Do you need weather data for your media company? We got you covered. In this post, we are sharing a list of The Best Weather APIs For Media Companies.
There are many reasons why having weather data available 24/7 is quite beneficial for media companies.
Media Companies And Weather
If you run a news organization, weather data is a must for printed or televised weather forecasts. Even if you have an on-staff meteorologist, it is still necessary for them to have all the available information at their disposal so they can focus on interpreting it; instead of, having to research the weather data themselves.
In the case of TV and movie production companies, scheduling is extremely important; but, it can get messed up pretty easily. One of the factors that consistently messes it up is the weather.
For example, if there is an outdoor scene to be shot the producers have to make sure that weather conditions are perfectly in sync with what the creatives call for. If the script describes the scene as a sunny summer’s day, obviously it cannot be shot in the middle of a thunderstorm. Of course, there are many things that postproduction is able to achieve, but there are certain aspects that no amount of editing can fix.
Hence, the need for forecasting weather data that is able to accurately predict how the weather performs in the upcoming days. And, that is when weather APIs come into the picture, literally and figuratively.
Weather APIs
Basically, an Application Programming Interface, or API, is a set of protocols, rules, and stipulations that are used by 2 programs in order to be able to communicate with each other and exchange data. The interface is the medium through which these applications are able to “talk”.
In most cases, one application requests data through the API from another that disposes of a database; then, the other application returns that data to the requester. The API makes sure that there is an understanding between the different programs; since it basically translates both the request and the return into a language that the recipient can digest.
So, a weather API is an interface that allows companies to request data from another program with a large weather database. The API returns the weather information in a clear and concise way.
The Best Weather APIs For Media Companies
Current Weather and Forecasted Weather API
The Current Weather and Forecasted Weather API allows its users access to accurate real-time weather data, as well as 5 and 16-day weather forecasts.
Users of this API are able to get weather data that covers several factors such as temperatures; wind conditions; cloudiness; visibility; humidity; and so much more.
Additionally, the Current Weather and Forecasted Weather API lets its user query by city names; zip codes; and coordinates from all around the world. This means that users have the information they need regardless of where they’re shooting from, or informing about.
Plus, the weather data has constant updates. For instance, the 5-day weather forecast has updates at 3-hour intervals; whilst the 16-day forecast counts with daily updates; and, of course, the current weather endpoint is in real-time. That way the production team can always get the latest data and revise the schedules as needed.
Spire
Spire Weather API is a current and 10-day forecasted weather data program. Additionally, it provides maritime, aviation, and historical weather information.
It measures temperatures; humidity; wind speed; wind conditions; visibility; shortwave radiation; and more.
Weatherstack
Weatherstack is a company focused on weather technology. They offer 3 APIs to cover all of your weather-related needs: Real-time Weather API; Historical Weather API; and Weather Forecasts API.
Plus, it’s capable to give out data for millions of cities and towns worldwide.
