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Google’s new Weather interface will feature improved short-term forecasts

By Aiko Tanaka
2 min read
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Google has started to offer its updated Weather interface on both of its large-screened Pixel devices, the Pixel Tablet and the Pixel Fold. So far though, the new Weather interface has yet to be pushed out to Pixel phones. The new interface includes a larger, bolder current temperature reading and a transparent system navigation bar.
Perhaps more important than the redesign is the improved accuracy of the short-term weather forecasts delivered by the interface. Android Police notes that the interface will now update weather data multiple times each hour. This data comes from the Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) system that uses multiple radars and algorithms to help improve the accuracy of hazardous weather forecasts and warnings.
Also being used to improve the accuracy of the forecasts for the Google Weather interface is High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) which is an atmospheric model that updates every 15 minutes. Both MRMS and HRRR are systems belonging to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
More accurate weather forecasts will help Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold users plan their day around a  precise and accurate weather forecast. And when the weather changes abruptly, the Google Weather interface will show users the latest forecast in time to prepare for the new weather activity on the way.
It isn’t clear when the Pixel handsets will get the new weather interface. Right now, to get the Google Weather interface on your Pixel phone, open the Google app and swipe the carousel underneath the search bar until you see the local weather and temperature. Tap on it and about half the page will be dedicated to the current weather. Tap the three-button overflow menu icon on the right of the screen where you’ll see the “Weather/Today” heading and a menu that includes an option to “Add to homescreen.”
Once you add the weather icon to the homescreen of your Pixel phone, you’re just a tap away from seeing Froggy, the latest temperature, and the forecast. Since it is available on Android 13 for the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet, we are not simply awaiting the update to Android 14 to see it on Pixel handsets. But when it does become available on Pixel phones, it will allow users to get the information they want without having to scroll to the bottom of the screen.

Questions & Answers

Q.

Which specific Pixel devices have received the new Weather interface update so far?

A.

The updated Weather interface is currently available on the Pixel Tablet and the Pixel Fold. These are Google's large-screened Pixel devices that have begun to offer the new features.

Q.

What are the main improvements in the updated Google Weather interface?

A.

The interface features a larger, bolder current temperature reading and a transparent system navigation bar. More importantly, it provides improved accuracy for short-term weather forecasts, updating data multiple times each hour.

Q.

What systems contribute to the improved accuracy of the new weather forecasts?

A.

Improved accuracy comes from the Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) system and the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) atmospheric model. Both systems belong to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Q.

Is the new Weather interface expected to be available on Pixel phones soon?

A.

It is not clear when Pixel handsets will get the new interface. The article notes that its availability on Android 13 for the Fold and Tablet means it's not solely awaiting the Android 14 update.

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