I’m a meteorologist. Here’s why your weather app might not always show what you expect

NewsWorldAmericasI’m a meteorologist. Here’s why your weather app might not always show what you expectIf you don’t have a nearby mesonet station, the nearest measurements may be many miles awayChris Vagasky The Conversation Wednesday 29 April 2026 21:48 BSTBookmarkBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popover{"translations":{"comments":"Go to comments","share":"Share","copyLink":"Copy link","bookmark":"Bookmark","removeBookmark":"Remove bookmark"},"showComments":false,"showBookmark":true,"articleId":"b2967614","articleMeta":{"url":"https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/why-weather-app-forecasts-are-wrong-meteorologist-b2967614.html","title":"I’m a meteorologist. Here’s why weather apps might not always show what you expect"}}open image in gallery{"id":"trigger-autogallery-49130","index":0}When you open your phone, your weather app isn’t doing the meteorology – it’s just showing the output of the model’s calculations (Getty Images)The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekdayYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USEmail*SIGN UPI would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice{"className":"sc-1ge0fwe-0","newsletterData":{"regSourceNewsletter":"IND_Evening_Newsletter","regTitle":"Evening Headlines","subscriptionGroup":"us_evening_headlines","subscriptionGroupId":"4326e634-422a-4447-8e1e-604a937cd3b5","type":"daily_news","pathPrefix":["/us","/news/world/americas","/news/world/americas/crime"],"title":"The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday","mobileTitle":"Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US","imageSrc":"https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/images/newsletters/usEveningHeadlines1_1.png","label":"I would like to receive morning headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts by email","newsl...