Buienradar is the go-to weather app in the Netherlands that predicts to the minute when it is going to rain. Whether you are going cycling, taking a walk or want to sit outside on a café terrace: with the Buienradar app you know exactly when you will stay dry. In this article we explain how the app works and how to make the most of all its features.

What makes Buienradar unique?

Buienradar stands out from other weather apps because of its accurate precipitation forecast. Weather radars measure in real time where it is raining and how the precipitation is moving. This data is combined with meteorological models to predict when it will start raining at your location or when the weather will turn dry.

The well-known Buienradar map shows where it is raining right now in the Netherlands and Belgium. The colored areas indicate the intensity of the precipitation: light blue for drizzle up to dark blue or purple for heavy showers. By following the movement of the precipitation, you can also estimate for yourself when a shower will reach your location.

Installing the Buienradar app

Download the Buienradar app for free from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. After installation, the app asks for access to your location. This is needed to give accurate forecasts for exactly where you are. You can also enter a location manually if you want to check the weather somewhere else.

When you open the app for the first time, you immediately see the current weather at your location with temperature, wind direction and speed, and humidity. At the bottom you will find the iconic timeline with the precipitation forecast for the next two hours. This shows you at a glance when it will be dry or wet.

Reading the precipitation graph

The precipitation graph is the heart of Buienradar. It shows a timeline of the next two hours with the expected precipitation per time unit. The height of the bars indicates the intensity: the higher the bar, the harder it rains. A flat line means dry weather.

Above the graph there is often a text summary such as 'Vanaf 14:35 regen' (rain from 14:35) or 'Tot 15:10 droog' (dry until 15:10). This gives you quick insight without having to analyze the graph in detail. The forecast is updated every five minutes with the latest radar data, so take one more look just before you leave for the most up-to-date information.

Forecasts for other locations

Want to know what the weather is like somewhere else? Tap the search bar and enter a place name or address. The app then shows the precipitation forecast for that location. This is handy if, for example, you want to know whether it is raining at your destination before you leave. You can save multiple locations as favorites for quick access.

Using the Buienradar map

Tap the map icon to open the full Buienradar map. Here you see the Netherlands and surrounding countries with real-time precipitation data. You can zoom in on your location to see in more detail exactly where the precipitation is falling. The animation shows how the precipitation has moved over the past few hours.

With the play button you can view the expected movement of the precipitation for the coming hours. This helps you understand which way the showers are heading and whether they will reach your location. The map is especially useful during thunderstorms or heavy showers to see how the weather is developing.

Different map layers

Buienradar offers several map layers. Besides precipitation, you can also view clouds, temperature, wind and thunderstorms. Each layer gives different insights. The thunderstorm layer shows where lightning has been detected, which is handy during summer showers. The wind layer visualizes wind speed and direction across the whole country.

The extended weather report

Besides the precipitation forecast, the Buienradar app offers a complete weather report. Here you will find the forecast for the next 14 days with daily temperatures, chance of precipitation and hours of sunshine. This is useful for planning activities further ahead.

The weather report also includes an hour-by-hour overview for the next 48 hours. Here you see exactly when the temperature rises or falls, when the wind picks up and when the chance of precipitation is highest. This detailed forecast helps you plan your day.

Weather warnings

Buienradar gives warnings for extreme weather. Think of warnings for slippery roads, thunderstorms, storms or extreme temperatures. These warnings are tailored to your location and appear as a pop-up in the app. You can choose which weather phenomena you want to receive notifications for.

Setting up widgets and notifications

A handy feature is the Buienradar widget for your home screen. It continuously shows the current weather and the precipitation forecast without you having to open the app. Several widget sizes are available, from a compact version with only the temperature to an extended version with the full precipitation graph.

You can also set up rain notifications. The app then sends an alert when rain is expected at your location in the near future. This is ideal if you have laundry hanging outside or want to know when to walk the dog before it starts raining. You set the warning time you want, for example 15 or 30 minutes in advance.

Premium features

Buienradar also offers a premium version with extra features. With Buienradar Premium you get an ad-free experience, more detailed maps and more extensive forecasts. As a premium user you also get earlier access to new features. The subscription can be taken out monthly or yearly.

For most users, the free version is more than enough. The core functionality, the accurate precipitation forecast, is available completely free of charge. Ads are shown, but they are not intrusive and do not interrupt your use of the app.

Tips for the best use

Here are some tips to get the most out of Buienradar. Check the forecast just before you go outside, because the data is updated continuously. A forecast from an hour ago may already be out of date. Accuracy is highest for the next 30 minutes and decreases the further ahead you look.

Combine the precipitation graph with the radar map for the best picture. The graph gives a summary, but the map shows where the precipitation is coming from and how intense it is. When in doubt, this helps you better judge whether a shower is really heading your way or will just pass by.

Remember that Buienradar is a forecast, not a guarantee. Local showers can develop unexpectedly or fail to appear. Use the app as a tool, but be prepared for changes. With an umbrella in your bag you are always covered, even when Buienradar predicts dry weather.

Frequently asked questions

How accurate is the Buienradar forecast?

Buienradar is most accurate for the next 30 minutes to 2 hours. The app uses live radar data combined with weather models. For longer periods the accuracy decreases, as with all weather forecasts.

Can I get notifications when it is going to rain?

Yes, you can set up rain notifications in the Buienradar app. Go to the settings and turn on rain alerts. You can specify how many minutes in advance you want to be warned.

Is Buienradar free to use?

Yes, the Buienradar app is free with all basic features, including the precipitation forecast, weather map and 14-day forecast. There is a premium version without ads that has extra features.

Does Buienradar also work abroad?

Buienradar works best in the Netherlands and Belgium, where the radar data is most accurate. Limited data is available for other European countries. The app is primarily designed for Dutch weather.

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