Daily Weather SMS to my dumbphone?

December 22, 2023 5:35 AM

I recently got a Light Phone II to limit my internet time and I'm looking for a way to get SMS text messages sent to me daily to include the day's weather forecast, preferably for free.

I know it sounds like I shot myself in the foot, but surely there has to be some SMS services that still exist right? I can call for the forecast, and that works but it's pretty wordy. I'm surprised the weather channel doesn't have a text for the weather system. They have emergency alerts, but I'm looking for daily forecasts.

Been looking into setting up an SMS thing with my Raspberry Pi to include some Open Weather API data, but I'm wondering if there's a simpler alternative first. Anyone have experience with this kind of thing? Digital minimalism is pulling me too hard, I can't back out now!

posted by donuy to Technology (4 answers total)

This seems like the sort of thing IFTTT could do? https://ifttt.com/
posted by DarlingBri at 6:19 AM on December 22, 2023 [2 favorites]

I have no first hand experience with this, but maybe Zapier.
posted by soy_renfield at 8:52 AM on December 22, 2023

Umbrella Today might be of some help, but you'd need to know the email address associated with your phone number/cell provider because it only does email alerts.

I'm not even sure if email to SMS still works, or works with most/your provider. Essentially, though, you'd set the alert to go to phonenumber@provider.
posted by emelenjr at 9:36 AM on December 22, 2023

The National Weather Service (NWS) long ago had an SMS/text service but it was discontinued due to budget constraints. They do, however, maintain a list of resources that might provide such services. A general list is here. Under 'Current Weather Forecasts' on that page there is an entry for 'text' which links to this list of providers. Some are free, some are not. One provider is iAlert, which does supply a weather forecast via text message. Appears to cost $7.75 per month. They offer a free severe weather alert, but not a free forecast. This is just one of the providers, however, you may find better options with other providers, or maybe from other sources not listed on the NWS page.
posted by TimHare at 7:00 AM on December 30, 2023