Key Points:
- Dates Added to Forecasts: Google Weather displays dates alongside days in its 10-day forecast.
- Enhanced Planning: This update makes it easier to plan for events beyond the current week.
- Further Improvements Needed: Users await more substantial updates like radar and broader widget availability.
In a move that might not set the weather world ablaze, Google Weather has quietly begun displaying dates alongside days in its 10-day forecast. While seemingly a minor change, this tweak offers a subtle but significant improvement for long-term planning.
Previously, Google Weather relied solely on displaying days of the week (Today, Sunday, Monday, etc.) for its 10-day forecast. This approach worked well enough for short-term planning within the current week. However, when planning further out, it could become unclear which days corresponded to specific weather predictions. This is particularly true once the forecast rolls past the upcoming Sunday.
By incorporating dates alongside days, Google Weather provides a clearer picture for users planning trips, events, or outdoor activities beyond the immediate week. This seemingly simple addition streamlines information presentation and enhances user experience.
It’s important to note that this update appears to be part of a larger Google app update (version 12.25) and doesn’t represent a significant overhaul of the standalone Weather functionality. Since its 2023 redesign, Google Weather hasn’t received any major updates. While some improvements have been made to Pixel widgets and At Glance weather icons, the core app experience remains largely unchanged. Additionally, Google recently removed the dedicated Weather app icon, further blurring the lines between the standalone service and its integration within the broader Google app.
Looking ahead, many users hoped for more substantial updates to Google Weather in 2024. The update before the date addition was primarily a visual refresh aligning the app with Google’s Material Theme design language. This recent change, however minimal, hints at the potential for further development.
The potential of Google Weather is undeniable, especially considering its access to Google’s powerful first-party forecasting models. However, to truly shine, Google Weather might benefit from becoming a fully independent application. This separation could pave the way for the introduction of much-desired features like weather radar and a wider range of widgets accessible across all Android devices.
While the addition of dates may seem like a small step, it represents a positive direction for Google Weather. Here’s hoping it continues to evolve into a robust and user-friendly weather application.
