RainViewer: Live Weather Radar icon
RainViewer: In-Depth Analysis of NOAA Weather Radar on iOS

by MeteoLab Inc.

★4.6
IOSWeather
If you need reliable weather tracking, RainViewer delivers high-quality NOAA radar data with real-time updates. This app allows users to monitor precipitation and storm patterns through customizable maps. Designed to help both casual users and weather enthusiasts make informed decisions based on accurate forecasts.

Detailed Review

RainViewer: NOAA Weather Radar by MeteoLab Inc. stands out in the iOS weather app landscape by specializing in detailed radar visualizations sourced directly from NOAA. Unlike general forecast apps, it zeroes in on real-time precipitation and storm data, making it a go-to for users who prioritize granular meteorological insights over broad predictions. Its market position is strengthened by a focus on radar-specific features that appeal to those dealing with volatile weather conditions. The app's core functionality revolves around its radar selection capabilities, where users can toggle between individual radar stations or display multiple overlays on an interactive map. This allows for precise tracking of weather systems, with features including live radar loops, precipitation intensity indicators, and storm path projections. Practical use cases include monitoring approaching rain for outdoor events or assessing severe weather threats like thunderstorms and hurricanes. The interface supports zooming and panning across regions, with data updates typically refreshing every 5-10 minutes to maintain relevance. In everyday scenarios, RainViewer excels during critical moments, such as helping commuters avoid downpours or assisting farmers in planning irrigation. The graphics are designed for clarity, using color-coded systems to represent rainfall intensity, which reduces interpretation errors. Real-world testing shows it performs reliably in dense urban areas and rural settings alike, though occasional lag may occur during peak server loads. Users appreciate the ability to save favorite locations, enabling quick checks on weather conditions for multiple areas, such as a hometown and vacation spot. User feedback consistently highlights accuracy and feature depth. Reviews indicate high satisfaction with the app's performance during extreme weather; one user reported relying on it during tornado outbreaks where it provided timely alerts. Another common praise involves its utility for long-distance care, such as monitoring storms affecting family abroad, which adds an emotional layer to its practical benefits. However, some minor critiques mention that the free version includes ads, and data granularity can vary in regions with sparse radar coverage. Overall, RainViewer offers a robust tool for weather monitoring, balancing comprehensive radar access with an intuitive design. While it may not replace full-featured forecast apps for daily temperature checks, its strengths in real-time precipitation tracking make it invaluable for specific needs. Potential improvements could include more frequent updates in data-sparse areas, but its current execution meets most user demands effectively.

Key Features

  • •Multi-radar selection enables viewing individual stations or all overlays on a map for customized weather analysis and broader coverage.
  • •Real-time precipitation maps provide live data with color-coded intensity levels, helping users track storms as they develop.
  • •High-resolution graphics display clear radar imagery that simplifies interpretation of weather patterns and movement.
  • •Accuracy in forecasts relies on NOAA data sources, delivering reliable predictions for planning outdoor activities or emergencies.
  • •User-friendly interface allows easy navigation and location saving, making it accessible for quick checks on multiple areas.
  • •Cross-location monitoring supports tracking weather in different regions, useful for travelers or those with family abroad.

Why Users Love It

Accurate real-time radar
Easy multi-location tracking

Perfect for: Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and anyone needing dependable storm and precipitation monitoring.

Ranking History

Track RainViewer: Live Weather Radar's performance in Weather over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#41

→

Best Rank

#40

All-time high

Average Rank

#43

30-day average

User Reviews

Medmannj
★★★★★
Jul 9, 2024

Has high quality radars with the ability to select individual ones or show all of them on the map. It is my favorite feature and very nice. Best free radar app Has high quality radars with the ability to select individual ones or show all of them on the map. It is my favorite feature and very nice.

Michael Brian Davis
★★★★★
Nov 9, 2025

With my family in the Philippines and me, in San Francisco, this app has done more for my continued mental health than all of my phone calls there. watching over family With my family in the Philippines and me, in San Francisco, this app has done more for my continued mental health than all of my phone calls there.

lc4cel
★★★★★
Jul 13, 2025

This app has been very accurate with my rain guidance Very accurate This app has been very accurate with my rain guidance

happiejack
★★★★★
Jul 11, 2025

Great app, fun to look at and fun to use. Gives real time info when you need it most! Love it! Absolutely fantastic Great app, fun to look at and fun to use. Gives real time info when you need it most! Love it!

Cap Neil
★★★★★
Apr 7, 2025

I a very satisfied with the accuracy of Rain Viewer. I use it a lot . Celine charters I a very satisfied with the accuracy of Rain Viewer. I use it a lot .

App Details

Developer

MeteoLab Inc.

Platform

ios

Rating

★4.6

Last Updated

12/16/2025