The Pros and Cons of Getting Weather Updates from Your Computer

Are you an individual who likes to stay updated on the weather, even in calm, sunny weather?  If so, you are not alone.  There are many individuals who feel much peace and comfort when they know what is going on outside.  If you always find yourself checking your local weather or tuning into the weathercasts on your local news, you may also want to turn to the internet.

When it comes to using your computer and the internet to stay updated with the weather, you will find that there are a number of pros and cons to doing so.  By examining these pros and cons, a few of which are outlined below, you can decide whether or not computer related weather updates and forecasts are right for you.

As for the pros or plus sides to using your computer and the internet to stay in the know about the weather, you will find that you have a number of different options.  Did you know that there are an unlimited number of online websites that will provide you with updated and detailed information on your current weather, as well as the extended weather forecast?  These online websites are often operated by national weather agencies, such as The Weather Channel, or by your local news stations.  You can easily find these websites with a standard internet search.

In addition to visiting the online websites of your localnews channels or national weather channels, you also have the option of receiving weather updates automatically on your computer.  There are a number of software programs that you can have downloaded and installed on your computer.  Many of these programs are available free of charge.  Although you may see some variations, many of these programs will highlight your local temperature and possibly use a sun to symbolize sunny weather or clouds to symbolize cloudy skies.  This information is likely to appear in a small corner of your computer.  With that mind, many programs allow you to simply click on the program to get more detailed information, including an extended weather forecast.

If having a number of different options, when looking to use your computer and the internet to stay updated on your local weather isn’t enough, there are even more benefits.  As previously stated, using the internet to check your local weather is often free.  Your local news channels and other national weather agencies should post your local weather, radar pictures, as well as extended weather forecasts on their websites free of charge.  As for the weather related computer software programs outlined above, you will find free programs, as well as those that charge you a small fee.

Although there are a number of pros or plus sides to using the internet and your computer to stay updated with what is happening outdoors, there are also a number of cons or downsides to doing so.  For starters, if you are in the middle of severe weather, such as a severe snow or ice storm or a severe thunderstorm, you may be unable to use your computer.  For the reason, you should not rely on your computer and the internet as your sole means of receiving weather information and updates.  This is particularly important if you reside in an area that is known for its severe weather.  In this case, you should look into investing in a weather radio or at least a battery operated radio.

Another con or downside to receiving your weather from the internet concerns the downloadable programs, which were outlined above.  When using these desktop weather programs, it is important that you know the source.  This is important, as you may receive more than a desktop weather program during the download process.  It is not uncommon to have spyware or harmful programs downloaded onto your computer when you download a program from an unknown source.  That does not mean that you should avoid these desktop weather programs altogether, but you should proceed with caution.

As outlined above, there are a number of pros and cons to getting your weather from your computer and the internet.  As a reminder, which ever option you do choose, don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.

The Importance of Owning a Weather Radio

Do you own a weather radio?  Although owning a weather radio is not required by any means, many individuals can benefit from owning and using a weather radio.  Do you know if you are one of those individuals?

When it comes to determining if you should buy a weatherradio, there are a number of important factors that you will want to take into consideration.  For starters, do you live in an area that is prone to severe weather?  If so, what type of severe weather are you most commonly exposed to?  Weather radios are ideal for all weather events, but they are must haves in certain emergency situations, such as tornadoes or flash floods.

As previously stated, weather radios are ideal to have if you live in an area that is prone to flash floods or tornadoes.  This is because these two types of weather events are often ones that give little or no notice. While meteorologists are able to predict the weather to some extent, tornados and flash floods are often considered unpredictable.  Unfortunately, not all television stations are able to broadcast important weather alerts in a minute or twos notice.  Weather radios, in most cases are.

As important as it is to know that weather radios can help you in the event of a severe weather emergency, you may be curious as to what they actually are and where you can find them.  Technically, the weather updating process outlined above is referred to as a weather radio service.  In addition to severe weather watches, warning, and updates, it is common for other important emergencies to be highlight on a weather radio service announcement.  These events may include a large natural disaster or a statewide Amber Alert.  As for the weather radio itself, you will find that you do have a number of different options. 

Weather radios come in a wide range of formats.  For example, most weather radios are battery operated radios, but radios with backup windup power are increasing in popularity.  In addition to weather radios that simply broadcast important weather announcements from a weather radio service announcement, many weather radios also come with AM/FM radio tuners.  In keeping with extra weather radio features, it is possible to find handheld radios that double as clocks, as well as flashlights.  Although a little bit higher in price, these types of weather radios are great in an emergency.

If you would like to purchase a weather radio, you should be able to do so locally as well as online.  If you live in an area that is prone to tornadoes, like the Midwest, you are likely to find a large selection of weather radios available for sale in your local retail stores.  If you are unable to find what you were looking for, such as a weather radio that is stacked with additional features, you may want to turn to the internet.  Many sports stores and online department stores have weather radios available for sale online.  Also, you can perform a standard internet search with the phrases “weather radios,” or “weather radios for sale.”

As outlined above, having a weather radio on hand is important, especially to those who reside in areas that are prone to severe weather.  It is also nice to know that you have a number of different options, in terms of buying a weather radio.  With that in mind, it is important to understand proper use.  A weather radio will not do you any good if you do not use it.  Although you may not have to have your weather radio turned on all the time, you will want to do so when you feel or see that the weather may be changing, even slightly.  If you have any severe weather watches or warnings, you will want to have your weather radio on, especially as you go to bed, as your weather radio will keep you updated, in the know, and hopefully safe.