get_hourly_forecast

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations provided, the description carries the burden of behavioral disclosure. It does disclose the output fields and limited geographic coverage, which is useful, but it omits details like units, timezone handling, or possible error conditions, leaving some transparency gaps.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is two concise sentences, front-loaded with the core purpose and time range, followed by return data and coverage. Every sentence adds value and contains no redundant repetition of schema or annotations.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple weather tool with complete parameter descriptions and no output schema, the description covers purpose, scope, return fields, and coverage. It could add unit/timezone details, but overall it is sufficient for correct invocation and understanding of the tool's limits.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so parameters (latitude, longitude, hours) are already well documented. The description adds no extra meaning beyond what the schema provides, such as format or range semantics, matching the baseline score of 3.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool retrieves an hourly weather forecast for a specific time range (1-48 hours). It explicitly lists the returned data (temperature, wind, precipitation, conditions) and distinguishes itself from siblings like get_current_weather and get_daily_summary by emphasizing the hourly granularity.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies usage for hourly forecasts and mentions geographic coverage, which helps select it over daily or current weather tools. However, it does not explicitly mention when not to use it or name alternative tools, but the context is clear enough for a simple forecast tool.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.