iPhone Weather App Sparks Backlash Over “43cm Snow” Forecast — U.S. Meteorologist Says 95% of Pros Wish It Would Disappear

According to Fast Technology on January 23, a major winter storm is expected to sweep across much of the United States this weekend.

However, Apple’s Weather app has sparked a wave of discussion after showing snowfall predictions for some areas reaching 17 inches (about 43.2 cm) — or even more.

The numbers left many users stunned and prompted sharp criticism from meteorologists, with some calling it an “industry disaster” and claiming “95% of professionals want it gone.”

At the center of the controversy is what experts describe as the app’s overly simplistic forecasting approach.

Reports suggest the Weather app pulls raw meteorological data directly from authoritative sources such as the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), then presents it to users with little to no additional processing — essentially “serving the ingredients without cooking the meal.”

The issue becomes even more pronounced because Apple’s Weather app also offers a 10-day extended forecast. In complex weather patterns, a single, unadjusted model can easily produce extreme or exaggerated results.

Unlike professional forecasting organizations that rely on comprehensive analysis, the Weather app typically displays a single model’s output as a clean, standalone number. It does not clearly cross-check other models, nor does it provide sufficient context or explanation behind the forecast.

When weather conditions are stable, a single model may still land close to reality. But during large-scale winter storms — where systems shift quickly and uncertainty increases — the risk of significant error rises, sometimes producing “extreme weather” forecasts that don’t align with what actually occurs.

WDRB Louisville meteorologist Marc Weinberg criticized the app on social media, saying: “More than 95% of meteorologists want Apple Weather to disappear. It’s a disaster for the entire meteorology industry.”

By contrast, the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) produces official forecasts by combining multiple models, running extensive simulations, updating projections several times a day, and applying expert guidance alongside those computations.

That comparison has led some in the field to raise a pointed question: for a pre-installed app relied on by billions worldwide, why doesn’t Apple apply additional human review or refinement to raw data — so users receive forecasts that are not only convenient, but also more dependable when it matters most?