Is there a good free USA historical weather API?

I'd like detailed actual/historical (as opposed to forecast) data in the USA, preferably by ZIP code, and preferably measured accurate to the minute. If not measured down to the minute, I'd be happy as long as the information is at least accurate to the hour, but the more the better. I'd like to be able to look up this information based on ZIP code, but I can use city name or lat/long if I have to. Also, I'd like this data to be as real-time as possible, meaning if I do a data-request at 2pm on a day for my local area, I'd like to see weather information so far up till then.



Hopefully there's more than temperature too, like precipitation inches, type, etc.Is there a good free USA historical weather API?
I know of at least one data base that exist today that is almost in real-time, but you do not use zip codes. Instead, you search by an exact location (lat/long, location name, or station name). It is also not fee since it cost the owner money to collect and maintain the data base with a group of skilled technicians.



I don't know of any good detailed data base that anybody can use for free. I would be a bit surprise if one does exist given the expense of maintaining a good updated site.



Also, any good data base should not use zip codes. Zip codes where designed to help the postal service deliver the mail. It was never originally designed to be use for getting climate or weather information. The reason why it should not be use is that in less populated areas, a single zip code area can cover hundreds of square miles and elevation that range over 5000 feet in elevation. This makes zip codes useless in rural areas as a single zip code they may cover a huge area with major differences in climate..