Anyone who lives in the Netherlands knows the weather can be unpredictable. One minute the sun is shining, and before you know it a heavy shower is at your door. Fortunately there is a handy solution: the Buienalarm app. This popular Dutch app warns you exactly when it is going to rain at your location. In this article we explain how to install, configure and get the most out of the Buienalarm app.

What is Buienalarm?

Buienalarm (Dutch for "rain alarm") is a Dutch app that sends you a notification when rain is on its way. The app uses the rain radar of the KNMI (the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute) and uses your location to calculate whether precipitation is expected shortly. The big advantage of Buienalarm is that you don't have to check the weather forecast yourself: the app does the work for you and automatically sends a push notification when a shower is coming.

The app is especially popular in the Netherlands and Belgium, where the weather is notoriously changeable. Whether you want to go out for a run, walk the dog or simply bike to work without getting wet: Buienalarm keeps you informed.

Downloading and installing Buienalarm

The Buienalarm app is available for free on both Android and iOS. Follow these steps to install the app:

For iPhone (iOS)

Open the App Store on your iPhone and search for 'Buienalarm'. Tap the app from Buienalarm BV and choose 'Get' or the cloud icon with the arrow. After a few seconds the app is installed and you can open it from your home screen.

For Android

Go to the Google Play Store and type 'Buienalarm' in the search bar. Select the official Buienalarm app and tap 'Install'. Once the installation is complete, you'll find the app in your app drawer.

Setting your location in Buienalarm

After you open the app, Buienalarm asks for access to your location. This is essential for the app to work, because the rain forecast is based on your exact position. You have two options:

Automatic location: Give the app permission to use your GPS location. This way you always get notifications based on where you are at that moment, ideal if you are on the move a lot.

Manual location: You can also set a fixed location, for example your home address or workplace. This is useful if you mainly want rain notifications for one specific place.

To change your location settings, go to the gear icon or menu in the app. Here you can choose between automatic detection or a manually entered address.

Configuring notifications

Push notifications are the heart of Buienalarm. In the settings you can specify exactly when you want to receive a notification:

Setting the time interval

You can choose how far in advance you want to be warned. By default, the app sends a notification when rain is expected within 15 to 30 minutes. Some versions let you adjust this interval, for example to 10 minutes or an hour in advance.

Precipitation intensity

Not every shower is equally heavy. In the app you can set whether you only want a notification for heavy showers or also for light drizzle. If, for example, you don't mind a few drops of rain, you can lower the sensitivity a bit to get fewer notifications.

Notification times

Don't want to be disturbed by rain notifications at night? In many weather apps, including Buienalarm, you can set a 'do not disturb' period. That way you only receive notifications during the day, for example between 7:00 and 22:00.

Using the rain radar

Besides notifications, Buienalarm also offers a built-in rain radar. This radar shows a map of the Netherlands (and surrounding areas) with the current precipitation and the expected movement of rain showers. The radar is updated every five minutes and gives a forecast for the next two hours.

The radar map is color-coded: light blue stands for light precipitation, dark blue for moderate rain, and purple or red for heavy showers or thunderstorms. By playing the animation you can see how the showers are moving and estimate when the rain will reach you or move away again.

Buienalarm widget on your home screen

For even faster access to the rain radar, you can add a widget to your home screen. This is possible on both Android and iOS:

Android: Press and hold an empty spot on your home screen, choose 'Widgets', search for Buienalarm and drag the widget to the position you want.

iOS: Swipe right on your home screen to get to the widgets, scroll down and tap 'Edit'. Find Buienalarm and add the widget with the plus sign.

With the widget you can see at a glance whether rain is coming, without having to open the app.

Tips for getting the most out of it

To get the most out of Buienalarm, we have collected a few practical tips:

Keep location services on: For accurate notifications it is important that your phone can determine your location. Turn on GPS or allow the app to use your location in the background.

Check your notification settings: Make sure push notifications are turned on for Buienalarm in your phone settings. Without this permission you cannot receive any warnings.

Combine with other weather sources: Buienalarm is excellent for short-term rain forecasts, but for the general weather report you can use apps such as Buienradar, Weer.nl or the KNMI app alongside it.

Battery usage: Location-based apps can use some extra battery. If you notice your battery draining quickly, you can choose to use only a fixed location instead of continuous GPS tracking.

Alternatives to Buienalarm

Although Buienalarm is one of the most popular weather apps in the Netherlands, there are also alternatives:

Buienradar: This app offers similar functionality with an extensive rain radar and push notifications. Buienradar also has more general weather information.

KNMI Waarschuwingen: The official KNMI app ("Waarschuwingen" means warnings) sends alerts for extreme weather, such as severe thunderstorms or code orange/red situations.

Weerlive: Another Dutch app that, besides rain notifications, also offers hourly forecasts and a 14-day outlook.

Frequently asked questions

Below we answer the most frequently asked questions about the Buienalarm app.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Buienalarm app free?

Yes, the Buienalarm app is free to download and use. There is also a paid version without ads with extra features.

How accurate are Buienalarm's rain notifications?

Buienalarm uses KNMI radar data and is fairly accurate for the next two hours. For longer-term forecasts, reliability decreases, as with all weather apps.

Can I use Buienalarm abroad?

Buienalarm works best in the Netherlands and Belgium. In other countries coverage is limited and you are better off using a local weather app.

Why am I not receiving notifications from Buienalarm?

Check that push notifications are turned on in your phone settings and that the app has permission to use your location. If needed, restart the app or your phone.

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