Gadronics
This week, The Weather Channel released a new version of its Storm Radar app, introducing a customizable AI weather presenter and much more.
Customize your own AI weather presenter
Storm Radar is a data-rich weather app for iPhone and iPad. It features hyperlocal weather event notifications much like Apple Weather.
In testing, I also appreciated additional types of weather event alerts like nearby lightning strikes during thunderstorms.
The inclusion of an AI weather presenter is a key feature in the latest update.
The Weather Channel is using artificial intelligence to turn raw weather data into a formal weather presentation.
You can ask questions about the weather with the chatbot, or just have it serve up a forecast that sounds like a news presenter.
The personality and delivery are customizable, so you can really make it your own.
It’s a fun use of AI, especially if you’re really into weather data. As with all AI chatbot technology right now, your mileage may vary.
For example, I asked it when the best time to run today would be based on weather conditions.
While I was looking for an answer based on daylight and temperature, the AI instead suggested that the best time to run has passed and another day would be better. Fair enough, but not quite what I wanted.
Still, it’s pretty fun to query an AI chatbot that’s especially informed about weather data.
I also really like the iPad version of the app, which feels like a great use of the large canvas.
Beyond AI weather forecasts
Anyway, AI is just one aspect of the new Storm Radar app released this week.
More key features include:
- Smarter, real-time storm alerts: Receive real-time notifications for precipitation, lightning and severe weather advisories from NOAA and the National Weather Service.
- High-Res Single Site Radar: Professional-level detail with more than 12 parameters on storm intensity and movement.
- Crystal-clear radar and expert storm layers: Experience advanced and fluid map layers including the latest mosaic radar for high-definition storm intel.
- User-focused design: Simplified navigation and improved legends for quick, clear understanding of weather data, including choosing between the enhanced Pro experience or Classic experience.
- Easy-to-use personalized experience: Customize the app by changing the order of widgets on the home screen and integrating a personal calendar to see when weather may affect plans.
- Data from the world’s most accurate weather forecaster: Leveraging The Weather Company’s proprietary forecast models, AI technology and team of expert meteorologists to deliver real-time, hyperlocal conditions.
Storm Radar for iPhone and iPad is available for free on the App Store. Premium features cost from $3.99/month or $19.99/year.
The Weather Channel Premium Pro also unlocks all Storm Radar premium features for $4.99/month or $29.99/year.
