Are the weather apps actually accurate?
The big apps on your phone show one forecast and do not publish exactly how it is made. Here is what each big app says about where its forecast comes from, and how the open models scored in our tests.
Apple Weather, AccuWeather, The Weather Channel and BBC Weather do not publish exactly how their forecasts are made, so none of them can be graded directly. Apple lists ECMWF and NOAA among its data sources, AccuWeather runs its own Digital Forecast System, The Weather Channel uses The Weather Company's GRAF model and BBC Weather credits MeteoGroup. What we can grade is the open models, and which of those verifies best where you are changes week to week.
Is Apple Weather accurate?
the built-in weather app on every iPhone and Mac.
Read the verdictIs AccuWeather accurate?
one of the world's biggest weather brands, known for long-range forecasts and the 'RealFeel' temperature.
Read the verdictIs The Weather Channel accurate?
weather.com and its app, run by The Weather Company, one of the most-visited weather services in the US.
Read the verdictIs Windy.com accurate?
the power-user favourite for its animated maps, used by pilots, sailors and weather enthusiasts.
Read the verdictIs BBC Weather accurate?
the UK's most-used weather service, on the BBC website and app.
Read the verdictIs The Weather Network accurate?
Canada's dominant weather brand, on TV, web and mobile.
Read the verdict