These are weather apps to track snow in Charlotte

Since snow, sleet and freezing rain are in the forecast for Charlotte this weekend, you may want to track the weather in real time on your smartphone to keep up.

There are roughly 8,000 mobile apps with the word “weather” in the title for Android phones and 2,400 for iPhone users, according to a report from The Guardian.

All of the apps offer varying features, like daily weather forecasts, interactive radar maps and snow accumulation models. Most are available on the iOS App Store and Google Play Store for Android.

Here are a few apps to download, along with benefits and drawbacks to each one, according to recent online reviews.

The Weather Channel

Cost: Free with in-app purchases available

This app allows users to track daily forecasts and receive live weather updates, storm alerts and local precipitation updates. Other features include a snow and rain intensity tracker, snow accumulation tracker, and detailed information on allergy and flu forecasts. It is available on iOS and Android.

Pros: Forecast accuracy, location-specific push notification alerts

Cons: Limited features on free version, excessive ads

Clime: NOAA Weather Radar Live

Cost: Free with in-app purchases available

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather app offers real-time radar images, severe weather alerts, accurate weather forecasts and snow depth map displays. It also delivers 24-hour and 7-day forecasts, as well as pressure, humidity, wind speed, visibility and dew point info. The app is available on iOS and Android.

Pros: Easy navigation, forecast accuracy

Cons: Excessive ads, difficult subscription cancellation

WeatherBug

Cost: Free with in-app purchases available

WeatherBug provides forecasts for everything from storm warning to pollen levels, and 18 weather maps, including Doppler radar, lightning, wind, temperature alerts, pressure and humidity. Additional features include an enhanced interactive map to visualize weather conditions and lifestyle forecasts where users can see how the weather will impact trips, workouts, allergies and more. The app is available on iOS and Android.

Pros: Accurate radar maps, easy navigation

Cons: Slow loading times, lack of notifications

AccuWeather

Cost: Free with in-app purchases available

This app gives users access to daily weather forecasts, severe weather alerts and winter weather forecasts that include advanced warnings of snowball probabilities and accumulation. The advanced weather radar lets users track “up to the minute” views of storm tracking, snow, rain, ice, temperature changes and more. The app is available on iOS and Android.

Pros: Timely weather alerts

Cons: Limited location access, inaccurate temperature forecasts

Yahoo Weather

Cost: Free

The Yahoo Weather app offers hourly, 5-day and 10-day forecasts and interactive satellite maps that track heat and wind. Twice daily notifications from the app help users prepare for the day or night ahead. The app is available on iOS and Android.

Pros: Simple UX, animated modules

Cons: Lack of features compared to other apps, inaccurate temperature forecasts

Dark Sky

Cost: $3.99

Dark Sky gives users access to hyperlocal weather information and down-to-the-minute forecasts. The app also offers advanced notification options, which can alert users before it starts raining (or snowing) at their exact location, and a “time machine” feature where users can access historical weather data or future predictions based on seasonal averages. The app is available on iOS.

Pros: Advanced notification feature, more location options

Cons: No widget available, Inaccurate precipitation predictions

Charlotte meteorologists to follow

Fortunately, there are meteorologists in Charlotte who provide weather updates and make normally complicated data accessible to the general public.

These are the Charlotte meteorologists to follow on social media for up-to-date weather information:

This story was originally published January 13, 2022 2:06 PM.