Your go-to Android weather app likely covers your daily needs, offering temperature forecasts and charming widgets for your home screen. However, when it comes to tracking tropical weather, many standard apps fall short. For millions of people, especially in North America, tropical storms are a seasonal concern from June through November. Despite the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season being relatively quiet so far, the potential for a powerful storm remains, making it essential to have a reliable source for up-to-date information. This is where the Tropical Hurricane Tracker (THT) app shines.
Not your average weather app
Even if you don’t reside in a tropical region, THT is an invaluable tool for anyone interested in storm tracking. This free, ad-supported app provides near real-time updates on tropical storms and disturbances across various basins, relying heavily on data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Hurricane Center (NHC). While it may lack aesthetic appeal, THT prioritizes functionality, making critical information accessible to both seasoned weather enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
The app’s home page serves as a hub for all relevant information, showcasing active storms and disturbances in your selected basin. Here, users can find the latest NOAA advisories, tropical outlooks from the NHC, imagery, and even historical data. The layout features a static view of the Atlantic basin (or your chosen area) with the positions of active storms prominently displayed. By tapping on a storm’s button, users can access immediate details, including its Saffir-Simpson scale strength, wind speed, forward motion, and minimum pressure. A dedicated storm page offers even more comprehensive insights, including public advisories and forecast discussions.
For those beyond North America, THT includes dedicated tabs for the Eastern and Central Pacific, with additional access to the West Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Southern Hemisphere. The Active Storm tab provides a global perspective, allowing users to track storms, view their historical paths, and access forecasts on a worldwide map.
For enthusiasts and novices alike
Tropical Hurricane Tracker is not just for those living in tropical zones; it also caters to individuals unfamiliar with storm preparedness and safety practices. The app’s sidebar menu offers educational resources, such as tropical cyclone classifications and maps of various basins. Users can explore the Saffir-Simpson wind scale, which details the expected damage from different storm categories, and find actionable safety tips for sheltering and recovery.
For the scientifically inclined, THT features a Buoy Data page that displays atmospheric data from ships, weather stations, and buoys across the mainland and basins. While integrating this data into the Active Storms page would enhance accessibility, it remains a fascinating resource for those interested in the science of storms. Additionally, the app’s notification system is a standout feature, alerting users to new information on a per-basin or per-storm basis, ensuring timely updates as storms approach.
It’s important to note that Tropical Hurricane Tracker is not intended to replace your default weather app. It does not provide standard weather indicators like daily temperatures or UV indexes. Instead, it complements traditional weather applications, making it a wise choice for anyone seeking specialized information during hurricane season. While some may prefer to consult official sources or watch news updates, THT offers a more immediate and efficient way to stay informed about potentially life-threatening weather conditions.
