Ex-Apple team launches Acme Weather, a new take on weather forecasting

The minds behind the acclaimed weather app Dark Sky have returned with an innovative product, Acme Weather, following their acquisition by Apple in March 2020. This new app promises to deliver an enhanced and more dependable weather forecasting experience than its predecessor. Acme Weather distinguishes itself with a variety of unique notifications, including whimsical alerts for rainbows and picturesque sunsets. It aims to provide a clearer understanding of weather predictions by presenting multiple forecast scenarios, enhancing accuracy and user confidence. Co-founder Adam Grossman discussed the app’s features in a recent blog post, emphasizing that their forecasts integrate various data sources, including satellite imagery, ground station readings, and advanced numerical weather prediction models. Grossman noted the inherent unpredictability of weather forecasting, stating, "Forecasts are often wrong — it’s the weather, right? It’s one of the hardest things to predict." He believes that understanding alternative outcomes is crucial for planning significant events, particularly during unpredictable winter storms. The app’s innovative approach allows users to view forecasts alongside potential variations, helping them comprehend the degree of consensus among different weather models. This feature is particularly useful in scenarios where conditions can shift dramatically, such as when a storm could change from snow to rain. Acme Weather, priced at $25 per year with a two-week free trial, is designed to support the costs of accessing diverse weather models and resources. While the team is still deliberating the inclusion of a developer API, they are focused on offering a robust consumer experience. The app currently features various maps illustrating radar, precipitation totals, wind patterns, temperature fluctuations, humidity levels, and more. A particularly engaging aspect of Acme Weather is its Community Reports feature, allowing users to contribute real-time weather updates, thus enriching the app's data accuracy. Following in Dark Sky's footsteps, Acme Weather promises to maintain its reputation for precise local rain predictions, while also introducing playful elements like alerts for rainbows and sunsets in its experimental "Acme Labs" section. The team, which includes co-founders Josh Reyes and Dan Abrutyn, is excited about the opportunity to develop an indie app that allows for creativity and experimentation, something that can be challenging within a larger corporate framework. Grossman remarked on the thrill of being able to explore unconventional ideas without the constraints typically present in a significant organization. Currently available on iOS, Acme Weather aims for an Android release in the future. With its blend of accurate forecasting and engaging features, it is set to make a significant impact in the weather app landscape.