ForecastSkill

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
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):

./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):

.\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:

cd forecast_skill
python skills/get_weather.py current "London"

Weather Forecast:

python skills/get_weather.py forecast "London" 5

Compare Locations:

python skills/get_weather.py compare "Paris" "London" 7

Activity Recommendations:

python skills/get_weather.py activity skiing "Denver, Colorado" 5

Legacy Format (still supported):

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.