Essential Troubleshooting Steps for Apple Weather

Check Apple System Status

The most common reason for the Weather app not working is a server-side outage. Apple maintains a public System Status page that lists all its online services, including Weather. If the indicator next to Weather is red or yellow, the problem lies with Apple’s infrastructure rather than your specific device. In these instances, no amount of troubleshooting on your iPhone will resolve the issue until Apple engineers fix the backend servers. Users in the USA and Europe should check this first to avoid unnecessary setting resets.

Visit the official Apple System Status website via any mobile browser.
Look for the Weather category in the list of available services.
Check if there are any reported ongoing issues or recent maintenance windows.
Monitor social media platforms for real-time reports from other users globally.
Wait for the status to return to green before attempting further fixes.

Verify Location Services Settings

For the Weather app to provide accurate data, it must have permission to access your precise location. If these permissions are revoked or set to “Never,” the app will fail to display local forecasts. Navigating to the Privacy and Security section of your iPhone settings is necessary to confirm that the app is authorized to track your movement. Without “Precise Location” enabled, the app might only show data for a general region rather than your exact neighborhood, which significantly reduces its utility.

Open the Settings app and navigate to the Privacy and Security menu.
Select Location Services and ensure the master toggle is turned on.
Scroll down to find the Weather app and set access to “Always” or “While Using the App.”
Enable the “Precise Location” toggle to ensure the most accurate data possible.
Restart the Weather app to see if the local data begins to populate.

Toggle Background App Refresh

Background App Refresh allows applications to check for new data even when they are not actively being used on the screen. If this feature is disabled for Weather, the widget and the main interface may appear outdated when you open them. Enabling this ensures that the app is constantly communicating with servers to provide the latest temperature and precipitation information. This is particularly important for users who rely on the lock screen widget for quick information throughout the day.

Go to Settings and then select the General menu.
Tap on Background App Refresh and ensure it is enabled for Wi-Fi and Cellular Data.
Find the Weather app in the list and ensure its specific toggle is active.
Check if Low Power Mode is active, as this automatically disables background activities.
Return to the home screen and wait a few moments for the data to sync.

Reset Network Settings

Sometimes the issue is not with the app or the location, but with the way your iPhone connects to the internet. Corrupted Wi-Fi caches or improper cellular configurations can block the app from fetching data. Resetting your network settings returns all Wi-Fi passwords, preferred networks, and VPN settings to their factory defaults. While this requires you to log back into your home and office networks, it is a highly effective way to clear out underlying communication bugs that prevent the Weather app from functioning correctly.

Navigate to Settings, then General, and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Tap on Reset and choose the option Reset Network Settings.
Enter your device passcode to authorize the procedure.
Wait for the iPhone to restart and reconnect to a stable Wi-Fi network.
Open the Weather app to verify if the server connection is restored.

Top 10 Weather App Alternatives for iPhone

The Weather Channel

Owned by IBM, The Weather Channel app is often considered the gold standard for global meteorological reporting. It provides incredibly detailed forecasts, including a 15-day outlook and hourly breakdowns that are updated with high frequency. The app is famous for its “Feels Like” index and its comprehensive health tracking, which includes pollen counts and flu activity. For users in the USA and Europe, it offers reliable severe weather alerts that are vetted by professional meteorologists rather than just automated algorithms.

Features a proprietary “Weather Scan” radar that tracks precipitation in real-time.
Includes detailed “Health & Activities” modules for outdoor planning.
Provides daily briefings and video forecasts from expert meteorologists.
Offers a premium version that removes advertisements and provides longer forecasts.
Supports integration with Apple Watch and iPad for a seamless ecosystem experience.

Current Price: 4.99 USD per month for Premium Pro as of February 2026.

Pros:

Incredibly high data accuracy across multiple continents.
Advanced radar overlays for wind, rain, and snow.
Excellent severe weather notification system.

Cons:

The free version is heavily cluttered with advertisements.
The interface can feel overwhelming for casual users.

Best For: Users who want the most comprehensive data set available on mobile.

Availability: Available globally on the iOS App Store.

AccuWeather

AccuWeather is renowned for its “RealFeel” technology, which takes into account multiple environmental factors to tell you how the temperature actually feels to the human body. Its standout feature is “MinuteCast,” which provides a minute-by-minute breakdown of precipitation for your exact street address. This level of hyper-local precision makes it a favorite for commuters and outdoor enthusiasts who need to know exactly when a rain shower will start or stop. The app also features a clean, modernized interface that aligns well with the aesthetic of iOS.

MinuteCast feature provides 120 minutes of hyper-local precipitation tracking.
RealFeel and RealFeel Shade technologies provide nuanced temperature insights.
WinterCast provides specialized data for snow accumulation and ice risks.
Global coverage ensures reliability for travelers in Europe and North America.
Interactive radar maps with multiple layer options including satellite and radar.

Current Price: 19.99 USD per year for Premium+ as of February 2026.

Pros:

The MinuteCast feature is exceptionally accurate for rain timing.
Intuitive UI that is easy to navigate with one hand.
Strong privacy controls for location data.

Cons:

Some features are locked behind a somewhat expensive paywall.
Occasional battery drain issues on older iPhone models.

Best For: People needing precise rain start and stop times for commuting.

Availability: Available in all major markets via the App Store.

Carrot Weather

Carrot Weather stands out in the crowded app market by combining highly accurate data with a sarcastic, customizable AI personality. Users can choose the “personality” of the app, ranging from professional to “overkill” snarky. Beneath the humor, however, lies a powerful tool that allows users to source data from multiple providers, including Apple Weather (formerly Dark Sky), AccuWeather, and Foreca. This flexibility makes it one of the most powerful meteorological tools for power users who want to compare different data models.

Customizable interface that allows users to rebuild the app layout.
Access to multiple data sources with a premium subscription.
Hilarious and engaging dialogue that makes checking the weather fun.
Includes “Secret Locations” and achievements to gamify the experience.
Supports advanced lock screen and home screen widgets.

Current Price: 19.99 USD per year for Premium Club as of February 2026.

Pros:

The most customizable weather app on the market.
Ability to switch between different weather data providers.
Unique personality that prevents “app fatigue.”

Cons:

Subscription is required to access the best data sources.
The humor might not appeal to everyone.

Best For: Tech enthusiasts who want total control over their data and UI.

Availability: Primary focus on USA and Europe; available globally.

Windy.com

Windy.com is a unique tool that focuses on visual data representation through animated maps. It is the preferred app for pilots, sailors, and professional meteorologists due to its incredible depth of information regarding wind currents, pressure systems, and wave heights. Unlike traditional apps that provide a list of temperatures, Windy provides a global view of moving weather patterns. It uses professional models like ECMWF and GFS, giving users access to the same data used by government agencies.

High-resolution animated maps for wind, rain, temperature, and clouds.
Access to multiple professional forecast models (ECMWF, GFS, ICON).
Detailed airport weather (METAR) and paragliding spots.
No advertisements even in the free version.
Extreme customizability for professional use cases.

Current Price: 18.99 USD per year for Premium as of February 2026.

Pros:

The best visual representation of weather patterns available.
Completely ad-free experience for all users.
Pro-grade tools for specialized outdoor activities.

Cons:

Steep learning curve for casual users.
Can be resource-intensive on older hardware.

Best For: Professionals and hobbyists who need advanced atmospheric data.

Availability: Available worldwide with localized maps.

Weather Underground

Weather Underground is famous for its “Personal Weather Station” (PWS) network, which consists of over 250,000 member-owned stations. This allows the app to provide data that is truly hyper-local, often coming from a sensor just a few blocks away from your current location. While other apps rely on airport stations that may be miles away, Weather Underground gives you the exact conditions of your specific neighborhood. It also provides excellent historical data and interactive radar maps.

Utilizes a vast network of over 250,000 personal weather stations.
Provides “Smart Forecasts” for specific activities like hiking or photography.
Includes detailed air quality and UV index reporting.
Offers historical weather data for long-term planning.
Features a clean, map-centric interface.

Current Price: 3.99 USD per month as of February 2026.

Pros:

The most hyper-local data due to the PWS network.
Great for areas far away from major airports.
In-depth historical context for weather patterns.

Cons:

Owned by IBM, similar to The Weather Channel, leading to some data overlap.
The UI can sometimes lag when loading thousands of station points.

Best For: Users in rural or suburban areas far from official stations.

Availability: Strongest in North America and Western Europe.

WeatherBug

WeatherBug is one of the oldest and most reliable names in the digital weather space. It is particularly well-known for its lightning detection network, which can alert users to strikes in their immediate vicinity before the storm even arrives. This makes it an essential tool for parents, coaches, and anyone responsible for outdoor safety. The app also features professional-grade weather cameras located across the country, allowing you to see the conditions with your own eyes before you head out.

Spark Lightning Alerts provide real-time lightning strike tracking.
Access to a network of professional weather cameras.
Specialized maps for wildfires, hurricanes, and winter storms.
Detailed lifestyle forecasts for outdoor sports and gardening.
Direct integration with many smart home devices.

Current Price: 0.99 USD per month for ad-removal as of February 2026.

Pros:

Industry-leading lightning detection and alerts.
Live camera feeds are a great visual touch.
Very affordable ad-free option.

Cons:

Interface feels a bit dated compared to Carrot or AccuWeather.
Location tracking can be aggressive.

Best For: Outdoor safety and lightning monitoring.

Availability: Primarily available in the USA and Canada.

Clime: NOAA Weather Radar

Clime is an all-in-one weather tracker that focuses heavily on radar imaging and severe weather alerts. It pulls directly from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) data in the US, making it a highly official source of information. For European users, it integrates with EUMETSAT data. The app is designed for those who want to “see” the storm coming, offering high-definition radar loops that are fluid and easy to interpret. Its hurricane and tornado tracking modules are among the best in the industry.

High-definition radar overlays with adjustable opacity.
Real-time alerts for tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods.
Detailed precipitation forecasts for the next 24 hours.
Customizable weather “blocks” for the main dashboard.
Support for Apple Watch complications and complications.

Current Price: 29.99 USD per year for Premium as of February 2026.

Pros:

Very smooth and high-quality radar animations.
Official government data source integration.
Comprehensive severe weather tracking.

Cons:

One of the more expensive annual subscriptions.
Some users find the map-centric UI difficult for quick checks.

Best For: Tracking severe storms and hurricanes in real-time.

Availability: Available globally with regional radar support.

Hello Weather

Hello Weather was built with a specific philosophy: no gimmicks, no ads, and no complicated tracking. It is a “pure” weather app that focuses on giving you the information you need as quickly as possible. The interface is remarkably clean, using color-coded cards to represent different parts of the day. While it is simple on the surface, a premium subscription allows you to choose between different data sources like Apple Weather, AerisWeather, and Dark Sky (legacy), ensuring that you have the most accurate forecast for your region.

Minimalist design focused on speed and clarity.
No tracking or data mining, ensuring user privacy.
Switchable data sources for premium members.
Smart “Real Feel” descriptions that explain the weather in plain English.
Excellent widgets that match the iOS system aesthetic.

Current Price: 12.99 USD per year for Fan Club as of February 2026.

Pros:

The cleanest and most readable UI in the category.
Strong stance on user privacy and no advertisements.
Affordable yearly subscription compared to competitors.

Cons:

Lacks advanced radar features found in Clime or Windy.
The free version is quite basic.

Best For: Users who want a beautiful, simple, and private weather experience.

Availability: Available in the USA and Europe.

Weather Fit

Weather Fit takes a unique approach by telling you what to wear based on the current conditions. Instead of just giving you a number, it displays an avatar dressed in appropriate clothing for the temperature, wind, and rain. This is particularly helpful for parents dressing children or for travelers who are unfamiliar with local climates. It combines traditional meteorological data with a lifestyle-first approach, making the weather more relatable and actionable for daily life.

Clothing recommendations based on “Feels Like” temperatures.
Visual avatar system that changes clothes dynamically.
Daily summary notifications to help you plan your morning.
Integration with local health and pollen data.
Simple, colorful interface that is great for all ages.

Current Price: 9.99 USD per year as of February 2026.

Pros:

Highly actionable information for daily dressing.
Unique and charming visual style.
Very easy for children to understand.

Cons:

Not suitable for professional or detailed radar use.
Limited customization options for the avatar.

Best For: Families and daily commuters who struggle with clothing choices.

Availability: Available globally on the App Store.

Met Office Weather

For users located in or traveling to the United Kingdom and parts of Western Europe, the Met Office app is an essential resource. As the UK’s national weather service, it provides the most official and accurate data for that specific region. It is particularly noted for its “National Severe Weather Warning Service,” which is the same system used by the BBC and government agencies. Its rainfall radar is highly granular for the British Isles, offering clarity that global apps sometimes lack.

Official UK government weather warnings and alerts.
Highly accurate rainfall radar specifically for the UK and Europe.
Daily video briefings from professional UK meteorologists.
Pollens and air pollution forecasts for European cities.
Interactive maps with wind speed and temperature layers.

Current Price: Free (Ad-supported) with 2.99 USD yearly for ad-removal as of February 2026.

Pros:

The most reliable source for UK-specific weather.
Official warnings that are vetted by government scientists.
Very low cost for an ad-free experience.

Cons:

Data outside of Europe is less detailed than competitors.
The UI is functional but lacks the “polish” of private apps.

Best For: Residents of the United Kingdom and Western Europe.

Availability: Available globally but optimized for the UK.

Pricing Comparison and Choosing the Right App

When selecting a weather app, it is important to balance your need for data with your budget. Most apps follow a “freemium” model where basic data is free, but advanced features like hyper-local radar or ad-removal require a subscription. For casual users, the free versions of AccuWeather or The Weather Channel are usually sufficient, provided you don’t mind the visual clutter. However, power users who want specific data sources or privacy-focused designs will find that an annual subscription between 10 and 30 USD is the industry standard for 2026.

For those in the USA, apps that leverage NOAA data like Clime or WeatherBug offer a distinct advantage during hurricane and tornado seasons. Conversely, European users might find more value in Windy.com or regional apps like the Met Office, which utilize the ECMWF model—often cited as the most accurate for the European continent. Always consider whether you need a “set it and forget it” app like Apple Weather or a tool that allows for deep analysis like Windy. The best choice often involves keeping one simple app for quick checks and one professional app for detailed planning.

Advanced Buying Guide: 6 Factors for Weather Apps

Data Source Reliability: Check if the app allows you to see where its data comes from. High-quality apps use sources like the ECMWF, GFS, or local personal weather stations. Avoid apps that do not disclose their meteorological providers.
Update Frequency: The weather changes by the minute, and your app should too. Look for apps that update their forecasts at least every 15 to 30 minutes. Real-time radar is a non-negotiable feature for 2026.
Privacy and Tracking: Many free weather apps make money by selling your location data to advertisers. If privacy is a concern, look for apps like Hello Weather that have a clear “no-tracking” policy, even if they cost more upfront.
Widget and Complication Support: Since most weather checks happen on the lock screen or Apple Watch, ensure the app supports the latest iOS widgets. A good widget should be customizable and provide enough data to prevent you from needing to open the app.
Severe Weather Alerts: The app should have a robust notification system for life-threatening weather. Ensure these alerts are “Critical Alerts” that can bypass your “Do Not Disturb” settings during emergencies.
Cross-Device Ecosystem: If you use an iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch, look for an app that has a universal purchase. This allows you to have a consistent weather experience across all your Apple hardware without paying multiple subscriptions.

Pro Tips for Managing iPhone Weather

Keep your iPhone’s iOS software updated, as Apple often bundles Weather app fixes with general system updates.
Clear your Safari cache regularly, as the Weather app utilizes web-view components that can become bogged down by old data.
Disable your VPN when checking the weather if the location seems incorrect; VPNs often mask your true location, confusing the app’s regional data fetching.
Use the “Report an Issue” feature at the bottom of the Apple Weather app to help Apple engineers identify and fix localized data discrepancies.
Set up “Critical Alerts” for weather so you receive notifications even if your phone is on silent or in a Focus mode.

Common Mistakes When Fixing Weather Issues

Restoring the entire iPhone when a simple app delete and reinstall would have sufficed to clear the cache.
Ignoring the “Precise Location” toggle, which is the most frequent cause of “incorrect” temperature reports for a user’s specific area.
Forgetting that Low Power Mode pauses background data syncing, leading users to believe the app is “broken” when it’s just saving battery.
Assuming a server outage is a device hardware failure; always check the System Status page before thinking about a repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Apple Weather app showing a blank screen?

A blank screen usually indicates a failure to connect to Apple’s data servers. This can be caused by an official service outage, a poor internet connection, or corrupted temporary files within the app. Try switching from Wi-Fi to Cellular data and restarting the app to force a new connection. If the problem persists for more than an hour, check the Apple System Status page.

Is the Apple Weather app accurate after the Dark Sky acquisition?

Apple integrated the highly-praised Dark Sky technology into its native app starting with iOS 16. While this improved hyper-local precipitation data, some users still report discrepancies compared to the original standalone app. Accuracy can vary based on your geographic location and how close you are to official reporting stations used by Apple’s data partners.

Can I delete and reinstall the Weather app?

Yes, since iOS 10, Apple has allowed users to delete most built-in apps, including Weather. To do this, long-press the app icon, select “Remove App,” and then “Delete App.” You can then go to the App Store, search for “Apple Weather,” and redownload it. This is often the most effective way to clear a “stuck” app that refuses to update data.

How do I change the temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius?

To change the temperature units, open the Weather app and tap the three-line list icon in the bottom right corner. Tap the three-dot circle in the top right and select “Celsius” or “Fahrenheit.” This setting is app-specific but will usually sync with your global iOS “Language & Region” settings if you have them configured at the system level.

Why does my location show the wrong city?

If the app shows the wrong city, it is likely due to an IP address mismatch or a failure in the GPS handshake. Ensure that “Location Services” and “Precise Location” are enabled in your Settings. If you are using a VPN, the app may think you are in the city where the VPN server is located; try turning off the VPN to see if your local city reappears correctly.

Does the Apple Weather app use a lot of battery?

Generally, the Weather app is very efficient. However, if you have “Always” location access enabled and multiple widgets on your home screen, it may contribute to battery drain as it constantly polls for new data. To save battery, set location access to “While Using” and limit the number of active weather widgets on your device.

Conclusion

Maintaining a functional weather application is a vital component of managing a modern digital lifestyle on the iPhone. Whether you choose to stick with the native Apple Weather app after performing the necessary troubleshooting or migrate to a more robust third-party alternative like AccuWeather or Windy, the goal remains the same: staying informed and safe. By understanding how location services, background refresh, and server statuses interact, you can quickly resolve the vast majority of issues that cause the app to fail. Furthermore, the rich ecosystem of alternative apps ensures that even if the native solution doesn’t meet your specific needs, a professional-grade tool is always just a few taps away in the App Store. Always remember to check your settings after every iOS update, as system changes can occasionally reset your preferences, and keep a backup weather source ready for those moments when the clouds—either literal or digital—begin to gather.