Prime-time news weather forecasts are okay - but if you really want to stay on top of the temperature, you need access to up-to-date weather no matter where you are. Obviously, there's an app for that (in fact, there's literally hundreds).
To save you time, we've combed through the App Store and Google Play to bring you our favourite apps for weather below (plus surf, snow, fishing reports, marine forecasts, emergency weather and moon phases). And if you're concerned about your phone bill, we've also included handy information on the difference between free apps, paid apps, and in-app purchases.
General Weather Apps
The Weather Channel: Forecast & Radar Maps
Available on: Google Play, App Store
Not only one of the most watched 24-hour weather networks worldwide, the Weather Channel is also behind the world's most downloaded weather forecast app. Offering detailed, constantly updated forecasts (with hourly, daily, weekly and fortnightly time frames), The Weather Channel is one of the most comprehensive weather alert apps available.
With an easy to navigate home screen that gives you need-to-know info upfront, the app is perfect for planning your day or week in the great outdoors, and includes weather maps, news, alerts and more. Like other apps on our list, it also offers push notifications to warn of severe weather conditions, allergy risks, and more.
Weatherzone
Available on: Google Play, App Store
One of Australia's most popular weather apps, Weatherzone combines a local focus with extensive data and a stylish interface. Using forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology, plus in-house meteorologists, Weatherzone provides detailed info on weather both here and worldwide.
Users can browse real-time data and seven-day forecasts, receive weather warning alerts direct to their device, and check up on everything from temperature to wind and rain predictions. There are also extras such as fire danger ratings, pollen forecasts, UV ratings and snow and ski forecasts, all packaged in a beautiful app featuring user-submitted landscape and sky photography.
SunSmart: UV Index and Sun Safety
Available on: Google Play, App Store
Designed to protect Aussies from our harsh sun, the SunSmart app has a seamless and interactive user experience from the get-go.
On download, users set up their ‘Sunscreen profile,’ selecting location and immediately having the option to opt-in for UV index alerts. From then on you’ll see a daily time frame for ‘Sun Protection Recommendations’ as well as the current UV index and the max daily UV.
Another handy feature is the ‘sunscreen calculator’ which indicates the minimum sunscreen requirements for what you’re wearing, gives clothing tips for the day and has the option to remind users to re-apply every 2 hours.
My Moon Phase - Lunar Calendar
Available on: Google Play, App Store
Keep track of the lunar calendar from your pocket with the free, sleek, and easy-to-use My Moon Phase app. With a cool, night-inspired design and plenty of info on current and upcoming lunar cycles, it's a must-have for fans of astronomy, astrology, or science.
You can view data such as moon phases; the moon's distance from Earth; moonrise and set; expected cloud coverage; and golden and blue hour times for budding photographers. If keeping track of the night sky is relevant to your interests, My Moon Phase is the perfect moon-monitoring mobile tool.
AirVisual: Air Quality Index
Available on: Google Play, App Store
AirVisual is the most comprehensive air quality app out there at the moment. For many of us, this season may be the first time you are really paying attention to the air quality index. Which means googling “Sydney air quality” and manoeuvring through jargon and sometimes clunky mobile sites isn’t ideal.
AirVisual cuts through this, displaying the information simply and giving users the option to view a more in-depth analysis at just a tap. In the ‘Places’ view, users can quickly see the real-time air quality, temperature, chance of rain, wind speed and direction in their current location. There are also options to track the air quality index weekly, daily and, in 3 hour intervals – all using a colour coding system that is so straight forward that even a toddler could understand it.
For those interested, there’s opportunities to learn more about what exact particle is polluting the air and even see the global major cities ranked from most hazardous air quality to least. You can create a free account in order to receive bespoke air quality alerts, but even without signing up you can access a wealth of information, health recommendations and track your pollution exposure.
And if you protection against smoke pollution, our sister site Reviews AU have got the run-down on all the best dust masks for outdoors and the best air purifiers for indoors.
Emergency Weather Apps
Australian Fires
Available on: App Store
With the fire season being what it is, apps showing fire location and severity have sadly become part of many Australian's daily lives. Australian Fires offers up-to-date details on blazes across the country. This app is an easy way to keep yourself and your family safe. Fires are clearly marked and offer more information like:
- The exact location of the fire
- Fire status, type and size
- Responsible agency
- Time of the latest update
Users can view the data using an Apple powered map or in list format. The interface is simple, marking your current location on the map with the ubiquitous blue dot. So, you won’t have to scroll around trying to find yourself – as long as you share your location with the app then you will always be in the know.
Plenty of fire response apps have popped up for specific states and territories. Most of them have similar features, but we've compiled the best ones for you below and listed any notable points of difference.
Fires Near Me (NSW)
Available on: Google Play, App Store
Users can set up ‘Watch Zones’ to receive push notifications about fire incidents in that area.
VicEmergency
Available on: Google Play, App Store
The app isn't specific to fires and allows users to see all emergency works, closures and alerts in the state. There is an option to set up ‘Watch Zones’ to receive push notifications about emergency incidents in that area.
Bushfires in QLD
Available on: App Store
You can access statistics on how many emergency response vehicles are on site and en-route to the active fires. You will only be able to see data from when you download the app onward so just be aware that there might be people coming even if the app doesn't tell you just yet.
Alert SA
Available on: Google Play, App Store
Users can set up ‘Watch Zones’ to receive push notifications about fire incidents in that area.
Tas Fires
Available on: Google Play, App Store
Tasmania, unfortunately doesn't have any free emergency alert apps. This one will set you back $1.49 which really isn't much to pay for peace of mind and safety.
secureNT
Available on: App Store
Users can toggle through updates and warnings about fires, extreme weather, health and more. The 'Incident Map' also indicates emergency shelters nearby and gives helpful steps to follow in case of an event.
A note about Western Australia
There are currently no emergency service apps available for WA. We recommend using the Australian Fires app and keeping in contact with your local authorities.
Stay safe!
Sport Weather Apps
MSW Surf Forecast
Available on: Google Play, App Store
Magic Seaweed is one of the oldest and best surf report websites around, so it's no surprise that the company's Android and iPhone apps are a must-have for surfers. The free app gives users long-range forecasts across thousands of beaches and surf hotspots worldwide, including surf and swell height and direction, wind speed, and water temperature.
MSU also features live and multi-view surf cams, real-time reports from across the globe, business directories and surf photo galleries. The MSU Surf Forecast app is free to use and download, but an ad-free Pro version is also available (and includes extended 16-day forecasts).
Fishing Points
Available on: Google Play, App Store
You might have heard the ole sea shanty:
Wind from the east, fish bite the least,
Wind from the west, fish bite the best.
With Fishing Points you can forget that. Users can see predicted fish activity based on solunar forecasts, tide predictions and the weather conditions. You can even set up push notifications for when fish activity is high so you can get out and get angling.
Check fish activity, waves, tides and weather all in one spot or just let the app tell you the best time and place to cast out. Users can save their favourite locations and pictures of their catches conveniently on the one platform. While there is a huge amount of information available on the free version, there is the option to upgrade to premium for $29.99 p/a to unlock unlimited locations and personalised forecasts.
Whether you’re an experienced angler, or just hoping to bring home a flathead – Fishing Points is the catch of the day.
PredictWind - Marine Forecasts
Available on: Google Play, App Store
If you’re heading out on the water for a few hours or a few days, it’s crucial to understand the conditions before you’re in the midst of them. PredictWind is absolute gold for any boating enthusiast. The free version lets you track the wind, waves, rain and clouds for the week ahead.
Where this app really hits its stride is with a premium account. For $159.99 p/a you gain access to ‘Online Weather Routing’ and ‘The Departure Planner.’ Both these features are well worth the money if you prefer overnight or long haul expeditions. Weather Routing finds the fastest route for you across the wind and the swell, while the Departure Planner lets you know the ideal day to head out on the water. An absolute must-have for avid skippers.
Australia Snow Map & Webcams
Available on: Google Play, App Store
Just as its namesake would suggest, this app gives you all your snow reports at a glance.
Users can toggle through the total snowfall for the past 24 hours, 3 days, 7 days and see the date of the last powdering. You can also browse the fields’ webcams to see the current conditions. Conveniently, users can allocate their ‘favourite’ resorts and see only their data to keep the master map from getting too crowded.
During the off-season you can see the snowfields’ scheduled reopening date as well. If you like this app and tend to follow the snow (or just the snow report), quick access to a range of other snowy regions across the globe is inbuilt. All the variations have the same interface and it’s a quick switch between them. A simple but useful app with everything you need in just a couple of pages.
Paid apps and in-app purchases
While all the apps we've listed in this article are free upfront, you will find some applications require you to pay an outright fee to download and use them. If you do tap on a paid app, you'll receive a pop-up asking you to sign in or verify your account before making the purchase, so you're unlikely to buy an app by accident.
Some apps are free to download, but feature in-app purchases - the ability to buy added features or extras from within the app. This mostly applies to games, but again, if you are using an app with this feature, you'll be prompted to confirm your purchase via your Apple ID or Google account before buying.
Need a new mobile plan? Begin your search below.
|
#1
|
Pivotel
25GB Mobile Swift Plan
$11.45/mth
Min. cost $11.45
|
|
#2
|
SpinTel
Editor's Pick
$23 Mobile Plan
$12.00/mth
Min. cost $12
|
|
#3
|
Moose Mobile
Moose 23 SIM Only
$14.00/mth
Min. cost $14
Link not supplied
|
|
#4
|
Swoop
30GB SIM Only 5G
$14.00/mth
Min. cost $14
|
|
#5
|
Dodo
Small Mobile Plan
$25.00/mth
Min. cost $25
|
|
#6
|
Tangerine Telecom
30GB 5G Mobile SIM
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $15
|
|
#7
|
Aussie Broadband
Saver 5G SIM Plan
$30.00/mth
Min. cost $30
Link not supplied
|
|
#8
|
More
30GB 5G Mobile SIM
$33.00/mth
Min. cost $33
Link not supplied
|
|
#9
|
Belong
25GB Mobile Plan
$34.00/mth
Min. cost $34
Link not supplied
|
|
#10
|
Coles Mobile
$35 Mobile Plan
$35.00/mth
Min. cost $12
Link not supplied
|
Anula Wiwatowska
Offsite Editorial Lead | Instagram
Related Articles
