Instead of selecting a meaningless location for the user by default I would suggest either auto-detecting their location or having them type in a zip code / loc

Instead of selecting a meaningless location for the user by default I would suggest either auto-detecting their location or having them type in a zip code / location right away with a search form that's more prominent. I'd suggest moving the search form you have to the top of the page and moving the short code lower on the page while making it smaller. This is a really cool app, but I almost left before I read the text on the left about how I have to click on the map before using it. Anyways, great job, just remember you have about 5 seconds to sell your idea to your users -- make their first interaction familiar and/or obvious.