US EditionIf You're Trying to Track Winter Storm Fern, You Should Try One of These Weather Apps
- On Jan. 23, 2026, a multistate winter storm unfolds with photos showing impacts in Chicago, Illinois, and Glenside, Pa., while meteorologists say smartphone weather apps are less reliable for complex storms.
- The storm's mix of multiple precipitation types and rapid shifts challenge AI interpolation from model grids and regional outputs, causing errors with localized conditions just miles apart.
- The Weather Channel app combines data from more than 100 weather models and over 100,000 citizens, while professional meteorologists at more than 125 weather service offices oversee forecasts.
- Boasting booming traffic this week, The Weather Channel app sees heavy use as experts warn hyped forecasts and social media can erode public trust, complicating emergency messaging.
- Industry leaders argue apps that pair NWS data with meteorologists' expertise produce better forecasts, with Belanger emphasizing an all-hands-on-deck approach and noting not all apps are equal.
47 Articles
47 Articles
Weather apps can help with winter storm prep, but don’t count on 100% accurancy
By SETH BORENSTEIN and TAMMY WEBBER, The Associated PressSmartphone weather apps that summarize their forecasts with eye-popping numbers and bright icons may be handy during mild weather, but meteorologists say it’s better to listen to human expertise during multi-faceted, dangerous winter storms like the one blowing through the U.S. this weekend.
Sterling Journal-Advocate
The coming winter storm: There’s an app for that. But how reliable is it and what’s inside?
By SETH BORENSTEIN and TAMMY WEBBER Smartphone weather apps that summarize their forecasts with eye-popping numbers and bright icons may be handy during mild weather, but meteorologists say it’s better to listen to human expertise during multi-faceted, dangerous winter storms like the one blowing through the U.S. The multistate storm’s combination of heavy snow, treacherous ice and subzero temperatures shows why it’s best to seek out forecasters…
What weather apps sometimes miss about dangerous winter storm conditions
Smartphone weather apps that summarize their forecasts with eye-popping numbers and bright icons may be handy during mild weather, but meteorologists say it’s better to listen to human expertise during multi-faceted, dangerous winter storms like the one blowing through the U.S. The multistate storm’s combination of heavy snow, treacherous ice and subzero temperatures shows why it’s best to seek out forecasters who can explain its nuances via loc…
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