RainViewer: NOAA Weather Radar

What it does

RainViewer is a sophisticated weather app designed to provide highly detailed and real-time precipitation forecasts. Its core feature is an interactive map that visualizes rain, snow, and hail movement using radar and satellite data. The app caters to both casual users wanting to know if they need an umbrella and weather enthusiasts who want to dig into specific data layers and forecasts.

Where it shines

RainViewer's strength lies in its data visualization and customization. The map interface is the star of the show, allowing users to scrub through a timeline to see precipitation develop and move (02:32). The ability to add and manage multiple locations, including renaming them for clarity (02:12), makes it practical for users tracking weather in different cities. Furthermore, the extensive settings menu (04:20) offers deep customization, from a wide variety of radar color schemes (04:27) to a selection of different app icons (04:46), allowing users to truly make the app their own.

UX highlights

Contextual Prompts: The app cleverly places 'Unlock' buttons next to premium features like the 48-hour forecast (01:11), providing a clear path to upgrade at the moment of intent.
Progressive Disclosure: The map interface balances simplicity and power. A simple bottom bar offers quick access to common layers (02:31), while a dedicated menu (03:09) reveals a comprehensive list of advanced overlays for power users.
Efficient Location Management: Swiping on a saved location at 02:11 reveals intuitive edit and delete actions, a familiar pattern that makes management fast and easy.
In-App Rating Prompt: A non-intrusive rating pop-up (00:52) appears after the user has had a moment to engage with the app, increasing the likelihood of thoughtful feedback.
Visual Legend: The app provides a clear, visual legend (02:46) that explains the different colors and intensities on the radar map, making complex data accessible to all users.
Granular Notifications: The notification settings (03:55) are highly specific, allowing users to configure alerts for precipitation start/end times, in-radius availability, and severity levels.

Monetization & growth

The app employs a multi-faceted monetization strategy. During onboarding, it presents a soft paywall (00:38) with three subscription tiers, using social proof like a 'trust score' and user testimonials to build value. If this is dismissed, a referral offer immediately appears (00:47), creating a growth loop by offering free premium months in exchange for new users. Throughout the free version of the app, banner ads are present (00:51), and key features are locked behind 'Unlock' buttons that lead back to the subscription page (01:11). The app clearly pushes its premium version as the primary experience.

Who it’s for

RainViewer is for anyone who needs more than a basic weather forecast. Its primary audience likely includes commuters, outdoor enthusiasts, event planners, and weather hobbyists who rely on precise, short-term precipitation forecasts. The detailed maps and data layers also appeal to meteorology students or professionals looking for a powerful tool on the go. The simple interface makes it accessible for everyday users, while the depth of features caters to the more data-hungry.

Notes & opportunities

The onboarding flow is very aggressive with permission requests, asking for tracking (00:06) and notifications (00:17) without any warm-up screens to explain the benefits. This could cause a significant number of users to deny permissions or drop off entirely. Introducing simple, benefit-oriented screens before these system prompts could improve opt-in rates. Additionally, the free experience is heavily populated with ads, which can feel distracting and sometimes obstructs key information, as seen at 01:01.