Apps for weather wisdom

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Of course there’ll be a massive hailstorm along soon, there always is; but for deeper data…

Not your standard weather forecasters, these six apps offer detailed, tailored data on just how merciless nature is planning to be from one day to the next ● Weather on the Way

Knowing it’s raining outside your flat isn’t much use when you’re going on a road trip – hence this app, which combines forecasts and route maps. You can peruse temperatures and weather symbols that sit atop a map showing the line of your journey, or use a timeline view that states how far you’ll get before having to close the sunroof. Go ‘Pro’ to set departure times and choose alternative routes.

£free or £2.99/m / IOS

● Good to Stargaze

Astronomy apps might provide guidance on whether you’ll spot exciting things in the night sky or gloomily spend your time peering at clouds, but Good to Stargaze takes things further. Its various tabs provide at-a-glance views of important stats and how they’re likely to change as the night progresses. You can also make the app your own by adjusting threshold settings for sky cover and wind. from £free / Android, IOS

● Weather Assistant

In isolation, weather forecasts are just data. But when aligned with activities, they help you plan – which this app enables with panels for pursuits like outdoor sports. Bar charts then sit alongside traditional views, so you can decide whether to venture forth or stay in and watch TV… which is also one of the panels. (Although how bad would the weather be for that activity to become sub-optimal?) from £free / Android, IOS

● Solarwatch

For some people (photographers, sporty types, vampires) it’s more important to track daylight than rainfall, temperatures or wind speeds. Although Solarwatch details upcoming conditions, its interface is dominated by a dial for tracking sunrises and sunsets. Go pro and you gain access to all-important ‘golden hour’ details for securing top snaps – and can follow the solar path across the sky in AR.

£free or £5.99/yr / IOS

● Air Matters

Although Air Matters offers a basic overview of conditions for any location, it’s more concerned with whether you should be outside in the first place. Using a network of air monitors it provides data about local air quality, colour-coding everything to help you stay safe. As warmer weather approaches, the app helps you track allergens as well, so you won’t sneeze yourself into oblivion.

£free / Android, IOS

● Tides Near Me

This final app offers a different kind of forecast, focusing on what the water in the sea is doing rather than the water falling onto your head. Open the map, select a location and you get a no-nonsense overview of tides and currents. Ideal if you’re into surfing or boating – or enjoy discovering what’s lurking on a secluded beach but don’t fancy ending the day in a lifeboat.

£free / Android, IOS