Weather directly affects our lives. For example, snowfall, heavy rain, and high winds significantly impact outdoor activities, such as hiking or camping. Similarly, you can’t plan a trip to the beach in heavy rain or snowfall. However, it isn’t only the general public that is interested in knowing weather conditions. Climate also strongly affects businesses and industry. This is where a current weather API comes into place.
A Current Weather API is valuable both for forecasting weather conditions and for exposing historical trends. In addition, the general public and businesses track current and future weather conditions to plan and prepare their activities. Using a current weather API is a great way to source accurate weather data.
To help you wade through the options, we’ve created this article on finding the best APIs for weather.
Table of Contents
What is a Current Weather API?
It is an Application Programming Interface you can use to integrate real-time weather data into your apps and website. Some efficient APIs like Weatherstack also give you historical weather data and accurate weather forecasts. In addition, you can use these APIs to display weather conditions for different usage scenarios.
For example, a hiking app can collect weather forecasting data on different trail locations and display it for users. Similarly, the construction industry can use a weather API to predict wind speeds, rainfalls, and temperatures and plan accordingly.
Which Weather API Should You Use?
The most important factor to consider while choosing an API is data accuracy. It’s because inaccurate data can greatly affect your plans and business activities. Since weather APIs use different sources to collect data, they have different accuracy. If you’re looking for a highly reliable API, Weathertstack is the best option.
Weatherstack is a weather API trusted by more than 75,000 companies across the globe, including Microsoft and Ericsson. The API not only provides accurate real-time weather data, you can also use it to obtain historical weather data and accurate weather forecasts. In addition to being highly accurate, Weatherstack is also known for its user-friendliness and reliability.
Which Features Does Weatherstack Offer?
Weatherstack has a wide range of valuable features that are a leading weather API. Let’s explore them:
Supported Locations
The Weatherstack current weather API covers global current, historical, and weather forecast data – you can use the API to look up weather conditions for millions of cities and towns worldwide. The current weather API also supports 40 spoken languages.
Real-Time Weather Data
As a current weather API, Weatherstack provides accurate real-time data for any location of your choice. To get real-time weather data, you need to attach your desired location to the current endpoint of the API. Depending on your subscription, the API also allows you to create a bulk location – you need to pass multiple semicolon-separated locations to the API URL
Below is an example API call for current weather data:
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https://api.weatherstack.com/current ? access_key = YOUR_ACCESS_KEY & query = New York |
The above API request will yield the following results:
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{ "request": { "type": "City", "query": "New York, United States of America", "language": "en", "unit": "m" }, "location": { "name": "New York", "country": "United States of America", "region": "New York", "lat": "40.714", "lon": "-74.006", "timezone_id": "America/New_York", "localtime": "2019-09-07 08:14", "localtime_epoch": 1567844040, "utc_offset": "-4.0" }, "current": { "observation_time": "12:14 PM", "temperature": 13, "weather_code": 113, "weather_icons": [ "https://assets.weatherstack.com/images/wsymbols01_png_64/wsymbol_0001_sunny.png" ], "weather_descriptions": [ "Sunny" ], "wind_speed": 0, "wind_degree": 349, "wind_dir": "N", "pressure": 1010, "precip": 0, "humidity": 90, "cloudcover": 0, "feelslike": 13, "uv_index": 4, "visibility": 16 } } |
Historical Data and Weather Forecasts
You can also use Weatherstack’s current weather API to obtain historical weather data to analyze past events or get accurate weather forecasts.
When it comes to historical data, you can use Weatherstack historical endpoint to get weather data back to 2008. You can also use the historical_date_start and historical_date_end parameters to get historical time-series results. When you request historical weather data, Weatherstack also automatically returns current weather data in the location used for the request.
Below is an example API call for historical weather data:
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https://api.weatherstack.com/historical ? access_key = YOUR_ACCESS_KEY & query = New York & historical_date = 2015-01-21 & hourly = 1 |
The above API request will yield the following results:
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{ "request": { "type": "City", "query": "New York, United States of America", "language": "en", "unit": "m" }, "location": { "name": "New York", "country": "United States of America", "region": "New York", "lat": "40.714", "lon": "-74.006", "timezone_id": "America/New_York", "localtime": "2019-09-07 10:05", "localtime_epoch": 1567850700, "utc_offset": "-4.0" }, "current": { "observation_time": "02:05 PM", "temperature": 15, "weather_code": 113, "weather_icons": [ "https://assets.weatherstack.com/images/wsymbols01_png_64/wsymbol_0001_sunny.png" ], "weather_descriptions": [ "Sunny" ], "wind_speed": 0, "wind_degree": 0, "wind_dir": "N", "pressure": 1011, "precip": 0, "humidity": 78, "cloudcover": 0, "feelslike": 15, "uv_index": 5, "visibility": 16 }, "historical": { "2008-07-01": { "date": "2008-07-01", "date_epoch": 1214870400, "astro": { "sunrise": "05:29 AM", "sunset": "08:31 PM", "moonrise": "03:24 AM", "moonset": "07:37 PM", "moon_phase": "Waning Crescent", "moon_illumination": 4 }, "mintemp": 0, "maxtemp": 0, "avgtemp": 19, "totalsnow": 0, "sunhour": 14.5, "uv_index": 4, "hourly": [ { "time": "0", "temperature": 27, "wind_speed": 7, "wind_degree": 201, "wind_dir": "SSW", "weather_code": 113, "weather_icons": [ "https://assets.weatherstack.com/images/wsymbols01_png_64/wsymbol_0001_sunny.png" ], "weather_descriptions": [ "Sunny" ], "precip": 1.8, "humidity": 80, "visibility": 9, "pressure": 1011, "cloudcover": 15, "heatindex": 25, "dewpoint": 20, "windchill": 24, "windgust": 11, "feelslike": 25, "chanceofrain": 0, "chanceofremdry": 0, "chanceofwindy": 0, "chanceofovercast": 0, "chanceofsunshine": 0, "chanceoffrost": 0, "chanceofhightemp": 0, "chanceoffog": 0, "chanceofsnow": 0, "chanceofthunder": 0, "uv_index": 6 }, { "time": "300", ... }, { "time": "600", ... }, // 6 more items ] } } } |
When it comes to the weather forecast, Weatherstack can provide weather forecast data for up to 14 days into the future. You can also enable hourly data to get hour-by-hour data or define 3,6,12, or 24 hours intervals.
Below is an example API call for weather forecast:
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https://api.weatherstack.com/forecast ? access_key = YOUR_ACCESS_KEY & query = New York & forecast_days = 1 & hourly = 1 |
The code above will yield the following results:
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{ "request": { "type": "City", "query": "New York, United States of America", "language": "en", "unit": "m" }, "location": { "name": "New York", "country": "United States of America", "region": "New York", "lat": "40.714", "lon": "-74.006", "timezone_id": "America/New_York", "localtime": "2019-09-07 11:38", "localtime_epoch": 1567856280, "utc_offset": "-4.0" }, "current": { "observation_time": "03:38 PM", "temperature": 18, "weather_code": 113, "weather_icons": [ "https://assets.weatherstack.com/images/wsymbols01_png_64/wsymbol_0001_sunny.png" ], "weather_descriptions": [ "Sunny" ], "wind_speed": 0, "wind_degree": 345, "wind_dir": "NNW", "pressure": 1011, "precip": 0, "humidity": 58, "cloudcover": 0, "feelslike": 18, "uv_index": 5, "visibility": 16 }, "forecast": { "2019-09-07": { "date": "2019-09-07", "date_epoch": 1567814400, "astro": { "sunrise": "06:28 AM", "sunset": "07:19 PM", "moonrise": "03:33 PM", "moonset": "12:17 AM", "moon_phase": "First Quarter", "moon_illumination": 54 }, "mintemp": 17, "maxtemp": 25, "avgtemp": 21, "totalsnow": 0, "sunhour": 10.3, "uv_index": 5, "hourly": [ { "time": "0", "temperature": 18, "wind_speed": 28, "wind_degree": 15, "wind_dir": "NNE", "weather_code": 122, "weather_icons": [ "https://assets.weatherstack.com/images/wsymbols01_png_64/wsymbol_0004_black_low_cloud.png" ], "weather_descriptions": [ "Overcast" ], "precip": 0, "humidity": 68, "visibility": 10, "pressure": 1008, "cloudcover": 75, "heatindex": 18, "dewpoint": 12, "windchill": 18, "windgust": 35, "feelslike": 18, "chanceofrain": 0, "chanceofremdry": 87, "chanceofwindy": 0, "chanceofovercast": 90, "chanceofsunshine": 15, "chanceoffrost": 0, "chanceofhightemp": 0, "chanceoffog": 0, "chanceofsnow": 0, "chanceofthunder": 0, "uv_index": 0 }, { "time": "300", ... }, { "time": "600", ... }, // 6 more items ] } } } |
Accurate and Reliable
The Weatherstack API fetches weather data from large weather stations and providers in key locations worldwide. Because of this, you can trust the API to give you accurate and precise weather data to prepare for different weather conditions. In addition, the Weatherstack has 99.9% uptime. This makes it highly reliable and consistent. Another great thing about Weatherstack API is that it delivers weather data in milliseconds.
Astronomy and Lunar Data
You can use the Weatherstack current weather API to get accurate astronomical data as well. The API returns a total of six different sub-response objects containing astronomic weather details. These include sunrise time, sunset time, moonrise time, moonset time, moon phase (New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, etc.), and moon illumination level.
Easy to Use
Weatherstack API is super easy to use and integrate. It comes with detailed weather API documentation that includes a step-by-step process for getting started and using different API features and endpoints. The documentation also includes several code examples in popular programming languages.
Which Programming Languages Does the Weatherstack Support?
When it comes to programming languages, Weatherstack supports all major programming languages, including PHP, Python, Nodejs, and jQuery.
Below are some code examples in popular programming languages:
PHP
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$location = 'New York'; $queryString = http_build_query([ 'access_key' => 'YOUR_ACCESS_KEY', 'query' => $location, ]); $ch = curl_init(sprintf('%s?%s', 'https://api.weatherstack.com/current', $queryString)); curl_setopt($ch, CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER, true); $json = curl_exec($ch); curl_close($ch); $api_result = json_decode($json, true); echo "Current temperature in $location is {$api_result['current']['temperature']}℃", PHP_EOL; |
Python
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# coding: utf-8 import requests params = { 'access_key': 'YOUR_ACCESS_KEY', 'query': 'New York' } api_result = requests.get('https://api.weatherstack.com/current', params) api_response = api_result.json() print(u'Current temperature in %s is %d℃' % (api_response['location']['name'], api_response['current']['temperature'])) |
Nodejs
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const axios = require('axios'); const params = { access_key: 'YOUR_ACCESS_KEY', query: 'New York' } axios.get('https://api.weatherstack.com/current', {params}) .then(response => { const apiResponse = response.data; console.log(`Current temperature in ${apiResponse.location.name} is ${apiResponse.current.temperature}℃`); }).catch(error => { console.log(error); }); |
Is Weatherstack free to use?
Weatherstack offers several packages to look up weather conditions in any location of your choice. These packages range from free to paid subscription plans. The free package gives you 250 calls per month and supports current weather data.
Weatherstack also offers three paid packages:
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Standard: $9.99 for 50,000 API calls per month, real-time, historical, hour by hour and astronomy data, and a few other useful features
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Professional: $49.99 for 300,000 API calls per month, real-time, historical, hour by hour, 7-day forecast and astronomy data, bulk queries, and many other features
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Business: $99.99 for 1 million API calls per month real-time, historical, hour by hour, 14-day forecast and astronomy data, bulk queries, and many other features.
Current Weather API: Conclusion
Weather affects our daily lives, changing our plans for outdoor activities and travel. Businesses also need to know the weather for their operations. Moreover, it helps by providing real-time and past weather data. Weatherstack is a trusted API used by many companies. It offers features like global coverage, support for many languages, and easy access to weather data. It’s reliable and easy to use, supporting different programming languages. Weatherstack has different plans, including a free one, so you can choose what suits you best.
FAQs
1. What does the Weather API do?
It gives you the latest weather information for a place, like temperature, humidity, and wind speed.
2. How good is the Weather API?
The accuracy of the API depends on where it gets its data from and how often it updates. It usually uses reliable sources, like weather agencies, for its information.
3. How do I use Weatherstack?
To use this API, you need to get a special code called an API key. You send a request to the API with your key, and it sends back weather data in a format like JSON or XML.
4. What can I do with the Current Weather API?
It can be used in apps, websites, or gadgets to show users what the weather is like right now. It’s also helpful in fields such as farming or transportation to plan activities based on the current weather.
