Feature · Weather data
Independent weather data on every operation
Weather is fetched automatically at the start and end of every operation from independent providers. The raw API response is archived alongside the parsed values — verifiable evidence, not a self-reported note.
Twice per operation
Wintertrace fetches weather data at two moments:
- Operation start. The conditions at the moment work began.
- Operation end. The conditions when work concluded — important for showing whether weather changed during the shift.
If the provider is briefly unreachable, the fetch is retried on the next cron run. Missing values are flagged on the dashboard so they can be re-fetched manually.
What is captured
Six values per fetch, all stored with the operation record and printed on the PDF service proof.
| Value | Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | °C | Current temperature at the operation location. |
| Precipitation | mm | Precipitation amount. |
| Snow depth | cm | Current snow height. |
| Wind speed | km/h | Wind strength. |
| Humidity | % | Relative humidity. |
| Condition | text | Plain-text condition (e.g. "Light snowfall"). |
Over 100 weather conditions are recognised and translated into plain language (for example "Light snowfall", "Heavy rain", "Fog", "Cloudy").
Why independent data matters
When something goes wrong on an icy walkway, the weather at the time of the incident is one of the first questions:
- Was it below freezing at the time of the fall?
- Did it snow again after the last sweep?
- Was the contractor obligated to act at all at that time?
Because the data comes from independent weather services and not from the operator, it carries more weight in the record than a self-reported note. The raw API response is archived alongside the parsed values, so the source can be re-checked later.
Wintertrace provides documentation support. It is not a substitute for legal advice.
Weather providers
The default provider works worldwide with no API key. Regional providers can be configured for higher accuracy or local relevance.
| Provider | Region | API key | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open-Meteo Free | Worldwide | No | Default. Works without registration or cost. |
| Open-Meteo API | Worldwide (higher resolution) | Yes | Higher request quotas, finer-grained forecasts. |
| Bright Sky (DWD) | Germany | Yes | German Weather Service data, useful for DACH operators. |
| MET Norway | Scandinavia | Yes | Regional accuracy in Northern Europe. |
The provider architecture is extensible. Adding a new provider does not require modifying existing code.
Weather dashboard
The current weather at the operator's base location is shown in the admin dashboard. Operations carry their weather data in the detail view. Failed fetches surface as alerts so they can be retried.
