How to Use the Hidden Weather Maps on iPhone and iPad

There are two types of people, one who likes to monitor the current climate every day. And the second, who enjoys the surprise that the weather brings. Apple’s weather map is a feature that is specially designed for the first kind. Although what exactly is it, and how to use weather maps on iPhone or iPad? Well, here are all your answers.

Apple’s standard Weather app has lagged behind its competitors for years. However, with features like weather maps, the app seems to come into its own. So, without further ado, let’s learn how to make the most of it.

What are weather maps on iPhone

As the name suggests, the feature amalgamates two terms, weather and map. Incorporated in iOS 15, the feature allows you to see a bird’s eye/map view of the area’s temperature, precipitation or air quality. Let’s see how.

How to view interactive weather maps on iPhone

Step 1: Launch the Weather app.

Step 2: Tap on the map icon from the bottom left of the screen.

Step 3: Now you will see the weather map of your current location.

Step 4: You can pinch in/out to zoom according to your need. Or drag your finger across the map to switch locations.

Step 5: Once observed, tap Done to close the weather map.

Another way to access weather maps is to open the Weather app, scroll down until you see a map, and tap it to view the weather maps.

View the full-screen weather map of other locations

You can also see weather maps for other locations you have added to your favorites, let’s say the city you plan to visit or where your parents or children live.

Let’s take you through how to add a location as a favorite and then view its weather map.

Step 1: In the Weather app, tap the hamburger icon (three dots and line icon) from the bottom right corner of the screen.

Step 2: Type the search field and search for the city name or the airport code.

Step 3: Select the location from the search results to see the location’s forecast.

Step 4: Tap Add in the top right corner to add it to your favorite list.

Step 5: Then select the location from the list.

Step 6: You can now select the map icon or scroll down and tap on the weather map.

To check the weather map of another location, you can also go to the weather map section and tap the hamburger icon (three dots and line icon) in the upper right corner and tap the location.

please note: To return to the current location’s weather map at any time, tap the tilted arrow icon in the upper right corner.

How to check the rainfall forecast, current temperature and air quality

By default, Apple’s Weather app shows the precipitation map. You can change it to see the weather maps for current temperature and air quality.

Step 1: When viewing the full-screen weather map, tap the layer icon in the upper right corner.

Step 2: Here you can choose one of the following,

• Precipitation: You will see a twelve-hour rainfall forecast at the bottom.
  • Tap the play icon to see the rainfall movement pattern over the map or manually move the slider to a specific time.
  • Tap the up/down arrow icon next to the play icon and select Next-Hour Forecast or 12-Hour Forecast (not available in all countries or regions) according to preference.

• Temperature: The index measures temperature from -40 to 55 degrees. You can see the color bar to understand the temperature range. Swipe the map to see the temperature of different locations.
• Air quality: The Apple Weather Maps will show the AQI by region. Again, you can match the colors to the index to determine the current state.

Besides keeping an eye on the changing weather via the map, you can also enable severe weather alerts on the default Weather app. Thanks to this, you will be notified when there is heavy rainfall, tornado, or more.

How to read iPhone’s weather map

You may have observed the range of colors presented in the weather maps. It varies according to the parameter and its scope. Refer to the color bar at the top left of the screen to read/understand the weather conditions.

While the rest is self-explanatory, the temperature color bar can be confusing. Check out the list below for some clarification,

• Dark blue: Extremely cold (less than 32°F or 0°C)
• Light blue: Cold (from 32–59 °F or 0–15 °C)
• Green: Moderate (from 59–68 °F or 15–20 °C)
• Yellow: Slightly warm (from 68–77°F or 20–25°C)
• Orange: Warm (from 77–86 °F or 25–30 °C)
• Red: Extremely hot (above 86°F or 30°C)

Another confusion you may encounter is understanding the weather icon used and the horizontal bars the app uses for the 10-day forecast. For the former, check out the glossary of weather app icons used by Apple. As for the bars, let us help you.

The horizontal bar provides a view of the day’s temperature range. In particular, the length of the rod represents temperature variations; the longer the beam, the more variations. Furthermore, the white dot on the bar indicates the current temperature.

please note: If you feel it is showing the wrong temperature, follow this guide to fix iPhone Weather showing wrong temperature.

Use weather maps to measure climate variations

As mentioned in the introduction, Apple is finally pulling up the socks with the Weather app. Additionally, the tech giant has finally launched the Weather app for iPad and Mac with iPadOS 16 and macOS Ventura respectively.

And we’re all in for it, are you? Let us know your thoughts on Apple’s effort to improve the Weather app in the comments section below.