Customer Reviews (100)

Paul Lambrecht • 2025-03-24T14:09:49.541Z

It's easy to understand and definitely worth the $1.99 to not get adds!

Kim • 2025-03-24T00:23:10.476Z

This weather app is the most accurate weather reports I have ever seen. but you have to keep an eye on it, because the weather can change quickly. plus the developer will not give out any personal info. its been 10 years and nothing from the app

Derrick Duehren • 2025-03-21T15:13:56.250Z

Great hour by hour reports

Summary of Key Insights

The NOAA Weather Unofficial (Pro) app is highly regarded by its users, particularly for its accuracy, ease of use, and ad-free experience. The app's reliance on NOAA data is a major selling point, with users trusting its reliability. While the app has many strengths, some users have identified areas for improvement, such as widget customization, radar clarity, and feature enhancements. Overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with a strong base of loyal users who have been using the app for many years.

  • Overall Rating: Very Positive
  • Score Distribution: 83% 5-star, 15% 4-star, 2% 3-star.
  • Key Strengths: Accuracy, ease of use, hourly forecasts, widgets, ad-free experience, reliance on NOAA data.
  • Key Weaknesses: Radar clarity, limited widget customization, occasional location finding issues, lack of past hourly temperatures in paid version, single weather alert display.

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 100 reviews
  • Time Frame: Reviews span several years, with some dating back to 2015 and updates as recent as January 2025.
  • Analysis Methods: Sentiment analysis was conducted by assessing the language used in the reviews to determine the overall positive, negative, or neutral sentiment. Keyword extraction was used to identify frequently mentioned features, issues, and requests.

Key User Pain Points

  • Radar Clarity: Several users mention that the radar imagery is not as clear as they would like, with one user specifically citing a "checkerboard look" that makes the images blurry and annoying. This impacts the user's ability to effectively visualize weather patterns.
  • Widget Customization: Users desire more customization options for the widgets, particularly regarding text/font size. This limits the usability of the widgets for users with visual impairments or those who prefer larger text.
  • Location Finding Issues: Some users report that the app occasionally struggles to accurately and consistently find and keep their location. This can lead to inaccurate forecasts and a frustrating user experience.
  • Single Weather Alert Display: During multiple severe weather alerts, the app only shows one color-coded alert on the home page, potentially causing users to miss important information.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Widget Customization: Specifically, increasing the text/font size on widgets.
  • Longer Forecast Range: One user requested a forecast range longer than 7 days.
  • Color Customization: Ability to change the app's color scheme.
  • Past Hourly Temperatures (in paid version): One user toggles back to the free version to see past hourly temperatures.

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Accuracy: The most frequently praised aspect of the app is its accuracy, with many users stating that it provides the most accurate weather reports they have ever seen. The app's reliance on NOAA data is a key factor in this perceived accuracy.
  • Ease of Use: Users consistently describe the app as easy to use, simple, and concise. The intuitive interface and straightforward presentation of information are highly valued.
  • Hourly Forecasts: The hourly forecast feature is particularly popular, allowing users to plan their activities with greater precision. The graphical representation of the data is also appreciated.
  • Widgets: The availability of widgets is a significant advantage, providing quick access to weather information without needing to open the app.
  • Ad-Free Experience (Pro Version): Users appreciate the ad-free experience of the Pro version, finding it worth the cost.
  • Responsive Developer: Some users have noted the responsiveness of the developer to feedback and updates.
  • Access to NOAA Forecast Discussions: Users find the quick access to NOAA forecast discussions valuable.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

  • High Priority:
    • Improve Radar Clarity: Address the "checkerboard look" and enhance the resolution of radar images to provide a clearer and more informative visual representation of weather patterns.
    • Enhance Widget Customization: Implement options for adjusting text/font size on widgets to improve usability for all users.
    • Address Location Finding Issues: Investigate and resolve the occasional issues with the app's ability to accurately and consistently find and keep the user's location.
    • Display Multiple Weather Alerts: Ensure that all active weather alerts are displayed prominently on the home page, rather than just a single alert.
  • Medium Priority:
    • Add Color Customization Options: Allow users to customize the app's color scheme to personalize their experience.
    • Consider Adding Past Hourly Temperatures to Pro Version: Based on user feedback, consider adding past hourly temperatures to the pro version.
  • Low Priority:
    • Extend Forecast Range: Evaluate the feasibility of extending the forecast range beyond 7 days.
    • Layman's Terms Details: Add the option for details to be displayed in layman's terms.

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Hyperlocal Weather Data Enhancement: A startup could focus on developing advanced algorithms that refine NOAA's point forecasts with additional data sources (e.g., crowdsourced weather observations, sensor networks) to provide even more precise hyperlocal weather information.
  • Customizable Weather Widget Platform: A startup could create a platform specializing in highly customizable weather widgets, offering advanced options for data visualization, layout, and integration with other apps. This could address the current app's limitations in widget customization.

Trends and Observations

  • Long-Term User Loyalty: A significant portion of users have been using the app for many years, indicating a high level of satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Focus on Accuracy and Simplicity: Users consistently prioritize accuracy and simplicity over flashy features, highlighting the importance of these core aspects.
  • App Updates are Well Received: Mentions of updated versions of the app are overwhelmingly positive.

Conclusion

The NOAA Weather Unofficial (Pro) app is a well-regarded weather app that excels in accuracy, ease of use, and reliability. By addressing the identified pain points, particularly radar clarity and widget customization, the developer can further enhance the user experience and solidify the app's position as a top choice for weather information. The app's strong foundation and loyal user base provide a solid platform for future growth and innovation.

Original App Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nstudio.weatherhere