Apps to download for storm season

THE Bureau of Meteorology might be the official authority on all things weather-related in Australia but those hungry for variety in their forecasts are well catered for in the app world. From the beautiful 3D earth weather widget to funny forecasts at HumorCast, it’s fairly safe to say there’s a weather app to suit all tastes.

Brisbane-based storm chaser Marty Poulwelse said he relied on Rain Radar Australia+ and Weatherzone, which comes with a handy lightning tracker for those willing to pay an $18-a-quarter subscription.

Fellow storm photographer Drew Chapman nominates Oz Radar as his app of choice, despite it being pretty basic.

“What it does have is access to every radar in the country, and it displays a location dot so you know exactly where you are,” Mr Chapman said.

“That’s particularly handy for not getting hailstones through the windscreen.”

Others to consider are Dark Sky, which costs $4 but provides minute-by-minute forecasts and sends notifications before it starts to rain. AccuWeather includes sunrise and sunset information plus allergy alerts and videos about the current weather cycle.

Then there’s Carrot Weather for those who like insults with their forecasts, with quips such as “I hope you get sunburnt” on a hot day, and “your heating bill is going to bankrupt you”.