Weather Stations API | MetService

Preview · Beta applications open

Weather Stations API

Observations from New Zealand weather stations at 1-minute intervals, returned as JSON with units and descriptive variable names.

Request one station, or all the stations on your key, in a single call. Readings are typically available within 1–2 minutes of being taken, with up to 60 days of history.

Apply for the beta Read the API docs

The API design is published for review. The v2 endpoints aren't live yet.

  • Readings from named stations

    Each value is a reading from a named weather station, identified by its WMO, ICAO or MetService station ID. If a sensor fails its checks, its readings are withheld until it's repaired, and the API returns null for that value.

  • Bulk requests

    Request a single station, or call /stations/observations/latest for the latest readings from every station your key can access. This saves keeping your own station list and sending a request per station every minute.

  • Units and variable names

    Variable names include the averaging window and method, for example wind_speed_10min_mean. Units are included in every response, and missing readings are returned as null.

Illustration: air temperature at station 93110, one reading a minute for 30 minutes, with one missing reading returned as null. Values are illustrative.

  • 1 minute

    Between observations

  • 1–2 minutes

    Typical delay after the reading

  • 60 days

    Of history

  • One call

    For all the stations on your key

Example response

GET /weather-stations/v2/stations/93110/observations/latest 
curl -H "Authorization: Bearer <your_key>" \
  "https://api.observations.metservice.com/weather-stations/v2/stations/93110/observations/latest"

{
  "generated_at": "2026-06-11T12:00:00Z",
  "station_id": "93110",
  "state": {
    "latitude": -37.009,
    "longitude": 174.807
  },
  "units": {
    "air_temperature_1min_mean": "degC",
    "wind_speed_1min_mean": "kn",
    "wind_from_direction_1min_mean": "degrees_true",
    "wind_gust_speed_1min_max": "kn",
    "sea_level_pressure_1min_mean": "hPa",
    "relative_humidity_1min_mean": "%",
    "rainfall_1min_sum": "mm",
    "visibility_1min_mean": "m"
  },
  "observation": {
    "observation_time": "2026-06-11T11:59:00Z",
    "air_temperature_1min_mean": 17.2,
    "wind_speed_1min_mean": 8.0,
    "wind_from_direction_1min_mean": 240,
    "wind_gust_speed_1min_max": 18.5,
    "sea_level_pressure_1min_mean": 1013.2,
    "relative_humidity_1min_mean": 78.5,
    "rainfall_1min_sum": 0.2,
    "visibility_1min_mean": 10000
  }
}

Example from the published specification. Values are illustrative.

Full API reference Download the OpenAPI spec Variables reference

How we look after the station network

MetService installs, maintains and calibrates its own weather stations.

  • Siting

    Sensor exposure is checked against WMO recommendations when a station is installed, and again at scheduled sensor checks.

  • Calibration

    Temperature, humidity, pressure, rainfall and solar radiation sensors are calibrated in our own laboratory on a set schedule for each sensor type, against references traceable to international standards. Other sensors are checked on site at scheduled visits.

  • Daily checks

    Technicians review network status reports every working day and receive prioritised fault alerts every hour. Once a sensor fault is confirmed, its data is switched off until it's repaired, and the API returns null in its place.

  • Processing methods

    Sampling and processing follow WMO recommendations where they exist, and established industry practice where they don't. Each variable name states its averaging window and method.

  • Quality management

    MetService's quality management system is certified to ISO 9001:2015.

This applies to every station MetService operates, including partner stations we maintain under contract.

Access during the beta

Beta applications are open. We'll issue keys in waves from November 2026, and both options are free during the beta.

Commercial

For businesses and public organisations running operational systems.

  • 1-minute, 10-minute, hourly or 3-hourly observations
  • Stations agreed with your organisation, which can include partner stations
  • The latest readings for all stations on your key in one call
  • A named contact during the beta

Free during the beta. We'll agree pricing with you before general availability.

Apply as a commercial tester Read the docs

Free tier

For personal projects, research and learning. Not for commercial use.

  • During the beta: 1-minute, 10-minute, hourly or 3-hourly observations. From general availability: every 3 hours (8 a day per station)
  • A set of MetService-owned stations. Check the coverage map
  • Core weather variables where the station measures them, including temperature, wind, pressure, humidity and rainfall. Road-sensor data isn't included
  • The same JSON format as the commercial tier

Free, during the beta and after it.

Apply for the free tier beta Read the docs

Already using the 1-Minute Observations API? It will keep running, and there's no deadline to move. Talk to your account manager if you'd like to join the beta.

Beta testers get a key and a short guide with four tasks, which take about an hour spread over two weeks. We choose a mix of testers for each wave, so it helps to tell us what you're building. We'll reply to everyone who applies.

Feedback on the design

The endpoints, variable names and error format are published for review. Your feedback will change what we build.

Read the docs and give feedback

You can also send us a message.

Specifications

Coverage
New Zealand. Coverage map
Cadence
1-minute observations. Use timestep for 1-minute, 10-minute, hourly or 3-hourly values
Delay
Typically 1–2 minutes after the reading
History
Up to 60 days
Per request
Up to 24 hours and 1,440 observations
Endpoints
Station catalogue, station metadata, observations and latest, for one station or all stations on your key
Station IDs
WMO, ICAO or MetService station code
Format
JSON over HTTPS. Errors follow RFC 9457
Auth
API key in the Authorization header: Bearer <your_key>
Machine-readable
OpenAPI specification to download
Not included
Forecasts, data outside New Zealand, more than 60 days of history, gridded values

The MetService Weather Stations API returns measured observations from weather stations in New Zealand at 1-minute intervals, typically available within 1–2 minutes of the reading, with up to 60 days of history. You can request one station or every station your key can read in a single call, and choose 1-minute, 10-minute, hourly or 3-hourly intervals. Variable names state their aggregation window, units are returned with the data, and missing readings are null. A free tier offers 3-hourly data, and every interval during the beta. The API is in preview, with beta applications open and keys issued in waves from November 2026.

Questions

How up to date is the data?

Stations take readings every minute, and they're typically available 1–2 minutes later. Each response includes generated_at, so you can check the delay.

How many stations are there?

It depends on your tier and agreement. The coverage map shows the stations available on the free tier.

I already use the 1-Minute Observations API. Do I have to move?

No. It will keep running, with no deadline to move. You can switch whenever it suits you.

Can I use the free tier for a business?

No. The free tier is for personal projects, research and learning. For commercial use, apply for the commercial tier.

Is there an SLA?

Not during the beta. We'll confirm before general availability whether there will be an SLA.

How are the stations maintained?

MetService installs and maintains the stations it operates, including partner stations it maintains under contract. Core sensors are calibrated in its own laboratory, other sensors are checked on site, and the network is checked every working day.

Do you have forecasts?

No. This API covers observations only. For forecasts, see the Point Forecast API and the Nowcast API.

When will it be generally available?

After the beta. We'll let everyone on the beta list know first.

Can I build with an AI coding assistant?

Yes. Give it the OpenAPI spec . It's worth checking that the generated code uses the units returned in the response.

Data comes from MetService's weather station network and from partner stations by agreement.