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The best weather apps for mountain weather and thunderstorm tracking
Publication date: 06 Sep 2024
Hiking 101PreparationSafetyTips
When it comes to hiking in the mountains, having access to the best weather information can be the difference between a great adventure and a dangerous situation. Mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable, and thunderstorms can roll in suddenly, putting hikers at risk. This is why it’s essential to know which are the best weather apps for mountain weather and thunderstorm tracking
In this guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at the top weather apps that provide reliable, up-to-date weather forecasts for mountain regions. Use it for your next hut-to-hut hike, long-distance trail, thru-hike or even on a day-hike. Additionally, we’ll highlight the official local meteorological resources for Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Italy, Norway, Spain, France, the United Kingdom, the United States and Germany to give hikers country specific tools to stay safe.
Editor
Elmar Teegelbeckers
Passionate hiker Elmar spends months of his time on the trail. He’s usually on the lookout for hidden gems in one of his favourite countries such as Slovenia, Switzerland and Japan. He founded hiking-trails.com in need for a community and detailed information about the trails. Before this, he worked for the Alpine asscociation in the Netherlands[ (NKBV) but lost his heart to the trails.
Not long ago, Elmar published the book (in Dutch) Hiking Trails – best long-distance trails in Europe. With this book, website and socials, he hopes to inspire and shape an inclusive community for hikers all over world. No matter your speed, experience or level, you can get out there to enjoy the trails and connect with the heartwarming hiking community. Life is so much better outside and he hopes to inspire hikers to take their first, or next, step on the trail.
It’s recommended to use both global and local resources so you use the strength of top weather apps that work worldwide combined with the local weather resources for the very best risk calculation.
Why you need specialized weather apps for mountain hiking
Before we dive into the list of top weather apps, it’s important to understand why general weather apps might not be enough when venturing into the mountains. Mountain weather differs drastically from lowland or coastal conditions. Here’s why specialized apps are necessary:
Rapid weather changes: mountain regions are notorious for rapid shifts in weather, including sudden storms and temperature drops.
Thunderstorms: thunderstorms in mountainous areas are particularly dangerous because of the elevated risk of lightning strikes.
Altitude-specific forecasts: weather conditions can vary significantly with altitude. General forecasts don’t provide the detailed information necessary for different elevations.
Visibility and wind conditions: in high-altitude areas, wind and visibility can affect both safety and the experience of your hike.
Extra: avalanche and snow warnings: in snowy mountain ranges, it’s critical to stay updated on avalanche warnings and snowpack conditions.
The best global weather apps for mountain weather and thunderstorm tracking
1. The Weather Channel
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Best for: Real-time weather predictions and radar imagery
Why it’s great: The Weather Channel is an excellent app for those who want to visually track weather changes in real-time using the radar tool.
Best for: Wind forecasting and thunderstorm tracking
Why it’s great: Windy is one of the most popular weather apps for tracking wind, which is crucial for mountain safety. It also offers detailed information on precipitation, thunderstorms, and atmospheric pressure. The visual maps provide real-time data on approaching weather systems, making it easier to predict changes during hikes.
Features: Wind tracking, thunderstorm alerts, radar, and satellite imagery.
Best for: Hourly weather forecasts for mountain regions
Why it’s great: Developed by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, Yr.no provides highly accurate and detailed forecasts, especially for mountainous areas. While it’s best known in Norway, it provides reliable data for hikers worldwide. Its hour-by-hour forecasts are essential for avoiding thunderstorms and sudden weather shifts.
Why it’s great: This app focuses exclusively on mountain weather, offering detailed forecasts for various ranges. It’s tailored for outdoor enthusiasts like hikers, mountaineers, and skiers, providing information on temperature, wind and precipitation.
Why it’s great: WeatherPro provides in-depth 14-day weather forecasts, focusing on thunderstorms, rain, and wind. It also offers detailed radar imagery, which is particularly useful for tracking weather systems in mountain areas. The app is user-friendly and offers data on various elevations.
Features: 14-day forecasts, radar, and storm tracking.
Best for: Real-time radar for thunderstorm tracking
Why it’s great: MyRadar offers real-time radar and weather alerts, making it one of the best apps for tracking thunderstorms in mountainous regions. It is particularly helpful for hikers trying to avoid dangerous weather conditions, such as lightning storms, while in remote areas.
Best for: Detailed mountain weather and long-range forecasts
Why it’s great: Meteoblue specializes in providing weather data for mountainous and remote areas. It offers multi-day forecasts for temperature, wind, cloud cover, and thunderstorm activity. Its detailed maps help hikers visualize weather patterns over a broad area, making it useful for multi-day hikes.
The best country specific official weather apps and resources for mountain weather
In addition to these apps, each country in Europe has its own national meteorological services. These official resources often provide the most localized and accurate forecasts, including specific warnings for mountain areas, such as thunderstorms and avalanche risks. Here’s a breakdown of the official weather services for the key countries while you’re hiking in the mountains:
1. Austria
Official Resource: ZAMG (Zentralanstalt für Meteorologie und Geodynamik)
Details: ZAMG offers detailed forecasts for the Austrian Alps and other mountainous regions, including thunderstorm warnings, avalanche alerts, and altitude-specific data.
2. Switzerland
Official Resource: MeteoSwiss (Swiss Federal Office of Meteorology and Climatology)
Details: MeteoSwiss provides real-time weather data for the Swiss Alps, with specialized forecasts for different elevations, storm warnings, and avalanche risk assessments.
3. Slovenia
Official Resource: ARSO (Slovenian Environment Agency)
Details: ARSO provides weather forecasts for Slovenia’s mountain ranges, including the Julian Alps, with warnings for thunderstorms and adverse weather.
4. Italy
Official Resource: Meteo.it and Aeronautica Militare
Details: These two services provide comprehensive forecasts for Italy’s mountainous regions, including the Dolomites. Thunderstorm tracking and avalanche warnings are featured prominently.
5. Norway
Official Resource: Yr.no and Norwegian Meteorological Institute
Details: Yr.no and the Norwegian Meteorological Institute are known for their highly accurate weather forecasts, with a special focus on Norway’s fjords and mountainous regions. Their detailed, hour-by-hour forecasts are essential for avoiding sudden storms.
6. Spain
Official Resource: AEMET (Agencia Estatal de Meteorología)
Details: AEMET offers weather forecasts for Spain’s mountainous regions, including the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada. The service features real-time radar images and storm warnings.
Details: Météo-France provides detailed weather forecasts for the French Alps, Pyrenees, and other mountain ranges. The service includes thunderstorm warnings, and highly detailed altitude-specific forecasts.
Details: DWD provides precise weather data for Germany’s mountainous areas, including the Bavarian Alps. The service includes thunderstorm warnings, real-time radar, and information on severe weather conditions.
9. United Kingdom
Official Resource: Met Office (UK’s National Weather Service)
Details: The Met Office provides detailed weather forecasts across the UK, including mountainous areas like the Scottish Highlands, Lake District, and Snowdonia. The service offers real-time thunderstorm warnings, detailed wind and temperature forecasts, and altitude-specific conditions.
Details: The NWS delivers detailed, real-time weather forecasts for mountainous areas such as the Rocky Mountains, Appalachian Mountains, and the Sierra Nevada. The service offers alerts for thunderstorms and severe weather.
Plan your hikes safely with the best mountain weather apps and resources for hiking
When you’re hiking or exploring mountainous regions, the weather can change quickly, and thunderstorms can become life-threatening if you’re unprepared. Using the right weather apps is essential for tracking thunderstorms, monitoring wind conditions, and receiving real-time weather updates.
When you’re setting up for a mountain hike, whether in the Alps, Pyrenees, Dolomites, or the Rocky Mountains, being prepared for the ever-changing weather is absolutely essential. The best weather apps for hiking are specifically designed to provide real-time weather updates for mountains, ensuring to having access to accurate weather forecasts at various altitudes. These apps, such as Windy, Yr.no, and Mountain Weather Forecast, offer crucial features like thunderstorm tracking and weather radar for mountains.
Mountain weather can shift rapidly and apps that track thunderstorms and provide mountain weather alerts are invaluable tools for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re hiking on the Via Alpina or the Coast to Coast, having altitude-specific weather forecasts and real-time weather tracking can make a significant difference in staying safe. For those looking for the best weather apps for hiking in mountain regions, apps like MyRadar, Windy, and Yr.no stand out as reliable tools for monitoring storm systems, wind patterns, and temperature changes. You can also use one of the biggest weather websites AccuWeather for an overall view on the weather. These tools are complemented by official local resources like the Met Office in the UK and the National Weather Service (NWS) in the USA, which offer highly detailed weather data, thunderstorm warnings, and avalanche alerts for their respective mountain regions.
Additionally, local resources such as MeteoSwiss (Switzerland), ZAMG (Austria), and AEMET (Spain) offer region-specific, precise data for those hiking in Europe. These official meteorological services provide detailed weather forecasts for mountain hiking and thunderstorm tracking, with features tailored to outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re hiking, skiing, or climbing, using the best weather apps for mountain hiking and consulting local meteorological services will ensure you’re fully equipped with accurate weather forecasts and storm alerts.
Ultimately, the right combination of apps and official resources allows you to plan your long-distance trails with confidence, whether you’re hiking in Europe or the hiking in the United States knowing you’ll be prepared for sudden thunderstorm warnings and changing weather conditions. By choosing the most reliable tools, you can enjoy the beauty of mountainous regions worldwide while ensuring your safety. Whether you’re planning a hike in Norway, the Dolomites, the Pyrenees, or the Rockies, these top weather apps for mountain weather will keep you informed about everything from thunderstorm forecasts to wind speeds and temperatures, ensuring you stay one step ahead of the elements.
By incorporating the best weather apps for outdoor activities, hikers worldwide can confidently navigate any mountain region and the hiking trails nearby, making sure they stay safe and prepared for all weather conditions. Using apps with features like real-time weather updates and thunderstorm tracking for hikers, along with local services like the Met Office, NWS, and MeteoSwiss, provides a comprehensive approach to mountain weather forecasting. Stay informed with these tools will ensure your trips are not only enjoyable but safe. Happy Trails!
The best country specific official weather apps and resources for mountain weather