Zoom Earth

Zoom Earth gives you an interactive global weather map that lets you zoom in on your area and explore conditions in real time. You can view animated layers for rain, wind, temperature, pressure, and more, then compare them with forecast data to understand what will happen next. The app also works as a real-time hurricane tracker, so you can follow developing tropical systems, major storms, and other severe weather events as they evolve.

Near Real-Time Satellite Imagery

Zoom Earth displays weather maps using satellite imagery that updates frequently. The app refreshes standard satellite images every 10 minutes, typically with a 20–40 minute delay. It pulls “live” imagery from geostationary satellites such as NOAA GOES and JMA Himawari every 10 minutes, and it updates EUMETSAT Meteosat imagery about every 15 minutes. For higher-detail views, Zoom Earth updates HD satellite imagery twice daily using NASA’s polar-orbiting satellites Aqua and Terra.

Rain Radar and Short-Term Nowcasting

Zoom Earth helps you stay ahead of changing weather by showing rain and snow detected by ground-based Doppler radar. The radar layer updates in real time and supports nowcasting, which provides an immediate short-term forecast based on the latest radar movement. You can use this view to time commutes, outdoor plans, or storm preparation more accurately.

Global Forecast Maps and Weather Models

Zoom Earth visualizes forecast data with interactive global maps that update continually. The app uses major forecast model sources such as DWD ICON and NOAA/NCEP/NWS GFS and presents multiple forecast layers, including:

• Precipitation: rain, snow, and cloud cover in one view
• Wind speed and direction: average surface winds
• Wind gusts: peak gust potential
• Temperature: air temperature at 2 meters above ground
• Feels-like temperature: apparent temperature / heat index
• Wet-bulb temperature: heat-stress risk indicator
• Relative humidity and dew point: practical moisture and comfort measures
• Sea-level pressure: highlights low-pressure storm zones and high-pressure clear-weather areas

Hurricane Tracking and Tropical Systems

Zoom Earth tracks hurricanes from early formation through major category storms with a clear, easy-to-read interface. It updates tropical maps using current data from trusted sources, including NHC, JTWC, NRL, and IBTrACS, so you can follow storm position, intensity, and development trends.

Wildfire and Smoke Monitoring

Zoom Earth helps you monitor wildfires by overlaying active fire detections and heat spots captured by satellite. The app updates these detections daily using NASA FIRMS data. You can pair fire overlays with GeoColor satellite imagery to watch smoke movement and observe fire-weather conditions in near real time.

Settings and Customization

Zoom Earth lets you tailor the experience to your preferences. You can change temperature and wind units, adjust time zones, modify animation styles, and fine-tune other settings so the maps match how you interpret weather quickly and accurately.