Repository: View on GitHub
Live Demo: UK Weather Analytics Dashboard
Building a UK weather platform has been my goal to provide easy access to historical and real-time weather data across the UK. In this post, I explain how I built the UK Weather Analytics Dashboard using modern web technologies.
Building the UK Weather Platform: Project Overview
The UK Weather Analytics Dashboard is a comprehensive weather analytics platform built with modern web technologies that provides historical weather data and current conditions for any UK location. Users can simply enter a UK postcode and instantly access detailed analysis spanning rainfall, temperature, wind patterns, and solar radiation data over 10+ years of historical records.
Live Features
- 🌧️ Multi-Parameter Analysis: Comprehensive analysis of rainfall, temperature, wind, and solar radiation
- 📍 Postcode Lookup: Enter any UK postcode for instant location-based weather data
- 🗺️ Interactive Mapping: Visual location display with Leaflet maps
- 📊 Historical Data: 10+ years of detailed weather history with trend analysis
- ⚡ Current Conditions: Real-time weather observations across all parameters
- 🔍 Advanced Analytics: Drought detection, heat wave analysis, wind patterns, and solar energy insights
- 📱 Mobile Responsive: Optimised for all device sizes with responsive design
Technology Stack Behind the UK Weather Platform
I chose a modern, performant stack that prioritises developer experience, maintainability, and user performance:
Frontend Framework: SvelteKit 2 + TypeScript 5
{
"dependencies": {
"@sveltejs/kit": "^2.16.0",
"svelte": "^5.0.0",
"typescript": "^5.0.0"
}
}
Why SvelteKit?
- Performance: Svelte compiles to vanilla JavaScript, resulting in smaller bundle sizes and faster runtime performance
- Developer Experience: Excellent TypeScript support with intuitive reactive programming model
- Modern Features: Built-in SSR, file-based routing, and excellent SEO capabilities
- Future-Ready: Built on Vite for lightning-fast development and optimised builds
Styling: Tailwind CSS 4.0
{
"devDependencies": {
"tailwindcss": "^4.0.0",
"@tailwindcss/typography": "^0.5.15",
"@tailwindcss/vite": "^4.0.0"
}
}
I opted for the latest Tailwind CSS 4.0 with its new Vite integration for:
- Utility-First Approach: Rapid UI development whilst maintaining design consistency
- Performance: Optimised CSS generation and purging
- Developer Experience: Excellent IntelliSense and class name completion
Data Visualisation: Chart.js
{
"dependencies": {
"chart.js": "^4.4.0",
"chartjs-adapter-date-fns": "^3.0.0",
"date-fns": "^3.6.0"
}
}
Chart.js provides powerful, flexible charting capabilities essential for visualising complex weather data across multiple parameters with time-series support.
Interactive Maps: Leaflet
{
"dependencies": {
"leaflet": "^1.9.4",
"svelte-leafletjs": "^2.0.0",
"@types/leaflet": "^1.9.18"
}
}
Architecture of the UK Weather Platform
The application follows a clean, modular architecture that separates concerns and maintains scalability:
src/
├── lib/
│ ├── components/
│ │ ├── RainfallChart.svelte # Rainfall visualisation
│ │ ├── TemperatureChart.svelte # Temperature analysis charts
│ │ ├── WindChart.svelte # Wind pattern analysis
│ │ ├── SolarChart.svelte # Solar radiation charts
│ │ ├── LocationMap.svelte # Interactive location mapping
│ │ ├── RainfallDashboard.svelte # Main orchestrating dashboard
│ │ └── panels/ # Modular analysis panels
│ │ ├── CurrentWeatherPanel.svelte
│ │ ├── KeyStatisticsPanel.svelte
│ │ ├── WeatherExtremesPanel.svelte
│ │ └── EnhancedStatisticsPanel.svelte
│ ├── services/
│ │ ├── weatherApi.ts # API service layer with rate limiting
│ │ ├── cacheService.ts # Intelligent data caching
│ │ └── newsService.ts # Weather news integration
│ ├── utils/
│ │ └── dataProcessing.ts # Statistical analysis utilities
│ ├── types.ts # Comprehensive TypeScript interfaces
│ └── seo.ts # SEO metadata management
├── routes/
│ ├── +page.svelte # Main application page
│ ├── +layout.svelte # Application layout
│ └── +error.svelte # Error handling
└── app.html # HTML template with meta tagsCore Technical Implementation of the UK Weather Platform
Type-Safe Data Structures
I designed comprehensive TypeScript interfaces to ensure type safety across all weather parameters:
export interface RainfallData {
date: string;
rainfall: number; // in mm
temperature?: number; // in °C
temperatureMin?: number;
temperatureMax?: number;
}
export interface TemperatureData {
date: string;
temperature: number; // mean temperature in °C
temperatureMin: number;
temperatureMax: number;
}
export interface WindData {
date: string;
windSpeed: number; // mean wind speed in km/h
windDirection: number; // wind direction in degrees
windGusts: number; // maximum wind gusts in km/h
}
export interface SolarData {
date: string;
solarRadiation: number; // solar radiation in MJ/m²/day
uvIndex?: number;
sunshineDuration?: number; // in seconds
}
Advanced API Service with Rate Limiting
One of the key technical challenges was managing API calls efficiently whilst respecting rate limits. I implemented a sophisticated rate limiter:
class RateLimiter {
private queue: (() => Promise<unknown>)[] = [];
private currentCalls = 0;
private readonly minutelyLimit = 100; // Conservative: 100 calls/minute
async add<T>(requestFunction: () => Promise<T>): Promise<T> {
return new Promise((resolve, reject) => {
this.queue.push(async () => {
try {
const result = await requestFunction();
resolve(result);
} catch (error) {
reject(error);
}
});
this.processQueue();
});
}
private async processQueue(): Promise<void> {
// Implementation handles spacing requests to respect API limits
while (this.queue.length > 0) {
if (this.currentCalls < this.minutelyLimit) {
const requestFunction = this.queue.shift();
if (requestFunction) {
this.currentCalls++;
await requestFunction();
await this.delay(600); // 600ms delay between requests
}
}
}
}
}
Intelligent Data Caching
To improve performance and reduce API calls, I implemented a sophisticated caching system:
export async function getHistoricalRainfall(
latitude: number,
longitude: number,
startDate: Date,
endDate: Date
): Promise<RainfallData[]> {
// Check cache first using date range
const cached = cacheService.getWithDateRange<RainfallData[]>(
latitude,
longitude,
'historical_raw',
start,
end
);
if (cached) {
return cached;
}
// Fetch and cache new data
return rateLimiter.add(async () => {
const data = await fetchFromAPI();
cacheService.setWithDateRange(latitude, longitude, 'historical_raw', start, end, data);
return data;
});
}
Reactive Chart Components
The chart components demonstrate Svelte’s reactive programming model effectively:
<script lang="ts">
import { onMount } from 'svelte';
import { Chart, registerables } from 'chart.js';
import type { RainfallData } from '../types.js';
export let data: RainfallData[] = [];
export let title: string = 'Rainfall Data';
export let type: 'line' | 'bar' = 'line';
let canvas: HTMLCanvasElement;
let chart: any = null;
Chart.register(...registerables);
onMount(() => {
createChart();
return () => chart?.destroy();
});
// Reactive update when data changes
$: if (chart && data) {
updateChart();
}
function createChart() {
chart = new Chart(canvas.getContext('2d'), {
type: type,
data: {
datasets: [
{
label: 'Rainfall (mm)',
data: data.map((d) => ({ x: d.date, y: d.rainfall })),
borderColor: 'rgb(59, 130, 246)',
backgroundColor: 'rgba(59, 130, 246, 0.1)',
tension: 0.1
}
]
},
options: {
responsive: true,
maintainAspectRatio: false,
scales: {
x: { type: 'time' },
y: { beginAtZero: true }
}
}
});
}
</script>
<div class="chart-container" style="height: {height}px;">
<canvas bind:this={canvas}></canvas>
</div>
Data Sources for the UK Weather Platform
API Integrations
Postcode Lookup: postcodes.io
- Free UK postcode API for coordinate conversion
- No authentication required
- Excellent coverage of UK postcodes
Weather Data: Open-Meteo
- Free weather API with comprehensive meteorological data
- Historical archive: 10+ years of weather data
- Real-time observations and forecasts
- Parameters include precipitation, temperature, wind, and solar radiation
API Endpoint Examples
// Historical weather data
const url = new URL('https://archive-api.open-meteo.com/v1/archive');
url.searchParams.set('latitude', latitude.toString());
url.searchParams.set('longitude', longitude.toString());
url.searchParams.set('start_date', '2014-01-01');
url.searchParams.set('end_date', '2024-12-31');
url.searchParams.set(
'daily',
'precipitation_sum,temperature_2m_mean,temperature_2m_min,temperature_2m_max,wind_speed_10m_mean,wind_direction_10m_dominant,wind_gusts_10m_max,shortwave_radiation_sum'
);
url.searchParams.set('timezone', 'Europe/London');
Advanced Analytics in the UK Weather Platform
Weather Extremes Detection
The application automatically identifies and analyses extreme weather events:
- Droughts: 7+ consecutive days with <1mm rainfall
- Heat Waves: Extended periods above temperature thresholds
- Cold Snaps: Sustained freezing conditions
- Storm Events: High wind speed and gust analysis
- Solar Peaks: Maximum solar radiation periods
Cross-Parameter Correlations
Enhanced statistics provide insights across weather parameters:
export interface EnhancedStatistics {
seasonalRainfall: Partial<Record<Season, SeasonalRainfallStat[]>>;
seasonalTemperature: Partial<Record<Season, SeasonalTemperatureStat[]>>;
topWettestDays: ExtremeRainfallEvent[];
topHottestDays: ExtremeTemperatureEvent[];
rainfallTrend?: Trend;
temperatureTrend?: Trend;
solarEnergyInsights?: SolarEnergyInsights;
growingInsights?: GrowingInsights;
}
Agricultural and Energy Insights
The platform provides practical insights for:
Agricultural Applications:
- Growing degree days calculation
- Frost risk assessment
- Optimal growing season identification
- Recommended crops based on climate data
Solar Energy Potential:
- Annual energy generation estimates
- Seasonal efficiency calculations
- Optimal solar panel positioning
- Economic savings projections
Development Workflow for the UK Weather Platform
Quality Assurance
{
"scripts": {
"dev": "vite dev",
"build": "vite build",
"check": "svelte-kit sync && svelte-check --tsconfig ./tsconfig.json",
"format": "prettier --write .",
"lint": "prettier --check . && eslint .",
"test:e2e": "playwright test"
}
}
Code Quality Tools
- ESLint: Code linting with TypeScript support
- Prettier: Consistent code formatting
- Playwright: End-to-end testing
- TypeScript: Static type checking throughout
- Svelte Check: Svelte-specific type checking
Build Configuration
// vite.config.ts
import { sveltekit } from '@sveltejs/kit/vite';
import { defineConfig } from 'vite';
export default defineConfig({
plugins: [sveltekit()]
});
Performance Optimisations
Bundle Size Optimisation
- Svelte’s Compilation: Framework compiles away, reducing runtime overhead
- Tree Shaking: Automatic removal of unused code
- Code Splitting: Route-based code splitting with SvelteKit
- Asset Optimisation: Vite handles image and asset optimisation
Runtime Performance
- Intelligent Caching: Reduces API calls and improves response times
- Lazy Loading: Components and data loaded on demand
- Reactive Updates: Svelte’s efficient reactivity system
- Debounced Inputs: Prevents excessive API calls during user interaction
SEO and Accessibility
Search Engine Optimisation
// src/lib/seo.ts
export const seoData = {
title: 'UK Weather Analytics Dashboard | Historical Weather Data & Current Conditions',
description:
'Comprehensive UK weather analysis featuring historical patterns, current conditions, and detailed precipitation data for any UK location.',
keywords:
'UK weather, rainfall analysis, temperature data, historical weather, meteorological data',
type: 'website',
image: '/og-image.png'
};
Structured Data Implementation
<script type="application/ld+json">
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "WebApplication",
"name": "UK Weather Analytics Dashboard",
"description": "Comprehensive UK weather analysis dashboard",
"applicationCategory": "Weather",
"operatingSystem": "Web Browser",
"isAccessibleForFree": true
}
</script>
Deployment of the UK Weather Platform
Build Process
The application uses SvelteKit’s adapter-static for static site generation:
// svelte.config.js
import adapter from '@sveltejs/adapter-static';
export default {
kit: {
adapter: adapter({
pages: 'build',
assets: 'build',
fallback: undefined,
precompress: false,
strict: true
})
}
};
Production Optimisations
- Static Site Generation: Pre-rendered pages for optimal performance
- Asset Compression: Automatic image and asset optimisation
- CDN-Ready: Optimised for content delivery networks
- Progressive Enhancement: Works without JavaScript enabled
Challenges and Solutions
API Rate Limiting
Challenge: Managing multiple API calls whilst respecting rate limits Solution: Implemented sophisticated rate limiter with queue management and intelligent request spacing
Data Complexity
Challenge: Processing and analysing large datasets across multiple weather parameters Solution: Modular data processing utilities with caching and statistical analysis functions
Mobile Performance
Challenge: Rendering complex charts and data on mobile devices Solution: Responsive design with adaptive chart sizing and progressive data loading
Key Learnings and Insights
Technical Insights
- Svelte’s Reactivity: The reactive programming model significantly simplified state management across complex data flows
- TypeScript Benefits: Strong typing prevented runtime errors and improved development experience
- API Management: Proper rate limiting and caching are essential for production applications
- Component Architecture: Modular design enables easier maintenance and feature extension
Development Process
- Progressive Enhancement: Building core functionality first, then enhancing with advanced features
- Performance First: Considering performance implications from the start rather than optimising later
- User Experience: Prioritising intuitive interaction patterns and responsive design
Future Enhancements
Planned Features
- Weather Alerts: Integration with Met Office weather warnings
- Comparative Analysis: Multi-location weather comparisons
- Data Export: CSV/JSON export functionality for researchers
- Historical Trends: Long-term climate trend analysis
- Mobile App: Native mobile application development
Technical Improvements
- Real-time Updates: WebSocket integration for live weather updates
- Enhanced Caching: Service worker implementation for offline functionality
- Data Visualisation: Advanced 3D weather pattern visualisations
- Machine Learning: Predictive analytics for weather patterns
Conclusion
Building the UK Weather Analytics Dashboard has been an enriching experience that demonstrates the power of modern web technologies. The combination of SvelteKit’s performance, TypeScript’s safety, and comprehensive weather APIs creates a robust platform for weather analysis.
The project showcases how thoughtful architecture, proper API management, and user-focused design can create a valuable tool for understanding complex meteorological data. Whether you’re a developer interested in weather applications, data visualisation, or modern web development practices, this project demonstrates practical implementations of contemporary development patterns.
The application is live and available for exploration, providing valuable insights into UK weather patterns whilst serving as a reference for modern web application development.
Technologies Used: SvelteKit 2, TypeScript 5, Tailwind CSS 4, Chart.js, Leaflet, Open-Meteo API, Postcodes.io API
Repository: View on GitHub
Live Demo: UK Weather Analytics Dashboard
Want to discuss this project or have questions about the implementation? Feel free to reach out .
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