Windy.com - Weather & Radar Reviews

by Vortex44

The application itself is great I do use it. I was very glad to see Apple Watch integration. However like many many people I have an Apple Watch with cellular connectivity so I don’t have to be tethered to my iPhone. Unfortunately we’re not tethered to the iPhone and the Apple Watch windy application has major problems. I get error messages like location not enabled, or doesn’t know where I am or worse yet no connectivity. evidently the application on the Apple Watch has no problem as long as you’re connected to the phone. If you rely on your Apple Watch with cellular connectivity to allow you to be away from your phone not going to work. I don’t understand this most applications that I’ve used tend to support both. Why the developers failed to anticipate this Or thought that it wasn’t significant enough to support is beyond me.

by 52Balloo

I have found Windy to be one of the best weather apps available. I particularly like the ability to view four different weather models, and to look forward several days with the predictions. A few suggestions:

It would be nice if you could see both the selected menu item AND the particular legend. Currently, after you select a specific item, I.e. rain accumulation, you have to X out of the menu before the ledge down come up at the bottom. It would be nice if you could see both at the same time and just circulate between menu items.

The font is pretty small at the bottom...great data, but have a look at the formatting....in some cases things are impossible to read since they are overlapping, such as cloud altitudes.

Rain vs. Snow accumulation.......it’s confusing. Looks to be the same physical accumulation data, but we know inches of snow isn’t inches of water....

Would be nice to be able to zoom the map like all other apps........instead of just having several different fixed scales.

This is a wonderful app, and I encourage you to keep making it better. Thanks.

by Rf278x

Very user-friendly for being as in depth as it is, and that makes it a both a joy and a useful teaching tool. But I want more. I’d really like this to take the place of all, or at least most, of the web sites I use. I’ll list 3 things specifically: 1. Access to more computer models. Instead of just the deterministic GFS and ECMWF, add the 30 and 50 ensembles, respectively, or at least a blend. The Canadian model and its ensembles. The HRRR. The UKMET. Any of the big boys that I haven’t listed here. Also some CAM’s for short term. And being able to plot the data in charts and meteograms instead of just maps.
2. Forecasts, short-term and long-term, for the oscillations that drive the earth’s weather, i.e. the Madden-Julian and ENSO.
3. Archived history of weather maps and surface observations at airport, marine, mesonet and personal weather stations.
I understand these are big asks—and not likely to be of much use to most people—but as a 2nd, elite subscription tier for 9.99 a month, I’d buy in.

by Mike_N_

I have used Windy for over a year and value it enough to subscribe to the premium level. It is worth the annual fee and a 5-Star rating except for one single missing feature.

Windycom is very flexible and powerful. With a selections from the menu a user can see anything from from a simple local forecast to see the long term trends in an area. If you are a pilot, surfer, or someone who really wants a deep dive in to important aspects of the weather that is easily available too.

Also important - Windy accurately forecasts the weather. It even allows you to chose from several forecasting models should you believe a particular model is more accurate.

Yet all of the flexibility provides some frustration, and judging by the forum, many other users. Windy seems to have a single default view that applies to all users. So then each time we open Windycom we have to remember and find all of the menus selections to display the weather the individual user wants. It takes a minute or two to get this set so no big deal - but then again this is required every time a user opens Windycom . If Windy allowed a user to set a default view this would solve that issue and then from my perspective, be the only weather app I need.

by 123goliter456

App is great! I thought I should support the developers because I use it all the time so I opted for the premium version. I would rate it 5 stars but for the problems I had activating the premium features. To activate the premium subscription one needs to login through the Windy app. However, I created my account years ago on the web, and Windycom did not recognize my login credentials so there was no way to “activate” my premium subscription. I tried numerous times using different paths, changing passwords, etc but could not get it to work. However, the next day I tried again and it was successful. I don’t know what happened, but I am happy with Windycom .

by Third Wind Jim

Since the Weather Channel ruined the Storm app, I turned to Windy to get the wind animation and multi-city forecasts that I was accustomed to. Windy provides all that I seek in a weather app, and more. It did take time to find things, and my iPad version still will only show 3 overlay options, but lots of other display choices I do not care about and did not select in the same column of choices. Once I (accidentally) found the meteograms I am fascinated, but wish there was some place to learn what the detailed meaning. I also wish that front symbols would be able to display with temperatures, wind, or rain. I find the thunderstorm info distracting and wish I could turn it off.

by Luladiya

This weather app is by far the most creative and comprehensive view of weather I’ve ever seen. As an outdoor person and one who gets out on the waters in our boat, the info can be tailored to cover just about any circumstance: example, wind speed and direction relative to Lows and Highs, relationship of wave actions to swells, and active tide/current data. There just is no other app that I know of that is so comprehensive, and I have yet to utilize all the features, like cloud formations at different altitudes. Keep up the good work! So many great apps “get better” and lose their utility...please,please, maintain your integrity!

by Lonesome RoadHog

FINALLY! - A weather app for adults. Windycom is amazingly sophisticated and deep with information enough to satisfy the most dedicated weather geek, yet simple enough so that you can see all the details of a 10 day forecast in one chart. The animated wind and storm overlays are absolutely the best I’ve seen in any weather app. The only thing lacking is a detailed video analysis of the weather situation for a particular area, but these are fraught with ads in other weather apps, and with a little education and the information provided by Windycom you could nearly compose your own video.

by Lynn Canal

Was skeptical at first that this could depict weather changes so precisely, but found that it is mostly correct. I think a lot of it is due to the quirky geography of the mountains and lengthy valleys near the waterways that I commercial fish during the winter months. Windy seems to be very quickly incorporating these local weather phenomena into their depictions, so we’ll see how precise it becomes later on.

Just during the past week or so there have been many multiple changes in wind direction and intensity, and Windy has managed to plot all them out very well. A vast improvement over the NOAA text and audio based descriptions that also lack general time periods when the wind is going to switch and intensify. I do not own a large fishing boat that can brute force it’s way through anything over 30 knots, so I have to play by the rules the wind lays out for me. Windy has vastly improved my planning for weather headed my way.

Very surprised Windy is as good as others have said it is, and very happy with this free service. It is rapidly gaining popularity among the commercial fleet here in Alaska.

by Shadowchaisser

I have a nice RV with a large deck on a lake. What’s on the deck, plants and some furniture, can take serious damage from wind and rain that blows sideways. Knowing how much wind and wind direction is critical for my potted plants, which can happily fly off the tables if it gets too windy. Windy keeps me informed of wind and wind gusting with direction as well as how much rain is expected. The maps showing wind direction is very cool but I love watching the storms on radar. I can replay the last hour or more of the radar and can see if the storm is hitting or missing. I set out to find a better weather app, and this is it. Lucky again!

by PRETTY USA

Windycom is the most complete I've found and tells you day you can also see the days of a lot of rain.
And I can say I've never removed it from my phone because I've had it since the hurricane irma and right now there's a hurricane coming to Mexico but it doesn't offer aAnd I can say I've never removed it from my phone because I've had it since the hurricane irma and right now there's a hurricane coming to Mexico but it doesn't offer any danger.
Unload it.
You will not regret putting play and you will see the days as you walk and you see the day the hurricane arrives at us. Thanks to us.

by Obama_in_2008

I was a huge fan of Storm from WeatherUnderground and hadn't checked out the other options recently, but when The Weather Channel killed Storm and replaced it with a mediocre weather channel version I had a look at the other options and was very happy to find Windy. It's so much much better than the others, let me count (a few of) the ways: You can pick your forecast model! And then compare the different models to see where they differ! That to me is a game changer. The timeline along the bottom is so great to see how pressure and fronts will move - I feel like I've learned a lot just by using Windycom . The many layer options are great - set it for what you want to see and don't be distracted by what you don't. And of course the wind animation options make for a visually appealing interface. Seeing how the different altitude winds are moving and changing is so useful and interesting. I'd gladly pay money for Windycom, there are just so many great things to say about it. And if all you want is a sun, a cloud, or an umbrella for where you live that's there for you too. I was bummed when Storm was killed off but am so happy to have found this great app.

by A Reluctant IUser

I am a sailor, forest fire warden, pilot, an outdoor enthusiast who has been a paid subscriber for many years, and have always used Windy to get a good overview of the long-range models. It is the best general presentation of forecast models available.

I used Windy on both an iPhone and iPad Pro with equal success. However, in the last few weeks it has become very unstable and crashes soon after initiating. I have followed all the developer’s recommendations for correcting the installation on the user’s end but to no avail. I suspect there still is some condition that they haven’t resolved and I hope they can figure it out. Good luck!

by K. M. Peterson

I’ve been looking for a long time for an app with this much functionality, as well-designed, and with as active community engagement.

And, at the moment, it’s free, and with no ads. If you find it as useful as I do, however, the subscription is very reasonable compared to the couple of other “professional” services I have seen. I happily signed up. These people are obviously focused on providing the best and most usable data and visualization possible.

I’ve seen too many really good starts go down the drain when someone corporate comes along with better ideas for monetization that ends up killing the thing (I’m looking at you, Storm). I tip my hat to the Windy team.

by DeafJoJo

This weather app is extremely accurate. It allows you to read the ozone layers, wind gusts, rain accumulation, and more. When there’s lightening, it vibrates your phone at every strike all over the world. It shows all the hurricanes circling up in swirls, where condensation gathers, and so much more. You won’t miss out on any type of weathers on Windycom. If you know how to read the wind, you’ll learn to pinpoint where tornadoes can occur, when funnels disappears, and reform elsewhere. Windycom is highly recommended, and I had my wife, my mother, and other people download Windycom . I taught them how to use, read, and pinpoint. Thank you for creating Windycom. We praise the team who created Windy.

by Bobbybob32134282

As a developer myself, I really appreciate the quality of work going into an app like this. The fact that you have 5 comparable forecast models that can also be compared with ground station data really sets this apart.

It’s hard to ask for more. That being said… I want more!!!

Could you please incorporate meteoblue maps, at least for temperature and wind? It’s misleading when I select meteoblue as the forecast model but the map continues to display the previous “map supported” global model (ECMWF GFS or ICON). If meteoblue only supports some data, I’d prefer a warning message saying “we can’t show this because it doesn’t exist”, rather than the current behavior of showing me something that does exist but isn’t what I asked for. Additionally, selecting NAM 5km from the same menu seems to prematurely “snap back” to ECMWF. I dislike, but still prefer, the tendency of NAM 5km to only switch to ECMWF when the modeled region goes *completely* out of view (which is my experience when selecting NAM from the side-bar, rather than within the forecast menu). I’d like no switching at all, but it’s not a big inconvenience.

Thanks, and keep up the great work!

by Walkietalkieggloggedout

I’ve been a severe weather enthusiast for years I also have a very busy, not-weather related profession so I always seem to spend the first week before tornado reason trying to relocate all of the meteorological data online. No more! With Windy I can old-school my forecasts based on surface data, or I can flip through model data. The settings and visual layering are incredible! Thanks to the developers for an amazing, thoughtful app! I’m just kicking myself that I’m only now finding this.

If you are looking for a standard, user-friendly “here’s your local forecast”, kind of app, Windycom is probably not your best bet.

If you are a chaser, spotter, forecaster, weather enthusiast or anyone working in the marine world, Windycom is the best I’ve come across!

by Sea Bouy

I have weather XM subscription on my Garmin chart plotter, but it only gets me a wind view out 3 days. Windy gives me an outlook on wind and swell direction as far as a week out. I find this invaluable for our summer cruising in the Bahamas. It allows me to line up wind and waves to best suit my boat and allows me to give my passengers a better ride on passages. Together with Weather XM and internet weather reports, I can minimize bad weather experiences for my guests (and wife) so they will want to come back again and again! I use Windy more than any of the others mentioned because it’s so handy and can be taken easily from boat to boat. Wherever I carry my phone (which is everywhere) I can get wind and sea conditions. If you’re a boater, you will love Windycom.

by Riko.Kire

Honestly I never review apps, because at best most are simply acceptable for their designed purpose. Windycom, however, is worth mentioning, in that it is easily the most comprehensive (not to mention accurate) weather resource you can put on your phone, with a super intuitive interface, and greater functionality in the free version than you can get in all other paid weather apps I’m aware of. Furthermore, and almost most importantly to me, Windycom is basically ad-free, and doesn’t bloat up your phone with unnecessary and invasive adware the way most others do. Simply put, Windycom is exceptional, fantastic on all levels, and something that I will eventually pay for simply to support. Kudos and thanks to Ivo & the team for making Windycom a reality. Weather geeks (professional or otherwise,) do yourself a favor and download this one. It’s really a beautiful thing.

by ^^WeWatch^^

Update November 2020
This Windy app is not just for coastal hurricane prone areas, any location where wind is a factor can benefit from the information it provides. For my area Windycom gives us a quick compilation of a tropical storm’s track and wind intensity, information we need to keep our family safe. Windycom is indispensable.
I especially like the landscape mode (which automatically runs for 14 days) where you can size the map to watch as an area from continent to continent or just your local impact zone.
For in-depth current hurricane information I go with the Hurricane Tracker app.

When things start to get locally threatening, I confirm information I get from those apps with TV stations along the coast. They give us in-depth information on the impact of the storms that will affect them/us directly.

Original review ...
Nearly Perfect

I found Windycom while watching Dorian approach the US. It is now my favorite app for monitoring local wind speeds and the projected path of hurricanes like Dorian.

Assuming we all survive Dorian, the only improvement I would love to see (and would put it at the top of my weather app collection) would be to add a temperature icon badge to Windycom icon. I would also suggest replacing the solid red background with an image of Dorian in all his terrifying glory as the image behind the W on Windycom icon so the temperature icon badge would contrast appropriately.

by Capncuddles420

i downloaded windy after abandoning TWC’s downgrade of the wunderground app. windy could be great, but multiday forecasts are not shown by default and cannot be set to display on app launch. i live in los angeles, where wind conditions and radar maps are basically useless and redundant 300 days a year. i need to see an accurate forecast for the next few days. that’s it. so i figured i could ignore the main app and just rely on the home screen widget. that would be totally fine for me, since the widget displays a lot of useful info in a small space. but the actual temperature predicted by windy was off by a full 6 degrees celsius. i cant determine what i should wear if the forecast is off by that much. the default weather app, wunderground and twc are steaming piles of ad-stuffed defecation, but at least their temperature predications are basically accurate. how come yours is still way off the mark even when i switch between different models? something is screwy with your app and now i just cant trust it. so ill probably search “weather” on duckduckgo from now on since iOS is apparently not capable of hosting a single decent weather app.

by Meisty

I really wanted to like Windycom. It offers so, so much in terms of data sources, displays, predictions, and potential usefulness. Unfortunately Windycom design does not provide adequate tools for users to choose and manage these options. Every data option is excessively detailed, simple choices, like F or C temp. display, cannot be saved even though the SAVE button is pressed. Display options for temp. gradients are inconsistent. Labels for features like the speed of radar animation are barely visible on an iPad and nearly invisible on iPhone. Windycom offers so much potential. It could have been great. Instead it comes across as a mess of sources that were combined with little thought about function and user experience.

by LAX20531

Windycom is the example by which all other statistical apps should be judged. The info is from a huge number of sources and accurate. Historical data is available for multiple forecasts and aviation wx is available as well.
I remember the disappointment many of us felt after losing the old Storm app. Well look no further because Windycom not only meets, but far exceeds it by light years.
I’m a person who can appreciate outstanding graphical design and messaging, whether for an app or PowerPoint slide. The individual(s) who designed this have an excellent understanding of visual messaging.
I’ve found a few issues for improvement: recommend making the settings icon the universal gear icon; sometimes Windycom displays Celsius even when Fh is selected, and to allow favoriting from within forecasts (ie selecting an airport from the map doesn’t allow favoriting, it must be typed in.). Of course YMMV as I’m still learning the navigation, but this is truly an app that drives informative engagement.

by Your Boi EAW

Amazing, Dependable, ect. any good word you could use double it! Windycom it VERY dependable! I live in the United States and not in Europe. I thought that it could be a stretch with getting a European Weather app when I live in the US but when they pretty much nailed the paths of hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and Nate I new it was time to switch. I had a problem I had no clue which on to get. Some friends from Indian who visited recommended this. It took about 5 minuets to figure out but once you do it is SO easy to use and so accurate I have used this in past winter storms of what to expect and I was more prepared than the rest of my family who was depending on the National Weather Service!

Thank you so so much Windy Crew!

by Man From The Mountain

We love Windy. It's beautiful and though we din't understand most of what's in it and the interface is non-intuitive, that's fine because it is a really serious map for people who are knowledgeable about weather — which we are not. But, we love having perfectly fresh information and, living in New York City, we are thrilled by one feature of the map which we have not found in google apps or Apple maps or anybody else's maps — the street numbers of the buildings! Saves us from the annoying experience of coming out of the subway only to find we are walking the wrong way down the street. Wonderful!

by Weeds1

I really like the “futurecast” option which seems rare among weather apps. Other unique and useful features are the roadside camera links, snow depth maps, fog maps, and ocean info. I work outdoors much so I am always looking for a good weather app. This one is one of the best, if not the best. For suggested improvements, I wish there was an option for entering a list of reference locations for quick access to weather forecasts at those sites (this is common on most other weather apps). Movement of the location pin is a little odd as the pin remains stationary, but you move the map to change locations.

by D.R. Bell

This is one of my favorite free weather apps. It’s not just winds, which as a weather lover and sailor is wonderful, it has an awesome radar system. Shows lightning strikes that light up, wind and gusts, cloud cover, and a great real-time/future option for wind, jet streams, and tropical storms! So many options that took me a while to realize it had. Like GFS and Euro models for future weather and hurricanes. Honestly my number one go to for storm watching and 99% of all my weather information needs. Have turned probably hundreds of people like me on to Windycom! Keep it going because ya’ll are doing everything right!!!!

by Qazwe32

I have my weatherbug app and I think this is great companion with weatherbug the big reason why is the 36 map layers I think that the whole lot of layers in Windycom and weatherbug has 18 that’s only half the layers. I like the wind and wind gust maps because you can storms. I think this very helpful for pilots, skydiving, paragliders and more. Also your latest addition extreme forcast if you think your getting a lot of rain it will show you if it’s normal, unusual, or extreme event

Also again a great companion with your current weather app if accuweather or weatherbug or weather channel it’s great thank you

by LoLaMC

Because Windycom gives you the choice between several different forecast models, it allows you to choose the one that is most accurate for your region. It is just a pity that one cannot choose what model is displayed in the widget/today extension. Only GFS and Meteolblue work for me and I would like to be able to pick one of the two for the widget, instead I am stuck with ECMWF.
I would also like to be able to choose the default view when opening Windycom , right now it goes straight to wind but I am mostly interested in rain.

by Derpcode

I am a recent refugee from weather underground who have just destroyed their app with the worlds least advisable update. So I have been hunting through a dozen apps for something to make my new go-to source for all things weather.
This is it! Totally what I probably always wanted but never knew existed or was possible in an app form.
I read all the local NWS Discussions but never before could actually see the eg ECMWF or GFS forward projections to understand anything more. Your app gives me a whole new window into understanding the weather of Southern California and controls thereof.
So happy!

by Tsaynen

If you want to be your own meteorologist, this is Windycom . You have four models to choose from, including the renowned ECMWF, and can make your own comparison among the four. If you like the autonomy and are willing to take a little more time, you can do wonders with Windycom. If you prefer to let a meteorologist do the work, then you’re better off with your local weather station, keeping in mind that the forecasters are working from these same models. I live in a remote area in Alaska where there is no forecast available and for this situation Windy is invaluable.