BSS Meteo Widget

TYPO3 extension - Weather data integration - Production solution

BSS Meteo Widget is a custom extension for TYPO3 v13.4 that integrates official MeteoSwiss weather data into TYPO3 sites using a modern data-driven architecture.

TYPO3 13 LTS PHP 8.2+ Scheduler and CLI Content Blocks JSON cache in filesystem

Overview

The project delivers a weather widget with automated data loading, structured caching, and flexible frontend rendering through TYPO3 Content Blocks.

Implemented as a standalone TYPO3 extension, designed for long-term support and real API usage.

Backend architecture and data processing

  • Designed and implemented a data loading pipeline based on TYPO3 Scheduler and CLI commands.
  • Integrated official MeteoSwiss NOWCAST and FORECAST APIs with support for hourly, multi-hour, and daily datasets.
  • Built parsing and normalization logic to handle inconsistent timestamps, partial data, and historical overlaps.
  • Implemented a file-based caching strategy optimized for frontend performance and stability. 
/fileadmin/meteoswiss/{frequency}/{parameter}/{stationId}.json

TYPO3 extension and Content Blocks design

  • Built as a clean TYPO3 extension, fully compatible with TYPO3 13 LTS.
  • Frontend integration is based on TYPO3 Content Blocks, allowing editors to configure stations and display modes without code.
  • Clear separation of responsibilities between data processing, configuration, and presentation layers.
BSS Meteo Widget backend

Frontend integration

  • Rendering based on Fluid using pre-generated JSON files.
  • No direct API calls from the browser, ensuring predictable performance and correct caching.
  • Responsive layouts, dynamic weather symbols, and careful asset handling.

Reliability and performance

  • Scheduler tasks are idempotent and safe for repeated runs.
  • Time series are stored in the filesystem to avoid database overload.

Technology stack

  • CMS: TYPO3 13.4 (LTS)
  • Backend: PHP 8.2+, TYPO3 Scheduler, CLI
  • Frontend: Fluid Templates, JS, CSS
  • Data: Official MeteoSwiss APIs, CSV processing, JSON export
  • Architecture: Extension and Content Blocks
BSS Meteo Widget preview

The widget adds a stable weather data layer with predictable updates, structured caching, and controlled rendering without direct API calls from the browser.

The architecture allows independent evolution of data processing, configuration, and frontend rendering, which is important for long-term support and scaling.