The Google Maps app can now display real-time weather data on Android. When searching for a location in Google Maps, a small icon under your search bar will show the location’s current temperature and air quality index. Tapping the weather icon reveals additional information, including a six-hour forecast and a “feels like” value.
This feature was first spotted by Nail Sadykov of the Google News Telegram channel. As Sadykov notes, the iOS version of Google Maps has offered real-time weather data since 2019. We’re not sure why the feature was omitted from Android, as it’s a useful feature when planning trips or driving across town. Perhaps it was just bad timing—everything turned upside down in 2020, and Google has spent the last two years redesigning its apps around the Material You design language.
Anyway, Google Maps cites The Weather Channel as its source for temperature, rainfall, and air quality data. When you expand a location’s weather information in Google Maps, a shortcut to The Weather Channel will appear under the six-hour forecast. You can tap this shortcut to view a 24-hour forecast, wind speed, and other information. Interestingly, Google Maps does not include a satellite weather mode, but you can see weather information in Google Maps immersive view.
Now’s the time to mention that Google doesn’t have a dedicated weather app. It has weather widgets, it has a weather website, and it has real-time weather data in Maps. But if you want a good old-fashioned weather app, you need to download a third-party option. The APK Insight team at 9to5Google found evidence of an unfinished weather app earlier this year, but Google didn’t announce it at I/O 2023, and it wasn’t included in the Android 14 update. It’s a shame, as some people are still looking for a Dark Sky replacement.
Google Maps real-time weather data is rolling out at a staggered pace. It’s available on some Pixel phones, but it’s still working its way to other Android devices. An app update may be required for real-time weather functionality, so visit the Play Store and make sure you’re running the latest version.
Source: Google News Telegram Channel via Mishaal Rahman
