Mobile applications are firmly embedded in our lives, and the trucking industry is no exception.
And today we’re going to focus on weather apps.
Data from the U.S. Department of Transportation says trucking companies lose $2.2 billion to $3.5 billion annually due to delays resulting from bad weather. About 12 percent of such delays are brought on by weather conditions in cities with the largest number of trucks.
Weather is one of the most serious factors affecting routes, so it’s important to always have an up-to-date forecast. A stable mobile weather app is designed to help truck drivers stay ahead of the weather while staying completely safe on the road. It potentially saves carriers time and money. Choosing the best weather app on the market can be difficult. We take a look at a few of the most famous weather apps among truckers.
1. The Weather Channel
The Weather Channel is the best free app and it provides a wealth of different weather data including temperature, wind speed, humidity, visibility, sunset, sunrise and UV index on a 10-day, 36-hour or an hourly basis. All data is displayed in an easy-to-understand layout. Interactive weather maps display the actual Doppler radar data, showing precipitation and weather events. In addition, you may set up weather alerts and get notifications about tornadoes, storms, blizzards, and thunderstorms. This app has social sharing possibilities that allow users to upload videos, images and tweets.
Available on the App Store and Google Play.
Tip: You can read a review of the best apps for truckers here: https://www.hmdtrucking.com/blog/best-apps-for-truckers/.
2. MyRadar
The MyRadar app is also popular among truckers in the United States. It was created by Acme Atronomatic and delivers high-precision radar data and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasts and warnings as well. Drivers can share their own weather photos with each other in this app.
Drivers are flattered by the app for its ability to see a map of wildfires in addition to wind and precipitation. Such a feature is especially important in the West, where they happen more often. It helps to make decisions about building safer routes.
Perhaps one of the best features of MyRadar is its patented precipitation model, which informs drivers on an hour by hour basis how much precipitation they can expect. Precipitation forecasts are hyper-local, and drivers don’t have to constantly check the app because MyRadar sends adjustable alerts.
Download from the App Store and Google Play.
3. The National Weather Service
Another free app where the National Weather Service gives you the latest overview of current weather observations and warnings across the United States. To get the most detailed forecast for a particular area, click on an area of the map. You can also extremely quickly find multiple areas along your route simply by typing in city names or moving the map to select a specific area. Use this feature to focus on the areas of your route that are most affected by weather conditions. This is very useful for planning trips.
The app is available on the App Store and Google Play.
4. Storm Shield
While this weather app provides main forecasting features, Storm Shield focuses on providing users with current local severe weather alerts for extreme weather events such as thunderstorms, tornadoes and hurricanes. Using your device’s GPS coordinate data, Storm Shield updates relevant NOAA alerts via voice and push notifications. The difference of Storm Shield is that its alerts are based on the user’s exact GPS coordinates rather than county-by-county data. A precise radar and weather map with multiple data overlays keeps you up-to-date on your current and saved location. Storm Shield is free, but you will have to pay for additional features.
The app is available on the App Store and Google Play.
5. WeatherBug
WeatherBug provides real-time forecasts and bad weather warnings, in addition to allowing drivers to visualize the weather using multiple map layers. Weather forecasts ranging from 1 hour to 10 days are available. This technique allows you to know exactly what is happening in a particular place: ice, frost and snow, or sunshine and unreal heat.
Download at the App Store and Google Play.
6. Weather Underground
The Weather Underground app differs from the others in that it receives data from a huge network of more than 40,000 local amateur and professional weather stations. The public reports feature allows you to check forecasts as well as publish your own, making it truly collaborative and interactive. You can also set the app to send weather alerts. 10-day, daily and hourly forecasts are available. This app has been recognized as one of the most accurate weather apps for rural areas. If your truck’s route takes you through the countryside, this app may be the best one for your needs. Weather Underground also includes weather cameras to view conditions in a specific area. Ads can be turned off by purchasing the app for $1.99 per year.
Available on the App Store and Google Play.
7. AccuWeather
AccuWeather is a cool, easy-to-use app that delivers 15-day, daily and hourly weather forecasts that can be connected with your calendar. The app includes warnings for severe weather, including snow, tornadoes and thunderstorms. AccuWeather is best for predicting the weather in your exact location, but you can also get warnings and forecasts from other cities that you save in your settings. Ads can be turned off by purchasing the app for $3.99.
The app is available on the App Store and Google Play.
8. Trucking Weather & Traffic
The Trucking Weather & Traffic app for truck drivers from My Driver Tools combines traffic and weather information. It’s free and available for Android and Apple. The app lets you set up multiple custom locations at once to track forecasts, alerts and radar, including a “follow me” feature to display weather where you are. You can set up severe weather notifications and add the app as a widget to your phone’s home screen.
In addition, the app displays an up-to-date map of traffic and road conditions. Learn about traffic wherever you are going in real time.
The app is available on the App Store and Google Play.
