With all the crazy weather being experienced across the country, a good weather app could be a very handy tool for flight planning. Below are five for your review. These are not endorsements of any app.
NOAA Radar US ($1.99 in iTunes)—Optimized for the iPhone 5, this app provides animated weather radar images using NOAA data models. Features include hourly predicted radar from NOAA, choice of radar color schemes, and composite images of echo tops, composite reflectivity, and storm total precipitation.
Flightradar24 Pro ($2.99 in iTunes, Google Play, and Windows Store)—This smartphone radar app provides real-time information about aircraft around the world. The app uses data from sources including ADS-B, multilateration (MLAT), and the FAA.
RadarScope ($9.99 in iTunes and Google Play)—This smartphone app allows users to view Nexrad Level 3 radar data and severe weather warnings. It can display the latest reflectivity, velocity, and other radar products from any Nexrad radar site in the United States, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
Intellicast HD (Free in iTunes and Google Play)—Users of this smartphone and tablet app have access to high-definition interactive radar covering North America. It provides push notifications for National Weather Service alerts. It also provides features including hurricane, cyclone, and typhoon coverage; average and record temperature displays; and the ability to share information via social media and email. Users can pay $1.99 for a six-month storm tracker subscription.
MyRadarPro ($1.99 in iTunes and Google Play; free in the Windows Store)—This smartphone and tablet app provides users with a fast way to check potential radar precipitation. The radar is animated, showing radar from an hour ago up to present time; this animation allows useres to easily see what weather may be headed their way. It also provides NOAA weather alerts, temperatures, forecasts, and a detailed hurricane tracker.
I’m pleased to see that folks are sending in Windows phone apps. Please keep them coming, along with the Android apps, which can be sent here. You can see a complete list of apps reviewed here.
