Local meteorologist Brad Panovich says it's for your own good (and his): Delete the default weather app off your phone.

• "I'm tired of taking the blame for it," the Charlotte meteorologist posted on social media recently.

Why it matters: An inaccurate weather forecast can ruin your day. It's how we plan what to wear, where to go and what to do.

Yes, but: Most people still use stock weather apps (or as Panovich and others call them, "crap apps") that are automatically uploaded to their devices simply for the sake of convenience.

How it works: These apps rely on automated information, sometimes from unknown sources, without human insight.

• The apps also can't filter out "ground clutter" or "false returns" on a radar, Panovich explains. For example, on a sunny day, it might interpret wildfire smoke as a thunderstorm.

Case in point: Last fall, when Hurricane Helene was coming, one of those apps might've only warned of a 100% chance of rain with a thunderstorm icon, Panovich explains.

• "There's nothing in the app that tells you this is going to be a catastrophic flood, and there's going to be landslides and the worst storm to ever hit western North Carolina," Panovich adds.

By the numbers: Default apps are right about 80% to 85% of the time, Panovich says. However, human-driven forecasts reach about 90% to 95% accuracy. That roughly 10% of added value may seem insignificant, but could be a difference of 25 to 50 days out of your year.

• "If that's your day off or a holiday or maybe you got a wedding, that day could be pretty important," Panovich says.

Be smart: Any app from a local TV station is a more reliable choice.

• You're not only getting better information, but you're also supporting local news and businesses that advertise on the app, Panovich says.

The bottom line: "The weather app is probably the first thing I would delete and download a new one on any device," Panovich says.

Share this story

Sports continue to boost Charlotte's economy, with Charlotte Sports Foundation's seven 2024 events generating $90.6 million in economic impact, per Charlotte Regional Visitors Authority data.

By the numbers: In 2024, CSF events drew 211,100 fans who booked 65,300 hotel rooms.

• Direct visitor spending was up from $42.9 million in 2023 to $48.5 million last year.

College football was the major draw.

• The Duke's Mayo Classic brought in more than 72,000 fans to watch N.C. State play Tennessee and generated $26.1 million in economic impact.
• The ACC Championship between Clemson and SMU also brought in $26.1 million and more than 53,000 fans.

What we're watching: CSF plans to host nine events this year, including a new men's college basketball event this fall. Announcements about the new event, another tennis event and the teams for the Ally Tipoff are expected later this year.

Keep reading for other events happening this year

If you're on the hunt for a new job, here are 7 to get you started.

• Senior Manager, Partnerships (Credit Cards) at U.S. News & World Report.
• Marketing & Communications Manager at Palisades Episcopal School.
• House Engagement Specialist at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Charlotte.
• Office Assistant at Harrison United Methodist Church.
• Assistant Operations Manager at Adams Outdoor.
• Director of Food and Beverage at Rally Pickleball.
• Sales & Design Associate at Paper Twist.

Want more opportunities? Check out all openings on our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

🏈 David Tepper ranked as the 11th top philanthropic donor in the U.S. last year, giving $309.8 million to his two foundations. (CBJ 🔐)

🏠 Charlotte-based Northwood Ravin is now the nation's 10th largest developer and the 12th largest builder, according to the National Multifamily Housing Council.

💵 Charlotte Center City Partners is proposing a slight tax increase in parts of Uptown to hire more security guards and improve cleanliness, among other efforts. A property valued at $1 million would pay an extra $82 yearly. (WSOC)