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Live Rain Tracker App: Download RainViewer on Android and iPhone

Last updated: 20 July 2026
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Checking the weather before travelling, working outdoors, driving, farming, or planning an event can help you prepare for changing conditions.

RainViewer is a weather-radar application available for Android and iPhone. It displays live precipitation maps, short-term rain movement, local forecasts, weather alerts, and storm information where supported.

The app can help users see where rain is currently falling and how precipitation may move over the next few hours.

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Important: Nuvelloza.com is an independent informational website. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by RainViewer or its developer, MeteoLab.

RainViewer App Overview

Particular Details
App name Rain Viewer: Weather Radar Map
Main purpose Live rainfall radar and weather tracking
Platforms Android, iPhone, iPad, and supported Apple devices
Download cost Free to install
Paid options Optional Essential and Pro subscriptions
Main features Rain radar, alerts, forecasts, storm tracking
Internet required Yes, for live information
Location permission Optional but useful for local forecasts and alerts
Developer MeteoLab

The official Android and iPhone listings describe RainViewer as a live radar app with rain alerts, local forecasts, and storm or hurricane tracking.

What Is RainViewer?

RainViewer is a weather application designed mainly around animated precipitation radar.

It processes information from supported professional weather-radar networks and displays precipitation on an interactive map.

Users may be able to check:

  • Current rainfall
  • Rain-cloud movement
  • Snow or mixed precipitation
  • Short-term radar forecasts
  • Local weather forecasts
  • Severe-weather alerts
  • Storm movement
  • Tropical-storm or hurricane information
  • Rainfall totals
  • Saved locations

The exact features available depend on the user’s country, radar coverage, device, app version, and subscription plan.

Main Features of RainViewer

Live Rain Radar

The radar map shows areas where precipitation is currently detected.

Users can:

  • Zoom in and out
  • Move around the map
  • Play radar animation
  • Check the direction of precipitation
  • Review nearby rain intensity
  • View supported weather-radar stations

Radar data may update frequently, but it should not be described as perfectly real-time because processing and transmission delays can occur.

Short-Term Rain Forecast

RainViewer uses radar information to show how rain may move over the short term.

This can help users decide whether to:

  • Carry an umbrella
  • Delay a journey
  • Move an outdoor activity indoors
  • Protect equipment
  • Change a delivery route
  • Adjust farming work

Short-term radar movement is still a forecast and is not guaranteed.

Rain and Weather Alerts

Users may enable notifications for selected locations.

Depending on location and app settings, alerts may include:

  • Rain approaching
  • Heavy precipitation
  • Severe weather
  • Storm-related conditions
  • Changes in the local forecast

Notifications require permission and may be affected by phone battery settings, background restrictions, or internet connectivity.

Local Weather Forecasts

The app provides weather forecasts for saved or current locations.

Forecast information may include:

  • Temperature
  • Rain probability
  • Precipitation amount
  • Wind
  • Cloud cover
  • Hourly conditions
  • Daily outlook

RainViewer also introduced access to multiple forecast models in supported versions, allowing users to compare different forecast systems.

Rainfall Totals

RainViewer offers rainfall-total information showing how much precipitation has already fallen over selected periods.

Its official website says a premium rainfall layer can show totals for periods such as 1, 3, 12, 24, or 48 hours, depending on current plan availability.

This can be useful for:

  • Farmers
  • Gardeners
  • Outdoor workers
  • Drainage monitoring
  • Event planning
  • General weather observation

Tropical Storm and Hurricane Tracking

In supported regions, the app may display:

  • Active storm systems
  • Storm position
  • Movement
  • Forecast path
  • Related alerts

This feature is more relevant in countries affected by tropical cyclones and may not be available everywhere.

Saved Locations

Users may save locations such as:

  • Home
  • Workplace
  • Farm
  • School
  • Travel destination
  • Family member’s city

The number of saved locations and available alert options may depend on the app plan.

Free and Paid Features

RainViewer is free to download from Google Play and Apple’s App Store.

The free version may include:

  • Live radar
  • Basic forecast information
  • Selected alerts
  • Advertising
  • Limited radar history or forecast features

Paid plans may provide features such as:

  • Ad-free use
  • Advanced radar data
  • Longer radar archive
  • More detailed storm information
  • Additional saved locations
  • Advanced forecast tools
  • Premium map layers

RainViewer currently compares Free, Essential, and Pro feature levels on its official website.

Pricing can vary by:

  • Country
  • Device platform
  • Billing period
  • App-store taxes
  • Promotional offers

Always check the current price shown inside Google Play or the Apple App Store before subscribing.

How to Download RainViewer on Android

Step 1: Open Google Play Store

Open the official Google Play Store on your Android phone or tablet.

Step 2: Search for the App

Search for:

Rain Viewer: Weather Radar Map

Check the following before installing:

  • Developer name
  • App icon
  • Number of downloads
  • Reviews
  • App description

The official Android listing is published by MeteoLab.

Step 3: Tap Install

Select the official app and tap Install.

Wait for the download and installation to finish.

Step 4: Open the App

Tap Open after installation.

Step 5: Choose Location Permission

The app may request location access.

You can choose:

  • Precise location
  • Approximate location
  • Permission only while using the app
  • No location permission

Without location access, you may still be able to search manually for a city, but automatic local alerts may be limited.

Step 6: Configure Notifications

Allow notifications when you want rain or severe-weather alerts.

You can usually adjust notification categories later through the app or Android settings.

How to Download RainViewer on iPhone

Step 1: Open the Apple App Store

Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.

Step 2: Search for RainViewer

Search for:

RainViewer: Live Weather Radar

Step 3: Verify the Official Listing

Check that the developer is MeteoLab and review the current compatibility, privacy, and in-app purchase details.

The official Apple listing confirms that the app is available for iPhone and includes live radar, rain alerts, local forecasts, and storm tracking.

Step 4: Tap Get

Tap Get and complete:

  • Face ID
  • Touch ID
  • Device passcode
  • Apple ID verification

when required.

Step 5: Open and Configure

Open the application and choose your preferred:

  • Location access
  • Notification settings
  • Units
  • Map style
  • Saved places

How to Use RainViewer

Find Your Location

Allow GPS access or manually search for a city or place.

Open the Radar Map

The radar map displays supported precipitation information.

Colours usually represent different rainfall or snowfall intensities. Check the current legend because map colours can vary by layer.

Play the Radar Animation

Use the play control to see:

  • Where precipitation has moved
  • Its current direction
  • Possible short-term movement

Tap a Location

Depending on the plan and feature availability, tapping the map may show:

  • Rain intensity
  • Precipitation type
  • Local forecast
  • Rainfall totals
  • Other weather details

Save Important Places

Add locations you frequently monitor.

Enable Alerts

Select the types of weather notifications you want to receive.

Avoid enabling too many locations if you do not want frequent alerts.

Who May Find the App Useful?

RainViewer may be useful for:

  • Drivers
  • Delivery workers
  • Farmers
  • Construction workers
  • Cyclists
  • Hikers
  • Campers
  • Travellers
  • Event organisers
  • Outdoor sports players
  • Photographers
  • Drone operators
  • Families planning outings

Benefits of a Live Rain Tracker

Better Daily Planning

Users can check whether rain is approaching before leaving home.

Travel Preparation

Radar maps may help drivers and travellers identify heavy precipitation along a route.

The app should not be used while actively driving. Check conditions before starting or ask a passenger to operate the phone.

Farming and Outdoor Work

Farmers and outdoor workers may use radar and rainfall totals as additional planning information.

However, important agricultural decisions should also consider local forecasts, soil conditions, official warnings, and professional advice.

Event Planning

Users can monitor rainfall before:

  • Weddings
  • Sports events
  • Picnics
  • Outdoor work
  • Festivals
  • School activities

Device and Internet Requirements

Requirements change with app updates.

Users generally need:

  • A compatible Android or iOS device
  • Sufficient storage space
  • Active internet connection
  • Updated app-store account
  • Location permission for automatic local information
  • Notification permission for alerts

Check the current Google Play or App Store listing for the exact operating-system requirement.

Common Problems and Solutions

App Will Not Install

Try:

  • Checking storage space
  • Restarting the phone
  • Updating the operating system
  • Updating Google Play or the App Store
  • Confirming device compatibility
  • Using a stable internet connection

Radar Map Is Not Loading

Try:

  • Switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data
  • Closing and reopening the app
  • Checking whether the service is temporarily unavailable
  • Updating the app
  • Disabling a restrictive VPN or firewall temporarily
  • Restarting the phone

Incorrect Location

Check:

  • GPS is enabled
  • Location permission is allowed
  • Precise location is enabled where needed
  • The correct saved location is selected

You can also search for the location manually.

Alerts Are Not Arriving

Check:

  • Notification permission
  • Background app refresh
  • Battery optimisation
  • Do Not Disturb mode
  • Saved-location alerts
  • Internet connection
  • App subscription limits

Radar Is Not Available in My Area

Weather-radar coverage is not identical worldwide.

Some locations may have:

  • Limited radar stations
  • Delayed data
  • No local radar
  • Satellite or forecast information instead
  • Temporary outages

Safety and Privacy Tips

  • Install only from Google Play or Apple’s App Store.
  • Avoid unofficial APK websites.
  • Verify the developer before installing.
  • Review location and notification permissions.
  • Keep the app updated.
  • Review subscription terms before paying.
  • Do not use the phone while driving.
  • Do not rely on one app during dangerous weather.
  • Follow official government emergency warnings.
  • Cancel subscriptions through the relevant app-store settings when no longer required.

Weather Accuracy Disclaimer

Weather radar is useful, but it is not perfect.

Accuracy can be affected by:

  • Radar coverage
  • Mountains
  • Distance from radar stations
  • Data delays
  • Fast-changing storms
  • Forecast-model limitations
  • Internet problems
  • Local weather conditions

RainViewer’s official description focuses on direct radar data and short-term rain information, but no weather application can guarantee exact conditions for every location and minute.

During floods, cyclones, severe thunderstorms, or other dangerous events, follow alerts from official meteorological and emergency authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is RainViewer free?

The app is free to install, but it includes optional in-app purchases and paid subscriptions. The free experience may contain advertising.

Is RainViewer available for Android?

Yes. It is available through Google Play for compatible Android devices.

Is RainViewer available for iPhone?

Yes. It is available through Apple’s App Store for compatible iPhone and iPad devices.

Does RainViewer need internet access?

Yes. Live radar, forecasts, and alerts require updated online weather data.

Does it work without GPS?

Users may be able to search for locations manually, but automatic local weather and alerts may work better with location permission.

Can it show snow?

Yes, supported radar and forecast layers may display snow or other precipitation types.

Does it show wind?

Forecast sections may include wind information. Exact data depends on the current app version and selected plan.

Can I track storms?

Yes, it includes storm-related radar and tropical-storm features where available.

Are forecasts guaranteed?

No. Weather forecasts and radar predictions are estimates and can change quickly.

Is RainViewer an official government app?

No. It is a privately developed weather application by MeteoLab.

Final Words

RainViewer can be a useful tool for viewing live rain radar, following short-term precipitation movement, receiving alerts, and checking local forecasts.

To use it safely:

  • Download it only from an official app store
  • Check the developer name
  • Configure only the permissions you need
  • Review paid subscription terms
  • Keep the app updated
  • Follow official weather warnings during emergencies

Disclaimer

This article is provided for general informational purposes only.

Nuvelloza.com is not affiliated with RainViewer, MeteoLab, Google Play, Apple, or any weather authority.

Features, pricing, subscriptions, compatibility, data coverage, app-store availability, and interface design may change without notice.

Weather information may be delayed or inaccurate and should not be relied on as the only source during severe or dangerous conditions.

Always download the app through the official Google Play Store or Apple App Store and follow warnings issued by government meteorological and emergency authorities.

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nuvelloza

Nuvelloza’s editorial team is responsible for researching, reviewing, and maintaining this guide.

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