The Weather Channel
An app that shows radar, storm alerts and a 15-day forecast.
What The Weather Channel does
The Weather Channel app is the mobile version of the TV network's forecasts. You get Doppler radar, severe weather alerts, a short-term rain forecast, a 15-day outlook, plus air quality, pollen and UV. It's free with ads, and small paid plans remove them.
This is the weather app a lot of people already have. It opens to your local forecast with hourly and daily views, and a radar map shows storms moving in. The rain forecast looks up to seven hours ahead in 15-minute steps, which helps when you're deciding whether to walk or drive.
Severe weather is where it shines. You get alerts for storms, hurricanes and floods, and the app ties into the network's news and video coverage. There's also a widget that shows the next few hours and a home screen radar widget.
The tradeoff is ads. Reviews describe the free version as ad-heavy, and the app collects data for advertising. If that bothers you, Ad Free is only $1.99 a month. If you just want a clean daily forecast, a lighter indie app may suit you better.
Alternatives to The Weather Channel
Who it's for
Skip it if: People who want an ad-free app for free. Anyone who cares a lot about privacy.
Pricing
Free planFree with ads. Ad Free costs $1.99 a month or $9.99 a year. Premium adds a 72-hour radar and other extras for $4.99 a month or $29.99 a year (US App Store prices).
Prices can vary by country. Checked 17 Oct 2026.
What people like
- Big name with strong severe weather coverage
- Short-term rain forecast is handy for daily plans
- Free version covers the basics well
- Cheap ad-free option
Watch out for
- Lots of ads on the free version
- Collects data for advertising
- Many plans and prices listed in the store, which can confuse
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Questions people ask
Is The Weather Channel app free?
Yes, it's free with ads. You can remove ads for $1.99 a month, or get Premium for $4.99 a month.
Does The Weather Channel app have severe weather alerts?
Yes. It sends alerts for severe storms, hurricanes and floods, along with personal weather alerts.
Does it tell you when it will rain?
Yes. It shows a rain forecast in 15-minute steps for up to seven hours ahead.
Does The Weather Channel work on Apple Watch?
Yes. The App Store lists Apple Watch support.