A Change in the Weather: Understanding Public Usage of Weather Apps

Abstract

Weather information can now be accessed through a variety of different media. This study used a survey to determine if the weather app was the primary source for weather information in the United States and whether this was related to age and other personal characteristics. More than 75% of the sample reported using a weather app for general forecast information. In cases of severe weather, weather apps and websites were reported to be the top two primary sources. While younger demographics had more weather app users than older demographics, the weather app was still the most popular source among the older groups. The most popular apps were the pre-downloaded app on a phone, The Weather Channel’s app, and the AccuWeather app. Participants who chose to use an app other than the pre-downloaded one reported higher self-perceived knowledge about, and interest in, weather. In addition, 80% of respondents reported getting severe weather notifications on their phone. The study’s survey sample was heavily skewed toward a younger population and may not be generalizable to all socioeconomic demographics. Considering previous research, these results indicate a shift in the predominant forecast sources used by the public over the last 10–15 yr. Consequently, it has resulted in a widespread transfer of responsibility for interpreting and explaining the forecast. A majority of the public—untrained in meteorology—is now interpreting the forecast on their own without the help of a broadcast meteorologist as would be present in a television forecast, making the forecast open to misinterpretation and false expectation. This study calls for continued research to combat misinterpretation and to enhance weather apps and mobile notifications with more personalized information that can aid weather-related decision making to make weather apps a strong leader in forecast messaging.