However disappointing the forecast might have been here in the Midwest, the Weatherbug app for the iPhone performed its stated purpose: delivering the dark news (i.e. snow in October) with accuracy and charm. While it’s hard to argue that the world needed another weather application, the refinements apparent in both the free ad-supported and 99-cent versions of Weatherbug are a welcome alternative within the space.

Both versions of WeatherBug are currently available in app form for the iPhone, Android and BlackBerry. Most recently, the Palm Pre got the 99-cent version, and Windows Mobile 6.5 will offer the free version. Additionally, the Samsung Omnia II on Verizon Wireless will come preloaded with Weatherbug.

The app leverages a network of more than 8,000 weather-tracking stations, as well as 1,000 stationary cameras nationwide. And while it could be billed as “just another weather app,” it has a few things that make it hip and accessible. Chris Brozenick, vice president and general manager of Weatherbug Mobile, notes that Weatherbug offers what is perhaps one of the most accurate weather apps out there.

“In the United States, the National Weather Service has over 1,000 stations that update once every hour. Weatherbug has 8,000 weather stations, which update every two seconds,” Brozenick says.

But it’s not just accuracy that distinguishes Weatherbug. Occasionally, the smaller dev shops can do what the big guys can’t or won’t do. A friendly demeanor and hyper-local content are two things that mega-meteorology outlets traditionally overlook.

When compared with other weather apps, Weatherbug scored big for its 1,000 stationary Web cams across the country. We found three choices in our area, including one with a clear view of the capitol building in downtown Madison, Wis.

And when it came to video forecasts, Weatherbug’s well-informed, well-spoken, non-robotic weather guy in a t-shirt is rather refreshing. We’re pretty sure he’s also cheaper than his suit-and-tie counterpart, hence Weatherbug’s 99-cent price tag versus the competitor’s $3.99 app that does pretty much the same thing, but with less personality.

The video forecasts on the free version weren’t exactly local. They pointed out the highlights across the nation and toward the end gave a smattering of temperature readings similar to those you might see on “Good Morning America.” But anything a user might miss from the forecast, he or she can undoubtedly obtain from the host of weather-related tools contained within the rest of the app.

With the free version, the maps come with radar and temperature layers. The 99-cent version includes six additional map layers, including infrared satellite, humidity, air pressure, wind speed, next-day high and next-day low. Maps on the paid version can be animated, whereas the free version offers only static images.

One downside was Weatherbug’s use of Microsoft’s Virtual Earth, or Bing maps. The readability pales in comparison to those used in apps from competitors that employ Google Earth maps.

Bottom line: If you’re looking for a weather app that does it all with improved accuracy and a dash of charm, try Weatherbug. If you just want the temp and forecast, the ad-supported version should do. The ads were generally unobtrusive. If you’re a Doppler Dork, you might want the enhanced 99-cent version.