Weather updates by text, wherever you are
In low signal or no signal via satellite, Outdoor Text replies with the forecast, active weather, park alerts, or a quick web search.
No app, no account, no signup. Your first 20 replies are free, and alerts are always free.
Ask it like you'd ask a ranger
Text it the way you’d ask someone at the ranger station. Name a place in every weather question: a town and state, a ZIP code, a park, or coordinates.
Conditions now and the next 12 hours, with peak gusts when they matter.
Highs, lows, rain chance, and wind when it’s 20 mph or more.
Active National Weather Service warnings for that spot. Always free.
National park closures, dangers and cautions. Always free.
A short answer found on the web. Long answer? Text “more” for the rest.
Free replies or balance, with a top-up link when you’re running low.
Shortcuts for fewer keystrokes
Typing on a satellite keyboard is slow. Plain questions always work, but you can also start a text with one of these:
- WX place
- Weather now and the next 12 hours
- FC place
- Three-day forecast
- ALERTS place
- Weather alerts
- PARK name
- National park alerts
- ASK question
- A web answer
- MORE
- The rest of a long answer
- BAL
- Free replies or balance
- HELP
- How to use it
A place can be a town and state (Lone Pine CA), a ZIP code (93545), a park (Yosemite National Park), or coordinates (36.58,-118.29).
Built for the backcountry
Every satellite message is a wait for a clear sky. Outdoor Text is built so each one counts.
One text back
Every reply fits in a single message, with no emoji or symbols that would split it, so it arrives in one satellite pass.
Coordinates beat town names
A town name points at the town center, which can be miles and thousands of feet below you. Send coordinates from your phone's compass app for the most accurate forecast.
Straight from the source
Weather and alerts come straight from National Weather Service and National Park Service data. No AI ever rewrites a number, a time or a warning.
Leave no trace
We don't keep what you text, what we reply, or where you are. Read the privacy policy.
Pack light, pay as you go
Your first 20 weather, forecast or question replies are free. After that, prepay from your phone when you're back in signal. Cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay work.
| Weather | 5¢ per reply |
| Three-day forecast | 5¢ per reply |
| Questions (ASK) | 25¢ per reply |
| Weather alerts, park alerts, the rest of a long answer, balance checks and help | Always free |
Top-ups of $5, $10, $20 through a one-time link texted to you. Balances never expire. A reply is only charged once it's sent; if we can't answer, you're not charged.
Questions
Does Outdoor Text work without cell service?
Yes. If your phone can send a regular text message over satellite, you can text (555) 555-0100 from places with no cell signal and get the answer back as a single text.
Which phones work?
Any phone that can send SMS over satellite. That includes iPhone 14 and later using Messages via satellite (iOS 18 or later, in the US) and phones on T-Mobile T-Satellite. Check with your carrier for coverage where you are going.
How do I ask for the weather?
Text a question the way you would ask a ranger and name a place: a town and state, a ZIP code, a park, or GPS coordinates. For example: will it rain at Whitney Portal tonight?
How much does it cost?
Your first 20 weather, forecast or question replies are free. After that, weather is 5¢, a 3-day forecast is 5¢ and a question is 25¢ per reply, from a prepaid balance. Weather alerts and park alerts are always free.
Do I need an app or an account?
No. There is nothing to install and no signup. Your phone number is your account, and you add funds through a link texted to you when you have signal.
Does it work outside the United States?
Weather and forecasts work worldwide. Weather alerts come from the US National Weather Service, so alerts are US only.
Is Outdoor Text an emergency service?
No. It is for planning. Satellite messages can be delayed, and forecasts can be wrong. In an emergency, use your phone’s emergency SOS or call 911.
Outdoor Text is for planning. Satellite messages can be delayed or lost, and forecasts can be wrong. In an emergency, use your phone's emergency SOS or call 911.
Messaging disclosure
Outdoor Text sends automated replies by SMS to the number that texts it. You opt in by texting us first; we reply only to the messages you send, plus one welcome message after your first text. We never send marketing. Message frequency depends on how often you text us. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to end, HELP for help. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. See our Terms and Privacy policy.