Subscription

In order to cover the cost for the data and the further development of the app there is yearly amount to be paid via subscription. The first month is free and you can cancel the subscription without being charged during the first month of use. Buying a Pflotsh ECMWF subscription also unlocks to all other Pflotsh apps, if they are installed on the same device.

Take a look at the subscription information.

Q&A

1. How can Pflotsh storm help me?

The app protects from severe weather surprises, gives you radar and lightning information for your area and a radar forecast for the next 24 hours.

2. Why there are several Pflotsh apps and not just one?

The various apps are focussed on specific purposes. They have different functionalities, and contain a different selection of weather parameters and models. If all apps were combined to one single app, that one would be rather confusing with too many options getting into the user's way. The individual apps each show exactly what is required for a specific purpose. See all Pflotsh apps at a glance.

3. Where does the weather data come from?

Radar data is from the National weather services involved, lightning data from various sources, forecast from Kachelmann GmbH and the DWD.

4. How accurate are the data?

Radar resolution is between 250 m and 1 km, lightning strikes are mostly within a 100 m radius. Model forecast is from a 3x3 km model which is being run every 3 hours.

5. Who provides the forecasts?

Kachelmann GmbH is source for the radar forecast up to 1 hour and the storm tracking, the model forecast comes from the DWD.

6. How accurate is the radar forecast for the upcoming hour?

For this purpose, the radar echoes are being extrapolated. There is no calculation of weakening or strengthening nor for new echoes in the algorithm. Those are being handled by the high update frequency of 5 minutes. Please note the the most recent radar image for Austria (except Vorarlberg which is covered by the Swiss radar) is a 5-minute-forecast from the previous radar image since the Austrian provider doesn’t allow the display of up-to-date radar imagery.

7. How far does the model radar forecast take me?

The model radar forecast is run for the next 21 to 24 hours.

8. Why are maps always the main view in the all Pflotsh apps?

A weather map provides a lot more information than weather data for just one location. E.g: If you want to take a picture of a mountain, it is not important if the sky above you is cloudless, you want to know if the subject is hidden in fog. And anyone who is on the move wants to know how the weather is developing along the way.

9. While I am panning or zooming, the data is not shown. Why?

In order to see the map. Data is drawn with little transparency, so that it is visible well and without interference with the map. However, in some cases, you won’t see the map well enough. In those cases, just pan.

10. Why do I only see a map?

Either there is no rain in your area and you can check back past events via the archive function (star icon). There is also the unlikely possibility that one of the radar stations is down.

11. What do the small numbers in the circles mean?

These are measured values of weather stations. By default, the temperature is displayed on the map at the selected time. If a measuring station is tapped, all currently available readings of the selected station are displayed. These also as graphs for the past 24 hours.

12. Why are measurements missing at some weather stations?

Not every weather stations are equipped to deliver all values. Also, the weather stations provide their data at different times and at different intervals.

13. Can an other value than the temperature be shown on the map?

Tap any title, for example, wind gust. If you can see that the green check mark is next to it, the selected reading will be displayed on the map.

14. What are the orange and red circles for, and what do the ladder-like strokes stand for?

When a thunderstorm is detected, a circle appears around the storm cell. You can use the line to see which direction the storm is going. Small dashes indicate the position of the storm in 10-minute increments.
You can tap on one of cloud-icons icons to get more information about a particular storm cell. This shows radar data, lightning data, as well as information about the intensity of storm cells and their forecast paths. This data is derived from extrapolating the storm’s current speed and direction and thus may not always be precise, should the storm change speed or direction.

15. What do those rings with the arrows mean?

They show the direction and strength of the rotation of a storm cell. They only appear when a storm actual has a rotation.

16. What do the ripples mean?

If there is a risk of flooding, the wavy lines indicate flood areas.

17. How do I toggle between map and satellite view?

Go to the menu and touch "Settings". You can then customize the map type.

18. How do I choose the date and time which I need information for?

Please tap on the date display in the center and choose date and time and confirm your choice via check mark. You can also tap the arrows to the left (to the past) or right (to the future). See also Timeline in Tips and Tricks.

19. How do I get immediately to the present time and my place?

Shake your phone! This also updates the data. Alternatively, select the corresponding item from the menu.

20. How do I update the data for the place I am currently seeing?

Long press the date display. Alternatively, select the corresponding item from the menu.

21. Can I get a radar forecast or storm tracking for any other place than mine?

Yes, just move the map with your fingers and get to any place in the target areas Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and South Tyrol.

22. What to do if I cannot see my own position or something else on the map clearly?

Move two fingers to the left or right on the time display at the bottom of the screen. This changes the transparency (see also Transparency) in Tips and Tricks.