Utilities · iOS
The Weather Network
by Pelmorex Corp.
The Weather Network, built by Pelmorex Corp. and running since 2011, is a Canadian-rooted weather app that has accumulated over 10 million users and 12K App Store ratings averaging 4.68. At 114 MB it is not a lightweight install, but it delivers hourly, 7-day, and 14-day forecasts refreshed every 15 minutes, live radar and satellite maps with multiple layers, and storm alerts covering North America and beyond. It is a solid daily driver, though the free tier comes with in-app purchase strings attached.
Radar and Map Layers Do the Heavy Lifting
The live radar is where the app earns its keep. GPS-pinned positioning means the map centers on your actual location rather than a city center approximation, and toggling between precipitation, wind, temperature, fire, and cloud layers is straightforward. Refreshes land every 15 minutes, which is genuinely useful when a fast-moving storm is approaching. For anyone who has ever been caught off guard by weather that a simpler app missed, this level of map detail makes a real difference.
Forecast Depth vs. App Bulk
A 14-day outlook is longer than most free competitors offer, and the hourly breakdown gives commuters and outdoor planners something concrete to work with. That said, 114 MB is a chunky footprint for a weather utility, and the presence of in-app purchases on a free app raises questions about which features require payment to unlock fully. Users who only need a quick glance at tomorrow's high may find the app's scope heavier than necessary.
Who Actually Benefits Here
This app suits Canadian and North American users who want more than a stock weather widget, specifically people who track storms, plan travel across multiple regions, or need reliable severe-weather alerts. The 35-year forecasting heritage behind Pelmorex gives it credibility that newer app-only brands lack. Casual users wanting a minimal interface may feel overwhelmed, but anyone who has ever wanted to understand a storm system rather than just survive it will find the feature set well matched to that curiosity.
Pros
- 15-minute radar refresh rate keeps storm tracking genuinely current
- 14-day forecast range is longer than many free alternatives
- Multiple map layers including fire and wind add real utility beyond basic rain radar
- GPS-pinned accuracy targets your exact location rather than a broad city zone
- Long-running platform with a large user base suggests reliable, tested data pipelines
Cons
- 114 MB install size is heavy for a single-purpose utility app
- In-app purchases are present but the free vs. paid feature boundary is not clearly stated upfront
- Interface depth can feel excessive for users who just need a quick daily forecast
- No offline mode mentioned, so connectivity gaps could leave users without data
- Store description omits pricing details for premium tiers, making value judgment harder before downloading