OpenAgri Weather Data Service: Bringing the Power of Forecasts to the Field
Turning weather data into smart agricultural decisions
For as long as there have been farms, weather has been both a farmer’s best ally and greatest uncertainty. Knowing when it will rain, how long a heatwave will last, or whether conditions are right for spraying can make the difference between a productive season and a costly one. But while forecasts are everywhere, few are tailored to the complex realities of farming. That’s where the OpenAgri Weather Data Service comes in.
This service is designed to make weather information not just accessible but actionable. By combining open data sources, low-cost sensors, and agriculture-specific indicators, it transforms raw weather data into insights that farmers and decision-support tools can use to plan operations more efficiently.
A unified source for agricultural weather intelligence
The OpenAgri Weather Data Service integrates multiple open and low-cost weather monitoring and forecast systems, such as OpenWeather and local weather stations, into one coherent service. It delivers both real-time data and forecasts, offering detailed five-day predictions enriched with agriculture-specific parameters like precipitation accumulation, chilling hours, and growing degree days.
Rather than relying on a single data provider, the service acts as a hub that connects and harmonises information from different sources. It can combine forecasts with locally captured measurements, ensuring relevance for each farm and context. Whether a farmer wants to anticipate irrigation needs or a vineyard manager needs to monitor humidity before spraying, the data provided is ready to inform real-world action.
From temperature readings to stress indicators
Beyond conventional forecasts, the service goes one step further by calculating specific agricultural indices that help farmers interpret conditions, not just observe them. One example is the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI), a metric that evaluates heat stress in livestock by combining temperature and humidity data.
By integrating such specialised calculations, the service extends its usefulness across multiple sectors—from crop cultivation to animal husbandry—helping users anticipate challenges and act before they become problems. As more features are developed, additional indicators will be added, such as evapotranspiration (ETo) for irrigation planning or risk metrics for pest development.
Supporting smarter, more sustainable farming
Reliable weather data underpins almost every sustainable farming practice. Knowing when to irrigate can reduce water waste, while timing field operations around optimal weather conditions can minimise input losses and environmental impact. The OpenAgri Weather Data Service makes these improvements possible by providing both precision and openness—farmers can access detailed forecasts and feed them directly into digital systems designed to help them comply with eco-schemes and reduce resource use.
By offering this data through open interfaces, the service supports the broader goal of democratising digital farming. Farmers in connectivity-limited regions or those using local weather stations can still access and contribute to the same shared ecosystem. This inclusivity ensures that innovation in digital agriculture is not limited to well-equipped areas but spreads across Europe’s diverse agricultural landscapes.
Looking ahead
As development continues, the OpenAgri Weather Data Service will keep expanding its capabilities, integrating additional data sources and analytical tools. Future updates will refine forecasting accuracy, support local calibration, and provide new crop-specific indicators.
Ultimately, the goal is simple: to make weather data a reliable partner for every farmer. By connecting open weather intelligence to real farm decisions, OpenAgri helps turn uncertainty into opportunity, one forecast at a time.