Weather Service FAQ

Last Update:Oct 19 2023 8:11pm • Est. Read Time:Est. Read Time: 4 MIN

Common Questions on Rachio's Weather Service

This article answers the most common question related to our weather service.


All Rachio Smart Sprinkler Controllers utilize Weather Intelligence™ Plus, which provides hyper-local accuracy regarding current and projected weather that’s not only in your area but right outside your door. 


Where does Rachio get its weather data?

Rachio receives weather data from WeatherUnderground. Weather Underground, as part of The Weather Company, pulls current and historical weather data to give us the best-interpolated data to make sure you get the most accurate forecast and precipitation data for your home.


How can I check if WeatherUnderground has good support for my area?

Check the current conditions, past observations, and forecasts for the next week at www.wunderground.com. 


I'd like to know if there are weather stations near me. Where can I check?

The Rachio app has a built-in map! Simply login (web or mobile) to the Rachio App > Account icon (top right) > Homes > select the Home where the controller is located > Weather Source > then select Weather Station to see stations in your area.  (see:  choosing a weather station).


Will the Weather Underground weather reports always be 100% accurate?

They'll be darn close! Please keep in mind, however, that when the meteorologist on TV says "a 60% chance of rain", what they're really saying is: "the chance of getting any rain at all for your specific area, combined with the chance of your specific location getting rain, totals up to be 60%" (more details).


This means that even with "a 90% chance of precipitation", your yard might very well not get a drop, or with a 10% chance, your neighborhood might get drenched. Weather is complex and inherently hard to predict, but we're working hard to use the latest data and technology to improve your yard.


With Weather Intelligence Plus, however, we can utilize data from a number of sources to further refine our precipitation estimates at the site of your controller. If you'd like to learn more about Weather Intelligence Plus, check out this article. 


Are your weather reports really "real-time"?

Yes, but please keep the following in mind:


If it suddenly and unexpectedly starts raining 5 minutes before your watering schedule, there is a chance your Rachio could still water.


We use the most up-to-date information available, but we are limited by the weather data that's available at any given time. While most professional weather stations record minute-by-minute observations, they often only report every hour to conserve power. Also keep in mind that we use a combination of reports and short-term forecasts which are rarely inaccurate.

Where does Rachio get its weather data?

Rachio receives weather data from the Aeris Weather Service. Aeris, formerly known as HamWeather, has a history of collecting data from a large variety of sources, including Ham radio operators, personal weather stations, and official NWS and FAA sources. It's used by organizations like the US Air Force, Polaris, a number of TV broadcasters, and many more. You can find out more on aerisweather.com.


How can I check if Aeris has good support for my area?

Check the current conditions, past observations, and forecasts for the next week at wx.aerisweather.com.


Why use Aeris?

Aeris provides near-real-time weather data, resulting in more accuracy. In addition, we are able to draw from a much larger collection of weather data, as Aeris collects official weather information from stations in Canada, Europe, Australia, and beyond, in addition to personal weather stations (PWS) around the world.


I'd like to know if there are weather stations near me. Where can I check?

The Rachio app has a built-in map! Simply login (web or mobile) to the  Rachio App > Settings wheel (top right) > Controller settings > Weather source > Weather station > Select Station to see stations in your area. (see:  choosing a weather station).

Additionally, there's an interactive map of personal weather stations connected to the PWSWeather.com network available here.


Aeris doesn't have weather stations close enough to me. Is there something I can do?

You might want to consider purchasing / integrating a Personal Weather Station (PWS). For more information on Personal Weather Stations, and a wide range of options to fit your time/budget and expertise, please see our  Personal Weather Stations FAQ  article.


Will the Aeris weather reports always be 100% accurate?

They'll be darn close! Please keep in mind, however, that when the meteorologist on TV says "a 60% chance of rain", what they're really saying is: "the chance of getting any rain at all for your specific area, combined with the chance of your specific location getting rain, totals up to be 60%" (more details).


This means that even with "a 90% chance of precipitation", your yard might very well not get a drop, or with a 10% chance, your neighborhood might get drenched. Weather is complex and inherently hard to predict, but we're working hard to use the latest data and technology to improve your yard.


Do you still need help?


We have a chat support team ready to assist you! You can submit a support request by selecting the chat icon in the bottom right of this page and a member of the support team will contact you live.


Summer Hours (April-September)

7 am-5 pm (MST), 7 days a week.


Winter Hours (October-March)

8 am-5 pm (MST), Monday - Saturday. We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.