SMSWeather

Weather by text message.

Invite only · US only

What it is

SMSWeather is a small text-message weather service for the United States. You text it a place name or your GPS coordinates; it texts back one short message with any active National Weather Service alert, minute-level rain timing, current conditions, and tonight’s outlook.

It is built for being outdoors past the edge of cell coverage, sending a text over a satellite link, deciding whether to make camp or push on. Satellite messages are slow and metered, so every reply is kept to a single 160-character segment.

It only ever replies. No marketing, no newsletter, no unsolicited or automatic alerts — every message it sends answers one you just sent it.

How it works

1Sign upYour number goes on the approved list. The service answers only numbers on that list.
2Text the numberCoordinates, a ZIP, an airport code, or a place name. No command word needed.
3Get one textUsually in a few seconds. Rain timing first, since that is what you asked.
4STOP any timeYou are removed at once and can never be messaged again. START brings you back.

A real reply

> 35.5946,-83.8480

CADES COVE TN 4:12p
Rain ends ~8min, dry 1h
Now 61F wind W6
Tonight clear lo 52

What to text

35.59,-83.84
Exact coordinates
Boulder, CO
Place, ZIP, or airport code
R
Rain timing only, one line
A
Active NWS alerts
F
Three-day outlook
HOME <place>
Save a default location
HELP
What this is, how to reach us
STOP
Opt out, permanently

Request access

Approved by hand, so give it a day or two. We text you once to confirm when your number is approved.

We never sell, rent, or share your number or anything else you enter here. No mobile information is shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

Messaging terms →

  • Program: SMSWeather, an on-demand US weather information service by SMS.
  • Frequency: varies — one reply per message you send. It never messages you on its own.
  • Cost: free. Message and data rates may apply from your carrier.
  • Opt out: reply STOP for one confirmation and nothing after. START opts back in.
  • Help: reply HELP for contact information.
  • Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.

Privacy policy →

Collected: your name and mobile number, plus email and default location if given. When you text us we process that message’s content to answer it.

Used for: knowing you are allowed to use the service, and texting you back. Locations may be cached briefly to avoid repeat lookups.

Never: sold, rented, or traded. No mobile information is shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Nothing is shared beyond the messaging and weather providers needed to send a reply, or law enforcement where legally required.

Removal: reply STOP, or email us and your record is deleted. Otherwise it is kept until you ask.

Terms of service →

SMSWeather is a free, invitation-based service provided as-is, with no warranty, for general information only.

Do not rely on it in an emergency or where safety depends on it. Forecasts and alerts can be wrong, delayed, or undelivered, and satellite and cellular delivery is never guaranteed. Use official National Weather Service channels and your own judgment for decisions affecting your safety.

Access is granted at our discretion and may be revoked. Do not send unlawful or abusive content. US coverage only. These terms may change; the current version lives on this page.