I can 100% assure that:
- not all weather apps use the same data
- weather models tend to be optimised to enhance accuracy in their intended main markets
- civil aviation has 2 world area forecast centres - US and UK - they are the best
Computer models are not all the same. They vary in grid size, the way in which topography is represented, number of different levels in their atmospheric models etc.
For a grid point in (say) North Somerset the next one going north could be South Wales. Location could be 1000ft on the Quantocks, sea level in Minehead, middle of Bristol Channel.
Models with a large grid have to interpolate between grid points. How well they do it depends on how they integrate the topography which can create different solutions depending upon which way the wind is blowing.
Research has shown most folk do not understand percentages (not on this forum I am sure). But does a 25% probability of rain mean (a) it will rain for one quarter of the time step in the forecast, or (b) 3 out of 4 locations covered by the forecast will get no rain.
People capabilities and needs vary - eg: windsurfers will often be well informed about weather and why it is important, family going to seaside only really want to know if the sun will shine. Different needs = different apps.
Not just true of weather - any app wanting users needs to present information which is superficially easy to access, appears unambiguous and in language the user understands.
A user unfriendly app will be perceived as less accurate, less useful etc, and over time have fewer users, irrespective of whether it is more or less accurate - perceptions not objectivity rule!
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Local Weather App new
Local Weather App new
