Many Canadians rely on The Weather Network app for staying on top of forecast updates, radar maps, and weather alerts. But recent technical issues stemming from a hack have rendered the popular weather app largely unusable, leaving users searching for reliable alternatives.
In this blog, we’ll discuss:
- What issues The Weather Network app is facing after the hack
- Why finding a replacement weather app is important
- The key features to look for in a weather app
- The top weather app alternatives for Canadians
We’ll focus specifically on highly rated weather apps that provide coverage across Canada with accurate and timely forecasts, interactive radar maps, and customizable alerts.
The Weather Network App’s Functionality Disrupted After Hack
In mid-September 2023, The Weather Network app for both iOS and Android suffered a cyber attack that has severely disrupted its services and accessibility for users.
The hack has prevented the app from loading vital forecast data, radar maps, and other key functions that viewers rely on. When launching the app, users are faced with blank screens, error messages, and other problems rather than being able to check the weather for their location.
The network confirmed they are facing technical difficulties stemming from the hack that are temporarily rendering the app unusable while they investigate solutions. However, there is no clear timeline on when functionality might be restored.
This presents a major challenge for the millions of Canadians who regularly turn to The Weather Network as their go-to weather resource. With the app down indefinitely, people need to secure an alternative option to get their weather updates.
Why Finding a Weather App Replacement is Crucial
Access to timely and accurate weather forecasts and data is something we often take for granted in today’s connected world. But the Weather Network app hack highlights the vulnerabilities we face by relying on a single weather provider.
Without a functioning Weather Network app, Canadians risk being caught off guard by incoming precipitation, storms, temperature swings, and other important weather changes. This could impact decisions about how to dress, whether it’s safe to drive, plans for outdoor activities, and preparation for severe weather events.
For many, the app delivers the first alert when threatening weather enters their vicinity. Without it, users lose that early warning functionality.
Routinely checking a weather app also provides an extra level of reassurance that conditions are all clear or gives you a chance to modify plans if needed. Losing your go-to weather app removes that quick and easy access to real-time data.
Having to constantly search out scattered weather information on the web is extremely inconvenient compared to the simplicity of opening an app. And the immediacy of mobile weather notifications and widgets can’t be replicated by a one-off web search.
The bottom line is having a fully functioning weather app that you can rely on is a necessity these days for staying a step ahead of the weather in your part of Canada. The Weather Network’s technical issues underscore the importance of having a backup option you can turn to when needed.
Must Have Features to Look for in a Weather App
When researching replacement weather app options, keep these key features in mind:
Accurate hourly and long-range forecasts
Interactive radar maps and satellite imagery
Current temperature and “feels-like” readings
Precipitation tracking and alerts
Customizable notifications for alerts
Wind speed data
Air quality index
Local news and video weather updates
Intuitive and user-friendly interface
The most useful weather apps provide a complete picture of current conditions while offering forecasts to plan your day and week ahead. They clearly display the most vital data like temperature, precipitation timing, severe storm risks, etc.
Look for radar that’s frequently updated and allows you to play animations to view the movement of weather systems. Alert customization is also essential so you can choose to only be notified about weather threats relevant for your location and lifestyle.
And of course, the app should be intuitive to use, reliable, and available across your devices. The top weather apps deliver a seamless experience across iOS, Android, web, and other platforms.
The Best Weather App Options for Canadians
Here are the top weather apps recommended for Canadians seeking a reliable, full-featured alternative to The Weather Network:
- Environment Canada WeatherCAN
As the official government weather app, WeatherCAN should provide the most accurate forecasts, warnings, and meteorological data. It offers a radar with past rain tracking, official alerts from Environment Canada, air quality indexes, and other weather essentials.
The no-frills design focuses on critical info for your area instead of slick graphics or excessive ads. Since it’s published by the agency providing all weather data in Canada, you can trust in its reliability. Environment Canada’s specialists issue over 4,000 weather statements yearly, which are immediately reflected in the app.
Platforms: iOS, Android
- Yahoo Weather Canada
Yahoo’s weather app offers Canadian coverage with a clean, appealing interface showing current temperature, conditions, today’s high/low and chance of rain. Swipe through the hourly and 15-day forecasts with weather icons instead of confusing numbers.
The Radar Map lets you track the path of incoming precipitation in an animated loop. Enable custom alerts for severe storms, snowfall, rain, frost and more. Yahoo Weather also features some beautiful scenic photography from around Canada.
Platforms: iOS, Android
- The Weather Network App and Website
Despite the cyber attack, The Weather Network still has reliable web-based services operational for checking forecasts and radar maps. The mobile apps also may still prove useful by providing basic data like current temperature when they can load.
Until normal functionality is restored, using The Weather Network primarily as a website rather than app can help fill the gap. You miss out on location-based alerts and some features, but the web experience may work better currently versus the hacked app.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
- AccuWeather
AccuWeather is a favorite among Android users thanks to its minute-by-minute precipitation tracking predictions and excellent radar with tornado and storm tracking layers.
It excels at hyperlocal forecasting by accessing real-time data from a network of sensors. Enable alerts for lightning, snow accumulation, flooding risk, and more. AccuWeather also incorporates attractive photos and video forecasts from Weather Network’s own meteorologists.
Platforms: iOS, Android
- WeatherBug
WeatherBug utilizes a vast network of professional weather stations and sensors for live weather data. This allows the app to deliver street-level forecast accuracy.
Key perks are real-time lightning strike tracking to stay ahead of approaching storms and a detailed radar map. WeatherBug offers a free ad-supported version along with a paid subscription for accessing forecast data layers and filtered alerts.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
- NOAA Weather Unofficial
This unofficial NOAA app provides federal weather data and forecasts in a streamlined mobile format. It includes timely NWS watches and warnings, weather radar and satellite maps, air quality info, and more.
With no ads or clutter, the straightforward design makes key data easy to access. Since it pulls directly from National Weather Service systems, the accuracy and reliability come at no cost. Note this isn’t NOAA’s official app.
Platforms: iOS, Android
- Today Weather
One strength of Today Weather is an uncluttered interface showing current temperature and conditions at a glance. Swipe to quickly scan 12-hour forecasts.
The app delivers pleasant visuals like animated sky icons, decent radar capability, and customizable alerts. Today Weather doesn’t have as many advanced features as paid apps, but the free version covers the essentials well.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Web
Check Multiple Weather Sources for Consistent Info
The Weather Network app issues highlights how quickly we can be impacted when technical problems strike a single weather provider.
Until the app is fully restored, occasionally cross-referencing 2-3 apps can provide added assurance you’re getting consistent forecasts and radar data. Checking both an official government source like Environment Canada alongside a popular commercial weather app like AccuWeather is one secure approach.
Relying on a weather app matters more than ever with the growing frequency of severe weather. Don’t get caught unprepared if your go-to weather app is unavailable. Take time now to install a reliable alternative that delivers the critical data you need.