New app shines light on current weather

• A free app is now available with timely weather information

West Australians can now access current weather information with a new app that will be useful for everyone from city commuters to farmers and emergency services.

Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston today launched the app, which draws on live data from more than 130 weather stations from the Kimberley to the South Coast, including five in the metropolitan area.

The Minister said the app, developed by the Department of Agriculture and Food (DAFWA), would make weather information more mobile and accessible.

The "~DAFWA Weather Stations App', which is free but requires first-time users to register, complements the State Government's $10 million Helping Grain Growers Better Manage Risk project by offering timely weather information across the Grainbelt and the South-West.

"This app will be a valuable addition to anyone's smartphone and tablet - from city commuters to farmers," Mr Baston said.

"It shows users a range of information about the weather in a fairly localised area over the past 10 minutes, including temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, solar radiation and soil temperatures.

"Weather conditions over the past week will be available for each site."

The Minister said the app, which could also assist monitoring weather conditions during extreme climate events, would be an important tool for farm businesses.

"I expect it will prove popular with people who enjoy outdoor recreational activities, as well those who are travelling or have properties in different parts of the State," he said.

"It also contains a range of derived information, such as delta-T values and evaporation that will be useful for farmers to assist with spray and irrigation programs."

Fact File

• Search DAFWA Weather Stations App to download the app for Apple and Android devices

Minister's office - 6552 5400