WeatherXM and DePIN South Africa Launch Hyperlocal Weather Stations for Enhanced Disaster Preparedness

In a remarkable collaboration, BLCK IoT and WeatherXM have successfully installed 130 hyperlocal weather stations across rural and peri-urban Kenya within just 45 days. This initiative has led to significant improvements in agricultural productivity, with farm yields increasing by 18% and water usage reduced by 22%. Additionally, the enhanced data collection has improved flood modeling accuracy by over 30%. The deployment of these weather stations provides crucial local observations that empower farmers, insurers, researchers, and local governments to make informed decisions regarding crop planting, insurance claims, and flood preparedness. The need for reliable weather data in Kenya has become increasingly critical due to the unpredictable nature of seasonal rains, which has made agricultural planning more challenging. Droughts and flash floods have become more common, leading to potential losses for smallholder farmers who may misjudge the timing for planting or watering their crops. The partnership between BLCK IoT and WeatherXM aims to fill these gaps by placing audited sensors in key areas, ensuring that farmers and local authorities have access to accurate and timely weather information. The deployment process was divided into three phases, starting with site preparation and connectivity audits, followed by the installation of the weather stations, and concluding with training sessions for local stakeholders on how to utilize the data effectively. With the new infrastructure in place, farmers can now access real-time weather data, enabling them to optimize their agricultural practices. This project not only enhances food security but also serves as a model for future initiatives that leverage technology to address local challenges in agriculture and disaster management.

WeatherXM has recently upgraded its Quality of Data (QoD) algorithm to enhance the accuracy of community-powered weather data. This upgrade, implemented on September 9, 2025, introduces the Indoor Station Detection (ISD) feature, which allows for better identification of poorly deployed weather stations. Previously, stations could achieve high QoD scores simply by transmitting data, regardless of its accuracy. With the new ISD, stations placed indoors or in obstructed areas are now more likely to receive lower scores, motivating owners to adhere to best deployment practices for optimal performance. The impact of the ISD is already evident, as many stations that previously boasted high QoD scores are now rated below 0.3. For instance, the Jolly Kobe Gust station in Portugal, once receiving scores between 40% and 79%, would now score 0% due to its poor deployment conditions. The algorithm checks various factors such as solar radiation, temperature, humidity, and wind speed to determine the validity of the data being reported. Stations that exhibit unrealistic readings due to improper placement are flagged, ensuring that only reliable data contributes to the WeatherXM network. Proper deployment of weather stations is crucial for maximizing rewards and ensuring the data's reliability for sectors like agriculture and energy. WeatherXM encourages users to follow a deployment checklist that includes placing stations outdoors, avoiding obstructions, and regularly checking feedback through the mobile app. The goal of the new QoD algorithm is not to penalize users but to assist them in improving their setups, thereby enhancing the overall quality of the community-powered weather network. By aiming for perfect deployments, users can increase their rewards while contributing valuable data to the WeatherXM community.

eatherXM Brings Weather to Solana Mobile 🌦️📱 WeatherXM, the community-powered DePIN weather network, has officially launched its mobile app on Solana Mobile, making it the first and only weather app in the Solana dApp Store. The app lets users check hyperlocal forecasts, explore real-time and historical data, and—if they’re station owners—monitor station health, track rewards, and see how their data powers global forecasts. By integrating directly into Solana Mobile, WeatherXM expands its reach to a mobile-native audience, blending practical utility with tokenized incentives. This move not only strengthens the visibility of DePIN projects in consumer apps but also highlights how blockchain can underpin critical real-world infrastructure like weather data.

WeatherXM is revolutionizing the way weather data is collected and utilized by establishing a decentralized network that enhances accessibility and reliability. Traditional weather infrastructure has been centralized and costly, leading to inefficiencies and blind spots in data collection. WeatherXM aims to change this by allowing anyone to contribute to the network, thereby creating a self-sustaining ecosystem where data collection, demand, and token value are interlinked. This innovative approach not only benefits individual contributors but also society at large by providing more comprehensive weather data that can influence various sectors, including agriculture and energy. In the past year, WeatherXM has made significant strides in forming partnerships and deploying its technology globally. Collaborations with organizations like Esri and the Hydrometeorological and Environmental Industry Association have enhanced the visibility and credibility of WeatherXM’s data. These partnerships enable WeatherXM to integrate its data into widely used platforms, improving workflows in critical areas such as emergency response and agriculture. Additionally, collaborations with forecast providers like Spire Global and meteoblue have allowed WeatherXM to fill data gaps and improve the accuracy of weather forecasts, making it a recognized contributor to the global forecasting ecosystem. Looking ahead, WeatherXM is focused on scaling its operations and expanding its global footprint. The company is actively deploying its stations in regions with high climate risk but low data coverage, such as rural India and parts of Africa. Furthermore, WeatherXM is exploring integration into prediction markets, positioning itself as a trusted source for on-chain weather data. As the network grows, WeatherXM aims to create a robust ecosystem that not only meets the demands of traditional industries but also embraces decentralized finance (DeFi) and innovative financial products. This holistic approach ensures that WeatherXM remains at the forefront of weather data solutions, unlocking new opportunities in climate risk management and parametric insurance.

WeatherXM is on a mission to establish a community-driven weather network in Africa, aimed at providing hyperlocal weather data where it is most needed. At the DePIN Summit 2025 held in Kenya and Zanzibar, the WeatherXM team engaged with founders and innovators in the Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) space. This summit was not merely a conference; it was an opportunity to witness how community-owned weather data can significantly improve the lives of local populations. The deployment of a single weather station has already shown the potential to empower entire regions, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding agriculture, safety, and climate resilience. In many rural areas, traditional weather forecasting methods are inadequate, leaving billions without reliable information. WeatherXM's approach is centered around community involvement, where each weather station is owned and operated by local individuals. This model not only provides essential weather insights but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility within the community. The collaboration with local partners, such as BLCK-IoT, has already seen over 170 weather stations deployed in Kenya, illustrating the growing impact of this initiative. WeatherXM believes that the future of weather forecasting should be built by the people, for the people. The journey to build this network has been deeply personal for the WeatherXM team. They have connected with farmers, community leaders, and educators who are eager to leverage real-time weather data for better decision-making. The team is committed to empowering local innovators by providing financial and operational support to launch sustainable projects that benefit their communities. As they prepare to unveil new initiatives, WeatherXM emphasizes the importance of strengthening community-driven infrastructure to uplift the entire DePIN ecosystem. Their heartfelt gratitude extends to the organizers of the DePIN Summit, fellow builders, and the welcoming communities of Kenya and Tanzania, who have inspired their mission to create a future that is truly community-owned and driven.

Weather plays a crucial role in energy consumption, especially during extreme conditions. As temperatures soar or plummet, individuals instinctively seek to maintain a comfortable indoor climate, leading to fluctuations in energy demand. These spikes can create significant stress on the power grid, potentially resulting in outages or blackouts if not accurately forecasted. A recent heatwave in New York City, which began around June 21, 2024, exemplifies this challenge. The combination of high daytime temperatures and the heat-retaining properties of urban materials exacerbates the situation, causing a cascade effect of rising temperatures over consecutive days. During this heatwave, the demand for air conditioning surged as nighttime discomfort increased, further straining the power grid. Data from WeatherXM illustrates a direct correlation between the Tapp discomfort index—an indicator that combines temperature and humidity—and daily energy consumption. Between June 18 and June 26, 2024, the Tapp index rose significantly, leading to an increase in energy consumption by nearly 80,000 MWh, nearly doubling the usual demand. Remarkably, WeatherXM's one-day forecast for the minimum Tapp index demonstrated high accuracy, achieving a low RMSE of just 1°C, which is critical for effective energy management. The importance of high-quality weather observations cannot be overstated, as they are vital for both traditional and machine learning-based forecasting models. Urban environments present unique challenges for meteorological forecasting due to their complexity and dynamism. WeatherXM addresses these challenges by providing precise and actionable forecasts through strategically placed weather stations. In an era marked by increasingly extreme weather events, having access to reliable data is essential for energy companies and other stakeholders to make informed operational decisions and mitigate the impacts of such events on the power grid.