Main Content

Weather Forecast Cloud

This project makes a weather cloud using a Raspberry Pi Zero W. It connects to the Yahoo Weather API and depending on the forecast for the next day changes colors. I was inspired by the Wisconsin Gas Building that has a flame on the roof that changes depending on the forecast. Its an iconic landmark in Milwaukee, WI. The following poem goes with it. When the flame is red, it’s warm weather ahead! When the flame is gold, watch out for cold! When the flame is blue, there’s no change in view! When there’s a flickering flame, expect snow or rain! I thought a cloud would look nicer on the wall. For the code if the forecasted high for the next day is greater than 10% warmer it will be red, if the forecasted low is more than 10% colder it will be gold. But just in case both criteria are met the color red will always win. If neither criteria is met the cloud stays blue. If there is any rain or snow in the forecast it will blink.”

Link to article