There's Snow In My Phone

By Wilson Rothman

Dialing a number to hear a weather forecast is old news. Several new programs allow cell-phone users to see the weather as well. AccuWeather and the Weather Channel (TWC) both offer hourly and extended forecasts with loads of weather-nerd stats, like barometric-pressure readings, as well as animated Doppler radar views. AccuWeather's zippy charts are easier to flip through; TWC makes users scroll and slog through data. Another new weather program is the eye-catching Weathernews, which displays a photograph of a city of your choosing along with its temperature and conditions. Hit the Down arrow on your phone, and you get, among other things, a still radar image and a severe-weather advisory, if there is one. Although Weathernews lacks some of the data that other services provide, it has unique features, including an airport-weather checker and an alarm clock that wakes you early in inclement conditions. Check your carrier's website to see if these programs are available with your service and phone. --By Wilson Rothman