--- slug: "forecastskill" source_type: "readme" source_url: "https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/kevinl95/ForecastSkill@main/README.md" repo: "https://github.com/kevinl95/ForecastSkill" source_file: "README.md" branch: "main" --- # ForecastSkill
ForecastSkill Logo
A Claude Skill that provides real-time weather forecasts using the OpenWeather API. ## ⚠️ Network Requirements **Important**: This skill requires HTTPS network access to `api.openweathermap.org`. Some Claude environments may need this domain added to their allowed network list. If you encounter connection errors, you may need to: - Update your Claude environment's network settings to allow `api.openweathermap.org` - Contact your administrator if you're in a restricted environment ## Quick Start 1. Clone this repository 2. Get a free API key from [OpenWeather](https://openweathermap.org/api) 3. Run the build script and enter your API key when prompted: - **Linux/macOS**: `./build.sh` - **Windows**: `.\build.ps1` 4. Upload the generated zip to Claude. ### Build Script Options **Bash (Linux/macOS):** ```bash ./build.sh # Interactive: prompts for API key ./build.sh your_api_key_here # Non-interactive: uses provided key ./build.sh your_key custom-name.zip # Custom output filename ``` **PowerShell (Windows):** ```powershell .\build.ps1 # Interactive: prompts for API key .\build.ps1 -ApiKey your_api_key_here # Non-interactive: uses provided key .\build.ps1 -ApiKey your_key -OutputName custom-name.zip # Custom output filename ``` Both build scripts will: - Inject your API key into config.json - Create a zip with files at the top level (no subfolders) - Validate the bundle structure - Ready for immediate upload to Claude ## Usage Ask Claude weather questions with the skill name to activate it: **Single Location Weather:** - "Using the forecast-skill, what's the weather like in Paris tomorrow?" - "With forecast-skill, will it rain in Seattle this weekend?" - "Using forecast-skill, should I bring a jacket to Denver next week?" **Multi-Location Comparison:** - "Using forecast-skill, compare weather in Paris vs London next week" - "With the forecast-skill, which city has better weather this week, Berlin or Amsterdam?" - "Using forecast-skill, Paris or Rome for a 5-day trip?" **Activity Recommendations:** - "Using forecast-skill, is it good weather for skiing in Colorado this week?" - "With forecast-skill, when should I plan a picnic in Central Park?" - "Using forecast-skill, what are the best days for hiking in Portland?" - "With the forecast-skill, should I water my garden tomorrow?" Supported activities: skiing, picnic, hiking, gardening, beach, cycling, plus many other outdoor activities > ** Usage Tip**: For best results, start your weather questions with "Using the forecast-skill," or "With forecast-skill," to ensure Claude uses real-time weather data instead of general knowledge. ### Skill Activation To reliably activate the forecast-skill, use one of these patterns: **Recommended phrases:** - "Using the forecast-skill, [your weather question]" - "With forecast-skill, [your weather question]" - "Can you use forecast-skill to [your weather question]" ### Local Testing **Current Weather:** ```bash cd forecast_skill python skills/get_weather.py current "London" ``` **Weather Forecast:** ```bash python skills/get_weather.py forecast "London" 5 ``` **Compare Locations:** ```bash python skills/get_weather.py compare "Paris" "London" 7 ``` **Activity Recommendations:** ```bash python skills/get_weather.py activity skiing "Denver, Colorado" 5 ``` **Legacy Format (still supported):** ```bash python skills/get_weather.py "London" "2025-11-12" ``` ## Troubleshooting **"missing_api_key" error**: - Edit `config.json` and add your OpenWeather API key - Make sure you replaced the placeholder text **"invalid_api_key" error**: - Verify your API key at https://openweathermap.org/api - Check for extra spaces or quotes in config.json **"location_not_found" error**: - Try a more specific location name - Use format like "Paris, France" instead of just "Paris" **"unknown_activity" error**: - The system now supports many outdoor activities beyond the core list - If an activity isn't recognized, it will default to general outdoor activity analysis - Try using more descriptive terms if you get unexpected results **Network domain restrictions**: - Claude environments may need `api.openweathermap.org` added to allowed network domains - If you get network/connection errors, check your Claude environment's network settings - This skill requires external API access to function properly ## Features ### Weather Analysis Modes - **Current Weather**: Real-time conditions for any location - **Multi-Day Forecast**: Up to 7-day detailed weather forecasts - **Location Comparison**: Side-by-side weather analysis for travel planning - **Activity Recommendations**: Smart suggestions for outdoor activities based on weather conditions ### Activity Intelligence The skill analyzes weather conditions for specific activities and provides: - **Suitability Scores**: 0-100 rating for each day - **Best Day Recommendations**: Optimal timing for your activity - **Weather Concerns**: Specific warnings about temperature, wind, or precipitation - **Overall Period Assessment**: Summary advice for multi-day planning Each activity has tailored criteria: - **Skiing**: Optimized for snow conditions, cold temperatures, manageable winds - **Picnics**: Focuses on comfortable temperatures, dry conditions, light winds - **Hiking**: Very adaptable to various conditions, emphasizes safety in severe weather - **Gardening**: Considers precipitation timing, humidity, and plant-friendly conditions - **Beach**: Emphasizes warmth, sunshine, and minimal precipitation - **Cycling**: Balances temperature comfort, wind resistance, and road safety - **General Outdoor**: Flexible criteria for activities like photography, camping, festivals - **Sports**: Adaptable profiles for running, games, and athletic activities The system automatically adapts to recognize many outdoor activities and provides appropriate weather analysis even for activities not specifically programmed.