Automatic Weather Alert System
Project Information
- Category: Social Impact / Safety Automation
- Client: Majunga Association
- Project date: 2024
- Project URL: github.com/albiche/weather_alert_system
Project Overview
The Automatic Weather Alert System was designed to improve safety for local fishermen in Madagascar, in partnership with the Lakana Tsara association. This project goes beyond generic weather apps by delivering customized risk assessments based on the specific realities and needs of traditional Malagasy fishing practices. Built as part of a one-month international mission, it demonstrates how tailored technology can have real-world social impact.
Key Features & Functionalities
Custom Risk Analysis
Developed in close collaboration with fishermen to define locally relevant risk thresholds based on wind direction, wave height, and boat vulnerability.
Automated Data Collection
Integrates Storm Glass API to pull daily weather data (wind speed, wave height, currents) from multiple strategic points near fishing zones.
Color Flag Alerts
Classifies daily risk with clear color flags (green, yellow, red, black) based on custom thresholds to ensure understandable and actionable guidance.
SMS Communication
Sends weekly forecasts and urgent next-day alerts via Orange SMS API Madagascar, delivering accessible safety information directly to fishermen.
Secure Web Interface
Includes an admin-only dashboard with login security, contact management for fishermen’s numbers, and automation controls, hosted on Heroku.
Fully Automated Workflow
Minimal maintenance needed after setup, with daily CSV generation, SMS credit monitoring, and easy scalability to other regions or update frequencies.
Architecture & Workflow
The system runs automated daily data collection from Storm Glass API, processes weather metrics with a custom risk algorithm, and classifies them into simple, color-coded flags. Weekly and urgent alerts are sent via SMS using Orange’s API. Administrators manage contacts and system settings through a secure, Heroku-hosted web interface. All data is stored in CSV format for easy analysis and auditing.
This modular architecture is flexible and easily scalable, allowing more frequent reporting or expansion to new fishing regions with minimal development overhead.
Results & Social Impact
This project empowers Lakana Tsara to better protect local fishermen by delivering clear, timely, and locally meaningful safety alerts. By reducing reliance on generic weather forecasts and tailoring risk assessments to traditional boats and local conditions, it enhances safety and decision-making. Even with a one-month development timeline, it delivered a sustainable, user-friendly solution that continues to help the community daily.