by catpaw | 16 Feb, 2019 | apps | software | stuff
Environment Canada’s new app WeatherCan is a must have for Canadians. The app moved out of beta testing and is available in both the Apple Store and Google Play Store. A quick note: this is an app geared towards Canadians and not applicable outside of our borders.
I’ve been using WeatherCan for a few months now since it was in beta. It’s run on two phones – both budget smartphones – and worked flawlessly. I’ve played around with dozens of weather apps over the years, usually tearing them out quickly because they are resource hogs or heat the phone up (on two occasions, dangerously so). I’m pleased to say this one does neither. It’s fast response time, even on a low-end phone, was a surprise. Another positive, WeatherCan doesn’t drain the battery, even when allowing notifications and real time updates.
Best weather app for Canadians
There isn’t a lot to be said about the app – it works well, it doesn’t crash, and it’s pleasing to look at. The visuals are clean and easy to understand. If you’re familiar with the Environment Canada website, it’s pretty much the same. The big bold images, and lack of clutter makes WeatherCan one of the better weather apps out there.
 Weather looks a bit chilly |  Easy to understand interface |
WeatherCan packs a lot of information on each screen.
 Detailed single day screen |  A week at a glance |
The only flaw** I could find is the lack of ability to turn off weather notifications for other regions/provinces. For a few weeks, I was hammered with weather alerts for Sask. On the upside, I learned to appreciate how truly bad Sask. winters can get. Maybe it’s part of Environment Canada’s cunning plan.
** update: this glitch has been fixed and no longer sends erroneous weather alerts – Dec 14/20
Look for the WeatherCan app in Google Play and the Apple Store or go directly to Environment Canada’s page – WeatherCan. If you download the app, drop a note in the comments and let me know how it runs on your phone.
NOTE: minor updates to grammar and information regarding the app made Dec. 14, 2020.
by catpaw | 16 Oct, 2016 | I'm getting too old for this shit
From a couple weeks ago. I looked up the weather and this popped up:
That’s it … no weather on Friday. Everyone stay home. Must be the apocolypse coming …. oh wait, it’s a one day end of times … carry on everyone
by catpaw | 13 Aug, 2016 | photos | art | design
It’s been unreasonably hot and humid here in Toronto over the last week. With the humidex, the temp has been pushed over 40c (that’s over 100 F for my American friends) for days now. Plus so dry, it’s become a worry. Well, today (Sat), Mother Nature sent us some relief. The promised, but not believed, cold front just roared over the city, bringing rain and lower temperatures. I stood on the balony and I could feel the temp dropping by the minute. The clouds were moving overhead so fast, it was amazing. I did manage to snag this before it blew overtop:
Don’t often see wannabe funnel clouds over Toronto, but it looked like this cloud bank was trying it’s best. The wind was whirling around and around, picking up speed for a short time, which caused this. It’s west facing, must have been over Etobicoke and Mississauga.
Right now, windows open, enjoying the fresh air. I won’t have to water anything on the balcony tonight. The pots are over flowing with water, the wind has died down and the rain is coming down in bucket. Keep your fingers crossed the humidity doesn’t return.
by catpaw | 8 Jun, 2016 | I'm getting too old for this shit
Ok, I’m going to ask this nicely … which one of you has been fiddling about with the thermostat? Come on, ‘fess up. It’s now June and this was the temperature last night:
And today:
A week and a half ago the temp rocketed into the high 30s and now this? My balcony garden is never going to grow.
by catpaw | 13 Feb, 2016 | photos | art | design
Yea, that’s cold no matter how you look at it. But dress in layers and it’s not so bad. The frost on the windows is so thick I couldn’t see out. Had to scrape it clear to see. We’ve gotten off easy this year so far – been fairly warm so we’re all spoilt. But when you’re slogging around in the cold, can’t find your mittens, a warm thought is needed to get through the day. Here’s one of my favourite ones:
Here’s a south facing view of Toronto, one not normally seen. Usually you get these iconic shots of the CN Tower and all the high rises, but if you look to the left or right, you are greeted with a sea of green. I took this from the 19th floor on the south side in a friend’s apartment last year. We stood in the window just admiring the view, enjoying the sunshine and warmth. The view is stunning. Just think of waking up to this every morning. If you pan to the left, you get the typical view, but I prefer the green. Stay warm… enjoy the view.
