Real-Time Weather at Your Fingertips: 7 Things You Might Not Know You Could Do with AWN

May 21, 2025 Chandler Spinelli Comments

The Ambient Weather Network (AWN) isn't just another weather app—it's a powerful, ad-free platform that puts hyperlocal, real-time conditions at your fingertips. Whether you own a personal weather station or simply want better insight into your environment, AWN gives you access to detailed data from a growing network of public, private, and NOAA-supported stations.

If you've only used it to check temperature and rainfall, you're missing out. AWN is packed with tools and features that most users don't know they already have access to—many of them available without needing to own a weather station.

Here are 7 things you might not know you can do with AWN.

1. Set Alerts from Public Stations—Even Without Owning One

You don't need to own a weather station to get value from AWN. You can follow any public station in your area and set custom alerts for conditions that matter to you—like high winds, extreme temperatures, heavy rainfall, or freezing conditions. This is especially useful if you're managing outdoor activities, commuting daily, or caring for a property from afar.

Alerts come directly to your phone or inbox, giving you a heads-up before the weather changes. You'll get more tailored warnings than the broad regional alerts you get from standard weather apps.

2. Favorite and Track Multiple Stations in One Dashboard

AWN lets you create a personalized dashboard where you can favorite public or personal stations. This is perfect for checking conditions at your home, your workplace, your vacation property, or even your kid's summer camp.

It's especially useful if you live in a region with microclimates. Conditions can vary greatly across short distances, and with multiple favorites, you can stay aware of what's happening in real time across all your important locations.

3. View Layered Weather Maps in Real Time

The AWN app includes interactive maps that allow you to toggle between radar, temperature, wind, lightning, and other layers. These visuals are updated frequently and offer a more precise view than national forecasts.

You can zoom in to your exact location or zoom out to watch incoming systems move across regions. Whether you're tracking a heatwave, spotting storm activity, or monitoring wind shifts before boating or hiking, this feature adds serious clarity to your planning.

4. Access Time-Lapse Videos from Public Weather Cameras

Some AWN-connected weather stations feature live cameras that capture time-lapse footage of local weather conditions. From watching a storm roll in to viewing daily sunrise and sunset patterns, these videos offer a visual context to complement your weather data.

You can view videos from select public stations right on the interactive map, adding a dynamic and engaging layer to your forecast experience. It's especially useful for seeing how fast-changing weather has developed over the day or confirming if rain or snow hit a specific location.

5. Track Air Quality Trends with Sensor-Connected Stations

AWN supports air quality sensors like the AQIN, PM25, and PM25IN, which track PM2.5, PM10, and CO2 levels. These readings are especially important for families with allergies, asthma, or concerns about pollution.

When these sensors are connected to a weather station, you can view historical trends and current readings right in your dashboard. Even without owning a sensor, you can follow public stations that provide air quality data, helping you plan activities on days when outdoor air might not be ideal.

6. Browse Active Lightning Strikes and Storm Zones

Using the lightning map layer, you can track lightning strikes and monitor storm activity in real time. Whether you're planning or managing an event or keeping pets safe during a thunderstorm, the lightning layer gives you a safety edge.

7. Customize Your AWN Layout (AWN+ Feature)

With AWN+, you can rearrange your dashboard tiles to prioritize the data that matters most to you. Move temperature, humidity, rainfall, or air quality tiles to the top of your view so your most-used metrics are always front and center. You can even organize how your favorite public or personal stations are displayed on your dashboard.

This layout flexibility makes it easier to scan your data quickly and personalize your weather monitoring experience to fit your preferences.

Want Even More Weather Power?

AWN+ unlocks advanced features like:

Extended hourly forecasts (up to 10 days)
Premium map layers (air quality, snow, wildfires, tropical cyclones, river gauges)
Multi-station and multi-parameter graphing
SMS alerts and 3 years of historical data

It's a great upgrade for weather enthusiasts, safety planners, or anyone who wants maximum control and visibility.

Start with AWN for free, or upgrade to AWN+ to unlock additional features.

Explore AWN Now | Upgrade to AWN+