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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The Google Weather app now points to search results.
- Pixel Weather (the app exclusive to Pixel phones) isn’t changing.
- Local news station apps are your best bet for accurate forecasts.
If you’ve used the Google weather app (technically a widget on your home screen) to check the forecast recently, you might have noticed a change. Instead of a visually pleasing rundown of the temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation, you get Google Search results for “weather” instead. This change has apparently been in the works for a while, but 9to5Google recently noticed it’s now widespread.
The information is mostly the same, but it’s definitely a little easier to digest the old way. So what’s changed?
Google hasn’t offered an explanation, but I have reached out to ask. It’s most likely that Google just didn’t want to maintain two similar weather experiences (Google’s phone line — from the Pixel 6 and later — has an exclusive Pixel Weather app that isn’t going anywhere) when users could get essentially the same information by pointing them to a Google search.
Also: The best Google phones: How does the Pixel 10 Pro Fold stack up?
Fortunately, the new Search results still include Froggy, the unofficial weather mascot who can be seen doing things like flying a kite, sitting on a beach, or carrying an umbrella depending on the forecast. (Pixel users don’t get Froggy.)
If you’re disappointed over the change, it’s probably a good time to point out that your phone’s default weather app really isn’t the best option anyway. What’s your best alternative now?
What are the best weather apps for Android?
As a bit of a weather geek, my recommendation will always be to use a local source for your forecast like your NBC, ABC, or CBS affiliate. Most local news stations have their own app with a weather tab, and most of those apps deliver information supplied by local meteorologists. You can usually set up alerts to receive notifications about severe weather.
That’s an important distinction because, for weather forecasting, a human is always going to have a more accurate picture. An app might give you a guess based on one model run, while a human gives you context based on patterns (and often knows your specific area very well). If you want the most accurate weather forecast, stay local (and make sure that the one you choose has human input).
Also: Forget your weather app: 15 reliable meteorologists and other sources for accurate ice storm updates
If you don’t have a local option, there are some reliable weather apps you can use.
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Everything Weather: The National Weather Service (NWS) doesn’t have a dedicated app, but Everything Weather is a close alternative. This free app takes data directly from the NWS and presents it in a pretty package, so it’s best if you want to see info straight from the source.
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Windy: The Windy app is one of the most recommended on Reddit, and while it’s targeted at people doing outdoor sports and activities, it’s a solid option for other users, too. There is also a premium version of this free app.
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Weather Underground: If you want hyperlocal weather, this free app is your choice. The Weather Underground app lets you check current conditions or forecasts using data from more than 250,000 personal weather stations worldwide (my own weather station is part of that network).
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