In a move to boost weather-related awareness and agricultural decision-making, the University of Kentucky Ag Weather Center, in partnership with the UK Department of Biosystems and Ag Engineering, UK Center for Computational Sciences and the Southeastern Center for Agricultural Health and Injury Prevention (SCAHIP), has announced the launch of "Weather Alert." The smartphone application aims to serve both Kentucky's farming community and other residents by providing critical weather updates and forecasts. 

"We know how tough it can be to keep up with the weather," said Matt Dixon, UK senior meteorologist with the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. "That's why we made Weather Alert as simple and straightforward as possible. It doesn't have any frills, just the info you need." 

The app's first phase, now complete, offers a user-friendly design with access to current and forecasted weather data, high-resolution radar and timely warning and watch alerts. Users can receive alerts tailored to their specific GPS location or other designated areas, enhancing their ability to make informed management and production decisions. 

“As we move into the next phases, the app will incorporate advanced tools from the Ag Weather Center to provide a GPS-enabled, county-by-county agricultural weather product tailored to the needs of the Bluegrass State and beyond,” Dixon said. “The focus will then shift towards enhancing disaster readiness capabilities in its subsequent phase, maintaining a county-centric approach.” 

Weather Alert is available at no cost and free from advertisements, ensuring a seamless and efficient user experience.  

“The Weather Alert app has provided real-time weather information for our extension agents, producers, families and communities to make decisions and be proactive with weather-related events,” said Laura Stephenson, associate dean and director of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. “We encourage everyone, especially those in agricultural sectors, to download this free app to stay prepared and informed about weather conditions.” 

While primarily designed for Kentucky, Weather Alert can be used nationwide.  

The app creators encourage feedback and invite users to send their suggestions and comments to weather.alert@uky.edu as they continue to develop and refine it. 

Weather Alert is available for download on iOS and Android, with plans to expand to other platforms. 

To download via iOS, visit https://apple.co/3wN3645

To download via Android, visit https://bit.ly/4dUyxdq

The development of Weather Alert was made possible through Smith-Lever/Land Grant Engagement funding, support from SCAHIP, and the UK Department of Biosystems & Ag Engineering. 

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Writer: Jordan Strickler, jstrickler@uky.edu                                                                               

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