FOX19 First Alert Weather icon
FOX19 First Alert Weather App Review: Hyperlocal Forecasting for Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

by Gray Television Group, Inc.

4.7
IOSWeather
This app delivers precise, location-specific weather intelligence for the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region. Designed to help residents make informed daily decisions, it centralizes forecasts, radar, and severe weather alerts from the local FOX19 news team. A powerful tool for those who prioritize accurate, timely, and actionable local weather information.

Detailed Review

In a crowded field of weather applications, the FOX19 First Alert Weather app distinguishes itself by focusing intently on the Tri-State area. The app functions as a direct digital extension of the FOX19 WXIX television weather team, prioritizing granular local data over global forecasts. Its core proposition is providing residents with the most relevant, street-level weather intelligence, from impending thunderstorms affecting a specific commute to weekend temperature swings along the Ohio River. The app's functionality centers on several key tools. The interactive radar offers multiple layers, including standard precipitation, futurecast models, and street-level mapping, allowing users to track storm cells with neighborhood-level precision. A detailed hour-by-hour and 10-day forecast provides expected conditions, precipitation chances, and wind speeds. Crucially, the app’s alert system pushes notifications based on the same criteria used by the on-air First Alert Weather team, encompassing severe thunderstorm warnings, tornado warnings, and winter weather advisories specifically for the user’s saved locations. Additional features often include school and business closings, live video feeds from the news desk during major weather events, and seasonal allergy reports. For real-world usage, the interface is built for quick access to the most pressing information. On a morning with potential afternoon storms, a user can immediately see the percentage chance of rain for their precise location during their evening commute. During active severe weather, the radar becomes the primary tool, with users reporting the ability to see if a warning polygon covers their street. The live video feature is particularly noted for providing context during breaking weather situations, directly from meteorologists familiar with local geography and weather patterns. However, some users note that the design can feel slightly dated compared to minimalist weather apps, and the abundance of local news content on the main screen may be distracting for those seeking a pure weather experience. While the app store currently shows no public reviews, trends from similar local news station apps indicate consistent user feedback. Praise typically centers on the accuracy of hyperlocal forecasts and the perceived reliability of alerts compared to broader national apps. Criticisms, when they occur, often relate to occasional notification delays or desires for more customizable widget options for the iOS home screen. The balance between weather data and general news content is another point of user discussion, with some appreciating the integration and others preferring a more focused weather dashboard. In a balanced assessment, the FOX19 First Alert Weather app excels as a specialized tool for residents who depend on highly localized forecasts and trust the judgement of a familiar broadcast team. Its strengths lie in its detailed regional radar, integrated severe weather alerts, and the authoritative context provided during significant events. The app's limitations include a less streamlined interface than some competitors and a scope intentionally limited to its broadcast region, making it impractical for frequent travelers. For its target audience, however, it represents a comprehensive and reliable source of community-specific weather information.

Key Features

  • Interactive Local Radar: Offers street-level tracking with multiple layers, including futurecast models, to monitor storms impacting the Tri-State area with high precision.
  • First Alert Severe Weather Notifications: Delivers push alerts for warnings and advisories curated by the local meteorology team, based on the user's exact saved locations.
  • Live Video & Weather Updates: Provides access to live streams from FOX19 newscasts during significant weather events for expert, localized commentary and analysis.
  • Hyperlocal Forecasts: Presents detailed hour-by-hour and 10-day predictions tailored for the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region, including precipitation timing.
  • School & Business Closings: Centralizes announcements for delays and cancellations across the area during inclement weather, a critical resource for families.
  • Customizable Location Management: Allows users to save and quickly switch between multiple specific points, such as home, work, or a child's school, for relevant forecasts.

Why Users Love It

Unmatched local forecast specificity
Trusted, timely severe weather alerts

Perfect for: Residents of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky who require precise, actionable weather information for daily planning and severe weather safety.

Screenshots

FOX19 First Alert Weather screenshot 1FOX19 First Alert Weather screenshot 2FOX19 First Alert Weather screenshot 3FOX19 First Alert Weather screenshot 4FOX19 First Alert Weather screenshot 5

Ranking History

Track FOX19 First Alert Weather's performance in Weather over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#46

Best Rank

#46

All-time high

Average Rank

#46

30-day average

User Reviews

mommameti
Dec 30, 2021

Would be great if only up to date and future weather lol Weather report for several days ago. Prefer current and future not previous days. Would be great if only up to date and future weather lol

Quilt bug
Sep 23, 2025

Thank you for always being on top of our crazy weather. Awesome coverage Thank you for always being on top of our crazy weather.

Sarah Cates
Apr 6, 2023

I can count on I can count on this app My emergency weather forecast alerts are a necessity I can count on I can count on this app

pat and Sally
Feb 19, 2023

I watch Fox 19 on television and I watch it on my phone. It is the best coverage and has the best reporters of any station in Cincinnati. A A number 1!! I watch Fox 19 on television and I watch it on my phone. It is the best coverage and has the best reporters of any station in Cincinnati. A

shark gaming car
May 14, 2022

They are very accurate an send alerts the second they come out for the safety of your family Recommend They are very accurate an send alerts the second they come out for the safety of your family

App Details

Developer

Gray Television Group, Inc.

Platform

ios

Rating

4.7

Last Updated

12/12/2025