WRAL Weather icon
WRAL Weather App: Comprehensive Review of Local Forecasting Tool

by Capitol Broadcasting Company

4.0
IOSWeather
WRAL Weather delivers hyperlocal forecasts for central and eastern North Carolina with real-time radar and custom alerts. The app serves residents needing reliable weather data from trusted meteorologists during severe conditions.

Detailed Review

WRAL Weather is a specialized iOS application developed by Capitol Broadcasting Company that provides localized weather forecasting for Raleigh, Durham, and surrounding regions of North Carolina. The app positions itself as a critical tool for residents in areas prone to rapidly changing weather patterns, drawing directly from the WRAL Severe Weather Center's meteorological expertise. This regional focus distinguishes it from broader national weather applications by offering granular, location-specific data. The application's core functionality centers around live local forecasts with hourly and 7-day predictions for both current and saved locations. Real-time radar integration allows users to track storm movements with precision, while custom alert systems provide notifications for severe weather developments. The platform delivers in-depth weather updates prepared by local meteorologists who understand regional microclimates and weather patterns, adding contextual analysis often absent in automated forecasting services. User experience reflects a clean, functional interface following recent updates that addressed previous performance issues. Navigation is straightforward with intuitive access to radar, forecasts, and alert settings. The redesign mentioned in user reviews has significantly improved reliability and visual presentation, particularly regarding Doppler radar displays. Real-world usage patterns indicate the app serves both daily planning needs and emergency preparedness, especially during hurricane season and severe weather events common to the region. User feedback consistently highlights satisfaction with the application's accuracy and local relevance, though multiple reviews indicate a significant demand for widget support and Apple Watch integration. User dhwuh noted on July 6, 2025 that widgets would make it 'the only weather app I need,' while Damnitderek praised the June 7, 2025 update for eliminating lagginess despite acknowledging the presence of advertisements. The May 21, 2025 review from Copperhead0991 specifically commended the visual overhaul and improved reliability compared to previous buggy versions. The application's primary strength lies in its hyperlocal accuracy and trusted meteorological sourcing, though the absence of widgets and smartwatch integration represents a notable limitation compared to competing weather applications. Advertising, while described as reasonable by users, does create visual clutter. The app serves as an ideal solution for North Carolina residents prioritizing local expertise over broader feature sets, particularly those requiring reliable severe weather notifications and regional radar tracking.

Key Features

  • Real-time radar with enhanced Doppler display provides precise storm tracking and movement visualization for severe weather preparedness
  • Customizable alerts deliver location-specific notifications for severe weather events directly from local meteorologists
  • Hourly and 7-day forecasts offer detailed predictions for both current location and multiple saved locations throughout North Carolina
  • Local meteorologist insights provide context and analysis specific to central and eastern North Carolina weather patterns
  • Recent interface redesign improved navigation reliability and visual presentation while maintaining functional accessibility

Why Users Love It

Hyperlocal forecasting accuracy
Trusted meteorological sourcing

Perfect for: North Carolina residents requiring localized weather data and severe weather alerts

Ranking History

Track WRAL Weather's performance in Weather over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#33

Best Rank

#30

All-time high

Average Rank

#34

30-day average

User Reviews

Inquiring minds 14-25
Jun 14, 2025

What happened to the on screen weather widget. Miss thank you Widget What happened to the on screen weather widget. Miss thank you

dhwuh
Jul 6, 2025

If it had widgets, it would be the only weather app I need. An Apple Watch app would also be great, but the widgets are a must have Excellent app! But, no widget!? If it had widgets, it would be the only weather app I need. An Apple Watch app would also be great, but the widgets are a must have

Weather center
Aug 1, 2025

I am from Raleigh and as a kid I looked at dateline news in the 60 s and now I am here in Wilmington and still look at WRAL news and weather I love WRAL tv Love WRAL weather I am from Raleigh and as a kid I looked at dateline news in the 60 s and now I am here in Wilmington and still look at WRAL news and weather I love WRAL tv

Damnitderek
Jun 7, 2025

The latest update to this app is amazing. Nice to have a local weather app not laggy and offer so much. The only downside side are the adds but those are reasonable. The adds are not too long and something has to pay to keep the site going. All and all a very good weather app. Just my thoughts. The latest update to this app is amazing. Nice to have a local weather app not laggy and offer so much. The only downside side are the adds but those are reasonable. The adds are not too long and something has to pay to keep the site going. All and all a very good weather app.

UNCJC
Oct 11, 2025

The national apps are often not accurate. The WRAL radar is better at showing actual rain at the current time. It also doesn’t look the same all the time like the iPhone weather app does. My go-to weather app The national apps are often not accurate. The WRAL radar is better at showing actual rain at the current time. It also doesn’t look the same all the time like the iPhone weather app does.

App Details

Developer

Capitol Broadcasting Company

Platform

ios

Rating

4.0

Last Updated

1/20/2026