free to download and use.
National Weather Service
Website address: https://weather.gov/radar/
We couldn’t begin this list without starting at the beginning. The National Weather Service’s website provides free radar data that is relatively straightforward to use, and the site was recently upgraded to make it even easier to use.
Users can zoom in and out thanks to a redesigned user interface that works on both PCs and mobile phones. You can also look at animations and other radar products illustrating wind speed and rainfall.
The site also overlays warning boxes on top of the picture to show which storms are under a serious warning. Despite the vastly enhanced user interface, many original flaws still exist.
The radar resolution is still coarse and doesn’t refresh as quickly as other programs. There is still no app, but that is owing to a non-compete agreement in Federal law with the private sector. As a result, you will not be notified of severe weather in your area.
Pros
- Provides a free full suite of radar products.
- On a mobile device, the user experience has been much improved and is much easier to browse.
Cons
- The resolution is a little blurry.
The Weather Channel
Website address: https://weather.com/maps/usdopplerradar
The Weather Channel app remains one of our top radar apps for 2021, and it is, in our opinion, the greatest true mobile weather app. Even though it’s a more broad weather app, we think the radar features are worth highlighting.
The satellite map used allows you to zoom down to street level, and zooming in and out of imagery is fluid. It also offers an unusual future radar option, which uses the company’s proprietary short-range modeling to estimate future storm movement up to six hours in advance.
If we had to identify a flaw with this program, it would be that the radar imagery is smoothed down far too much to make it look decent on the screen. As a result, the data may be inaccurate, particularly when zoomed in.
Smoothing is handled via a premium radar package, which includes higher resolution imagery and the forecast radar imagery stated above.
Pros
- The user interface is well-designed.
- The Weather Channel’s news and video coverage are available to you.
Cons
- Radar in the free version is overly smoothed out.
- Higher-quality radar photos come at a cost.
Windy
Website address: https://www.windy.com
Windy is a wonderful alternative for outdoor enthusiasts who need a more detailed look at the weather, such as boaters and pilots. It also overlays wind data information in a fluid and visually appealing manner, in addition to radar.
You may overlay everything from precipitation to cloud cover on top and look through weather model data.
While Windy has a lot to offer, the radar data is frequently five or more minutes old. It may also be too complicated for the ordinary user to understand, so we recommend some other weather websites and applications if you’re searching for something simple.
Pros
- Maps that are visually appealing
- There are numerous weather data options available.
Cons
- The weather radar data is frequently 5 minutes old or older.
- Has a four-step learning curve.
AccuWeather
Website address: https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/national/weather-radar/
Another program that does a lot more than simply radar is AccuWeather. You may use AccuWeather’s 15-day predictions and various weather data in addition to radar.
The radar also offers a future radar option. However, it only goes out three hours in advance, unlike the Weather Channel’s. It’s also simple to zoom in and out.
While it doesn’t smooth the radar graphics as much as The Weather Channel’s app, it is smooth enough to cause some inaccuracy.
Although the user interface is not as intuitive as others on our list, it is one of the most feature-rich in terms of the data offered.
Pros
- AccuWeather content is available to you.
- There are numerous data options available.
Cons
- The resolution of radar images isn’t the best.
- Future radar will only be active for 3 hours.
Weather Underground
Website: https://www.wunderground.com/weather-radar/
If you’re seeking both radar information and hyperlocal weather conditions, The Weather Underground is a great tool. The site includes the world’s largest collection of personal weather stations, and this information is combined with radar to give you a much more detailed view of what’s going on at any given place.
However, if you don’t need to know about current weather conditions, the extra information may be a hindrance. Its functionality is also quite similar to that of The Weather Channel’s app, which was purchased by The Weather Channel several years ago.
Unless you want the hyperlocal conditions provided by Weather Underground, we recommend using The Weather Channel app instead.
Pros
- Provides hyperlocal weather information
- Its broad PWS network provides a wealth of information.
Cons
- It’s similar to The Weather Channel App.
- Like the free Weather Channel app 6, radar photos are softened.
WeatherBug
Website address: https://www.weatherbug.com/maps/
WeatherBug is still operating and still offers hyperlocal current weather conditions on its website, thanks to its network of weather stations located at homes, schools, television stations, and other locations throughout the world, even if it doesn’t have the same renown as it did a decade ago.
The company also has a free app with accurate weather and lightning data.
While its graphic maps for all kinds of meteorological data are amazing, it smooths up radar imagery, similar to the two apps above. Again, not to the extent that The Weather Channel’s free app does, but close enough.
The free version is recommended. The paid version is $19.99 and removes the advertisements.
Pros
- A wealth of high-quality weather data
- Provides data on lightning
Cons
- The image quality of radar should be improved.
- $19.99 for an ad-free edition with no extra features.
NOAA Weather Radar Live
Because of its well-designed interface and plenty of free data, NOAA Weather Radar Live used to be one of our top choices. That, however, has changed.
Users of the app have stated that the quantity of free bandwidth has decreased and that a premium subscription is now required to utilize most of the app without intrusive subscription popups. That’s a pity, given how useful the software is.
NOAA Weather Radar Live’s radar imagery is crisp, and in the winter, precipitation type is overlaid so you can tell where it’s raining and snowing. Precipitation and satellite data are also accessible, and you may check prediction data for any point on the map.
However, there are no severe weather alerts or lightning data, with the latter requiring premium membership. We’ll keep them on our list, but if they don’t listen to their customers, we may have to seek elsewhere next year.
Pros
- Well-designed
Cons
- Severe weather notifications and lightning data, which are free with other applications, must be paid for.
- There has been a significant reduction in the amount of free data accessible.
- Popups that ask you to subscribe on a regular basis
RadarScope
Website address: https://www.radarscope.app
If none of the above weather applications meet your needs and you’re ready to invest money on a high-quality professional weather radar app or website used by storm chasers, RadarScope is, without a doubt, our top pick.
This program, available for $9.99 on Android and iOS and $29.99 on Windows or Mac, is one of the most up-to-date on the market.
You have access to every single radar product used by the pros almost as soon as they see it—along with the most up-to-date warning information. For $9.99 per year, you may upgrade to the Pro Tier 1 subscription, which includes longer animations and lightning data (essential for outdoor enthusiasts), dual pane functionality, and inspection tools.
The Tier 2 package, on the other hand, includes hail and shear contouring (the latter of which is required for tornado formation), multi-platform support, and a 30-day radar archive. The regular data is amazing, even if you only pay $9.99 for the app without the tiered options.
Pros
- It is, without a doubt, the best radar app available.
- Radar imagery has little, if any, latency.
Cons
- To get the most out of the software, you’ll need the $9.99/year Tier 1 plan.
Dark Sky
Website address: https://darksky.net/
App: iOS
Apple bought this software because it was so good. The software was formerly available for both Android and iOS, but following the acquisition, it is now exclusively available for Apple users.
While its features are gradually being integrated into the iOS weather app, it will continue to exist as a standalone app for the time being.
Dark Sky provides up-to-the-minute weather forecasts that tell you exactly what will happen and when. We tried it out and found it to be very useful for short-term forecasting.
The weather animations are smooth and well-executed. While some smoothness and the radar color scheme are a little strange, this is still a fantastic premium weather app all-around.
Pros
- Its forecasts are remarkably accurate.
- Animations that go smoothly
Cons
- The imagery has been smoothed out quite a bit.
- You can’t turn off the non-traditional radar color scheme.
What is a live weather radar, and how does it work?
A weather radar is a powerful technology that may be used to not only anticipate the weather but also to save people in life-threatening situations. Radar stands for Radio Detection and Ranging, and it is constantly monitored.
The weather radar comprises a transmitter and receiver that detects the movement of objects in the atmosphere using electromagnetic waves. It fires a beam of microwave radiation into the atmosphere, which causes things in the atmosphere to react and return the signal to the radar.
The object’s density can be determined by the radar using this approach. The radar generates images on a computer based on the size and shape of the waves detected by the radar, allowing meteorologists to determine whether the wave is a kind of precipitation.
The dual-polarization system used by the radar has made this easier. In a few seconds, the computer records and analyzes the strength of the returning waves, the time it took to travel to and from the object, and the object’s shifts and motions.
In addition, the entire process consumes extremely little energy. Meteorological institutes, hydrological services, and other organizations employ the best weather radars.
What are the best ways to use weather radars?
Weather radars can be incredibly beneficial to the average person. Weather radar applications may be highly useful whether you live in a location that receives a lot of rain or are traveling somewhere.
It can relieve a lot of stress when it comes to packing and planning your travel dates. You may always use Rain viewer radar applications for Androtravelerid or iPhone to have easy access to current weather reports, or you can pay for more advanced paid versions that ensure accurate forecasts in any language you want.
If you are a keen traveler or an adventurous photographer who enjoys photographing cloud formations and lightning, you will always benefit from having weather radar software for storm chasing.
Buyer’s guide
Tracking in real-time
When choosing a weather radar website for any place, go with a live and finest weather radar website. You will profit from live weather tracking since you will receive continuous updates and be able to make decisions quickly.
If a thunderstorm or hurricane is approaching your city, receiving the latest information can allow you to plan ahead of time for how you will deal with the situation.
Hyperlocal forecast
It’s always a good idea to be aware of the current state of affairs in your neighborhood. Getting a more generic weather report for the entire state can cause more confusion than clarity.
Your major focus should be your home or work environment. The hyperlocal forecast will help you comprehend this and provide you with reliable statistical data about your neighborhood.
Reports on the advanced forecast
Knowing ahead of time what will happen in the atmosphere for the next 10-15 days will put you in a better position. The greatest weather radars online can assist you in determining your plans for the next week or two, especially if your job requires you to be out for extended amounts of time.
So, if you have a picnic or an outdoor event the following week, you’ll be more prepared for weather changes.
Detection of temperature, humidity, and wind speed
Don’t accept anything less than the best. Find an app or software that predicts temperature, humidity, heat index, pollen count, UV index, and even wind speed in addition to basic storm and rain predictions.
Knowing these things will help you in your daily life and will also prepare your mind for what to expect when you leave the house. These radars, which are especially handy for wildlife and animal photographers, can point you in the right direction at the appropriate time.
As a result, choose the Dark Sky weather app for the most up-to-date information on weather conditions.
Spotting rain
Rain is the most prevalent type of precipitation on the planet. As a result, reliable rain detection in a weather radar app is a critical quality to seek.
Rain spots will allow you to organize your day properly, whether you should go out with an umbrella or go for a hike early in the morning or later in the evening. Some of the top weather apps accurately forecast rain and its severity for the next 5-7 hours.
It will suffice to protect your high-end gadget from damage.
Top-quality weather data
By providing the greatest online weather radar for hiking and other reports for many areas at the Best-Valued platform, you can rapidly expect reliable and high-quality weather information from the Dark Sky.
Let’s say you want to hang out with your pals but want to know the weather prediction so you can make the most of your day. After purchasing the program, you must download it since it has the most up-to-date forecasting methodologies and a future-day animation for a clear sky picture.
Innovation
Innovative future technology is always mesmerizing. Weather apps are always innovating to provide better accuracy, predictive weather forecasts, and more.
So, if you want to check the temperature and wind direction in the fall, you should look for an app that’s constantly evolving.
Graphics
A radar app on the Best-Valued platform may also provide you with graphical forecast updates, which can help you prepare air and snow quality reports.
With the finest weather radar for Android smartphone gadgets, we can’t say enough about channel access and video coverage.
Advanced integration
Get a more advanced integration from the app, which includes a perfect weather radar for boats and advanced weather tracking across the world.
Customer service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and super-resolution reader data for humidity is also available on the top weather radar websites.
Temperature and humidity monitoring
If you want to keep track of your temperature and humidity, you can download an app. You’ll get the best weather radar app for the rainy season, which will provide you with a real-time weather forecast with an interactive map and live radar worldwide.
It also allows you to personalize your alert and display widgets.
Static forecasting
If you’re looking for an app that primarily provides a visual forecast with statistics and an interactive map, RainViewer is a great option. It provides a superb weather radar for aviators.
This prediction works with Android and iPhone smartphones to keep track of rain, snow, and storms. The list also includes the finest weather radar for Mac and Windows.
Suggestion
Let’s say you’re seeking a weather radar to help you integrate climate conditions. In that case, you can visit RadarScope, a website that provides a perfect reader for boating and enables for advanced tracking across the world.
You’ll get a high-resolution reader with humidity data, as well as 24/7 customer service to help you with any issues.
Before you go out and buy a fantastic weather reading app, you should first learn about all of the characteristics that the app can offer you in order to help you advance your technology and receive a perfect appearing real-time forecast anywhere in the world.
Final words
Any of the weather radar websites and apps listed above will keep you informed in the event of severe weather, regardless of which option you choose. You may even try all of them and see which one works best for you and your lifestyle. Stay safe!
