diff --git a/docs/integrations/promptkit.md b/docs/integrations/promptkit.md
index e413899..13c820f 100644
--- a/docs/integrations/promptkit.md
+++ b/docs/integrations/promptkit.md
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 Weatherreporter uses Promptkit for all generated-text reports. The four logical prompts are
 `weather.daily_generated_text`, `weather.today_generated_text`,
 `weather.tomorrow_generated_text`, and `weather.hourly_generated_text`, each at version
-`1.0.0`. Their prompt assets and generated-text JSON Schemas are embedded by
+`1.0.1`. Their prompt assets and generated-text JSON Schemas are embedded by
 `internal/promptassets`.
 
 Before collection, Weatherreporter inspects the exact prompt version, requires one required
@@ -17,6 +17,10 @@ JSON that Weatherreporter validates before rendering its own Markdown template.
 execution receipts are project-owned, safe provenance records. Content-rich diagnostics are
 opt-in through `--llm-debug-dir`; see [operations](../operations.md) for retention and permissions.
 
+The generated-text schemas require `summary`, `forecast_discussion`, and
+`precipitation_timing`, and reject additional properties. Prompts return an empty string for
+`precipitation_timing` when the deterministic package contains no precipitation windows.
+
 Prompt/profile configuration is owned by the [configuration reference](../config.md). Adapter
 construction and mapping are documented in the [Promptkit adapter internals](../internal/promptkit-adapter.md).
 Durable metadata compatibility is described in [state internals](../internal/state.md).
diff --git a/docs/internal/generatedtext.md b/docs/internal/generatedtext.md
index cef876f..6df70b8 100644
--- a/docs/internal/generatedtext.md
+++ b/docs/internal/generatedtext.md
@@ -17,8 +17,9 @@ value and canonical normalized JSON, loads its canonical schema through
 
 Daily, Today, and Tomorrow use a day-style value with required trimmed summary
 and one or more nonblank discussion paragraphs. Hourly requires trimmed summary
-and a single trimmed discussion string. Each form permits optional trimmed
-precipitation-timing and confidence prose. Typed decoding rejects unknown JSON
+and a single trimmed discussion string. Every form also requires the
+`precipitation_timing` field; an empty string means there is no supported timing
+prose to render. Typed decoding rejects missing required fields and unknown JSON
 fields; no general-purpose JSON Schema engine is used at runtime.
 
 ## Render contexts
diff --git a/docs/internal/report-registry.md b/docs/internal/report-registry.md
index 1e8505e..bae9540 100644
--- a/docs/internal/report-registry.md
+++ b/docs/internal/report-registry.md
@@ -18,10 +18,10 @@ period and run metadata for one invocation.
 
 | Report ID | Prompt version | Period policy | Comparison | Registry batch flag | Output copy |
 | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
-| `daily` | `1.0.0` | Explicit local civil day | Same valid date | Dynamic Daily inclusion is app-owned | `daily.md` |
-| `today` | `1.0.0` | Selected or current local civil day | Same valid date | Morning | `today.md` |
-| `tomorrow` | `1.0.0` | Next local civil day | Same valid date | Evening | `tomorrow.md` |
-| `hourly` | `1.0.0` | Rolling six-hour interval | Rolling window | — | `hourly.md` |
+| `daily` | `1.0.1` | Explicit local civil day | Same valid date | Dynamic Daily inclusion is app-owned | `daily.md` |
+| `today` | `1.0.1` | Selected or current local civil day | Same valid date | Morning | `today.md` |
+| `tomorrow` | `1.0.1` | Next local civil day | Same valid date | Evening | `tomorrow.md` |
+| `hourly` | `1.0.1` | Rolling six-hour interval | Rolling window | — | `hourly.md` |
 
 Each report pairs its ID and prompt version with matching template and schema
 IDs. Exact template fields and schema assets belong to [report templates](../templates.md)
diff --git a/docs/templates.md b/docs/templates.md
index 3d8c50d..48b53aa 100644
--- a/docs/templates.md
+++ b/docs/templates.md
@@ -128,8 +128,7 @@ It is not a source for deterministic weather facts.
 | --- | --- | --- | --- |
 | `.GeneratedText.Summary` | `string` | `string` | Required. |
 | `.GeneratedText.ForecastDiscussion` | `string` | `[]string` | Required; range over the day-style paragraph slice. |
-| `.GeneratedText.PrecipitationTiming` | `string` | `string` | Optional prose used by the precipitation partial when deterministic windows exist. |
-| `.GeneratedText.Confidence` | `string` | `string` | Optional validated prose; the current templates do not render it. |
+| `.GeneratedText.PrecipitationTiming` | `string` | `string` | Required field; an empty string represents no supported prose. The precipitation partial uses nonempty prose only when deterministic windows exist. |
 
 The JSON schema rejects unknown properties and defines the required fields, but
 the schema body and validation behavior are documented in [Generated Text
diff --git a/internal/adapters/promptkit/adapter_test.go b/internal/adapters/promptkit/adapter_test.go
index 521ef0f..b84634c 100644
--- a/internal/adapters/promptkit/adapter_test.go
+++ b/internal/adapters/promptkit/adapter_test.go
@@ -68,11 +68,11 @@ func (client *fakeClient) request() promptkit.GenerateRequest {
 
 func TestInspectPromptAndProfile(t *testing.T) {
 	adapter := newTestAdapter(t, &fakeClient{})
-	inspection, err := adapter.InspectPrompt(context.Background(), "weather.daily_generated_text", "1.0.0")
+	inspection, err := adapter.InspectPrompt(context.Background(), "weather.daily_generated_text", "1.0.1")
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("InspectPrompt() error = %v", err)
 	}
-	if inspection.PromptID != "weather.daily_generated_text" || inspection.PromptVersion != "1.0.0" || inspection.DefaultProfileID != "gemini-flash-latest" {
+	if inspection.PromptID != "weather.daily_generated_text" || inspection.PromptVersion != "1.0.1" || inspection.DefaultProfileID != "gemini-flash-latest" {
 		t.Fatalf("inspection = %#v", inspection)
 	}
 	if len(inspection.Inputs) != 1 || inspection.Inputs[0].Name != "data_package" || !inspection.Inputs[0].Required || inspection.Inputs[0].ContentType != "application/yaml" {
@@ -369,7 +369,7 @@ func testProfileDirectory(t *testing.T, profile string) string {
 func testExecuteRequest() promptexec.ExecuteRequest {
 	return promptexec.ExecuteRequest{
 		PromptID:        "weather.daily_generated_text",
-		PromptVersion:   "1.0.0",
+		PromptVersion:   "1.0.1",
 		ProfileID:       "test-profile",
 		DataPackage:     []byte("report:\n  id: daily\nbriefing: {}\n"),
 		DataPackagePath: "data-packages/daily/data_package.yaml",
@@ -378,7 +378,7 @@ func testExecuteRequest() promptexec.ExecuteRequest {
 
 func validResponse() *promptkit.GenerateResponse {
 	return &promptkit.GenerateResponse{
-		Content: `{"summary":"A quiet day is expected.","forecast_discussion":["High pressure keeps conditions settled."],"confidence":"High."}`,
+		Content: `{"summary":"A quiet day is expected.","forecast_discussion":["High pressure keeps conditions settled."],"precipitation_timing":""}`,
 		Usage:   promptkit.TokenUsage{PromptTokens: 12, CompletionTokens: 8, TotalTokens: 20},
 	}
 }
diff --git a/internal/app/prompt_artifact_paths_test.go b/internal/app/prompt_artifact_paths_test.go
index 3c63208..52ad9ca 100644
--- a/internal/app/prompt_artifact_paths_test.go
+++ b/internal/app/prompt_artifact_paths_test.go
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ func (e artifactPathExecutor) Execute(_ context.Context, req promptexec.ExecuteR
 		PromptHash: "prompt-hash", RenderedPromptHash: "rendered-hash", ProfileID: req.ProfileID,
 		BackendID: "test", ModelName: "test-model", GeneratedHash: "generated-hash",
 		StartedAt: now, EndedAt: now, DataPackagePath: req.DataPackagePath,
-		RawOutput:  []byte(`{"summary":"Showers are possible during the selected day.","forecast_discussion":["A front will keep rain chances in the forecast."],"precipitation_timing":"Rain is most likely during the afternoon.","confidence":"Medium"}`),
+		RawOutput:  []byte(`{"summary":"Showers are possible during the selected day.","forecast_discussion":["A front will keep rain chances in the forecast."],"precipitation_timing":"Rain is most likely during the afternoon."}`),
 		Validation: promptexec.NewValidation(validation, "json_schema", "daily.generated_text.schema.json", nil),
 	}, nil
 }
diff --git a/internal/app/single_report_workflow_test.go b/internal/app/single_report_workflow_test.go
index c9d58e0..9737216 100644
--- a/internal/app/single_report_workflow_test.go
+++ b/internal/app/single_report_workflow_test.go
@@ -643,7 +643,7 @@ func workflowTime(value string) time.Time {
 }
 
 func validHourlyWorkflowJSON() string {
-	return `{"summary":"Storm chances increase through late morning.","forecast_discussion":"A front will keep the region unsettled.","precipitation_timing":"A cold front is moving into the region.","confidence":"Medium"}`
+	return `{"summary":"Storm chances increase through late morning.","forecast_discussion":"A front will keep the region unsettled.","precipitation_timing":"A cold front is moving into the region."}`
 }
 
 func validTomorrowWorkflowJSON() string {
@@ -655,5 +655,5 @@ func validTodayWorkflowJSON() string {
 }
 
 func validDailyWorkflowJSON() string {
-	return `{"summary":"Showers are possible during the selected day.","forecast_discussion":["A front will keep rain chances in the forecast.","Temperatures stay seasonable by afternoon."],"precipitation_timing":"Rain is most likely during the afternoon.","confidence":"Medium"}`
+	return `{"summary":"Showers are possible during the selected day.","forecast_discussion":["A front will keep rain chances in the forecast.","Temperatures stay seasonable by afternoon."],"precipitation_timing":"Rain is most likely during the afternoon."}`
 }
diff --git a/internal/generatedtext/catalog_test.go b/internal/generatedtext/catalog_test.go
index d73b70b..61d0078 100644
--- a/internal/generatedtext/catalog_test.go
+++ b/internal/generatedtext/catalog_test.go
@@ -147,7 +147,8 @@ func TestCatalogValidationDispatchSupportsKnownSchemas(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	hourly, normalized, err := hourlyHandler.Validate([]byte(`{
 		"summary": " Storm chances increase. ",
-		"forecast_discussion": " A front will keep the region unsettled. "
+		"forecast_discussion": " A front will keep the region unsettled. ",
+		"precipitation_timing": ""
 	}`))
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("Validate(hourly) error = %v", err)
@@ -165,7 +166,8 @@ func TestCatalogValidationDispatchSupportsKnownSchemas(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	tomorrow, normalized, err := tomorrowHandler.Validate([]byte(`{
 		"summary": " Storms become more likely tomorrow. ",
-		"forecast_discussion": [" A front will keep showers in the forecast. ", ""]
+		"forecast_discussion": [" A front will keep showers in the forecast. ", ""],
+		"precipitation_timing": ""
 	}`))
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("Validate(tomorrow) error = %v", err)
@@ -187,7 +189,8 @@ func TestCatalogValidationDispatchSupportsKnownSchemas(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	today, normalized, err := todayHandler.Validate([]byte(`{
 		"summary": " Showers are likely today. ",
-		"forecast_discussion": [" A front will keep rain chances elevated. ", ""]
+		"forecast_discussion": [" A front will keep rain chances elevated. ", ""],
+		"precipitation_timing": ""
 	}`))
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("Validate(today) error = %v", err)
@@ -209,7 +212,8 @@ func TestCatalogValidationDispatchSupportsKnownSchemas(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	daily, normalized, err := dailyHandler.Validate([]byte(`{
 		"summary": " Showers are possible during the selected day. ",
-		"forecast_discussion": [" A front will keep rain chances in the forecast. ", ""]
+		"forecast_discussion": [" A front will keep rain chances in the forecast. ", ""],
+		"precipitation_timing": ""
 	}`))
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("Validate(daily) error = %v", err)
diff --git a/internal/generatedtext/daily.go b/internal/generatedtext/daily.go
index f1323e4..7635fba 100644
--- a/internal/generatedtext/daily.go
+++ b/internal/generatedtext/daily.go
@@ -3,8 +3,7 @@ package generatedtext
 type Daily struct {
 	Summary             string   `json:"summary"`
 	ForecastDiscussion  []string `json:"forecast_discussion"`
-	PrecipitationTiming string   `json:"precipitation_timing,omitempty"`
-	Confidence          string   `json:"confidence,omitempty"`
+	PrecipitationTiming string   `json:"precipitation_timing"`
 }
 
 func ValidateDaily(data []byte) (Daily, []byte, error) {
@@ -16,7 +15,6 @@ func (d *Daily) dayStyleFields() dayStyleFields {
 		Summary:             d.Summary,
 		ForecastDiscussion:  d.ForecastDiscussion,
 		PrecipitationTiming: d.PrecipitationTiming,
-		Confidence:          d.Confidence,
 	}
 }
 
@@ -24,5 +22,4 @@ func (d *Daily) setDayStyleFields(fields dayStyleFields) {
 	d.Summary = fields.Summary
 	d.ForecastDiscussion = fields.ForecastDiscussion
 	d.PrecipitationTiming = fields.PrecipitationTiming
-	d.Confidence = fields.Confidence
 }
diff --git a/internal/generatedtext/daily_test.go b/internal/generatedtext/daily_test.go
index d7194ce..3bacb23 100644
--- a/internal/generatedtext/daily_test.go
+++ b/internal/generatedtext/daily_test.go
@@ -13,8 +13,7 @@ func TestValidateDailyNormalizesJSON(t *testing.T) {
 			"",
 			"  Temperatures stay seasonable by afternoon. "
 		],
-		"precipitation_timing": " Rain is most likely during the afternoon. ",
-		"confidence": " Medium "
+		"precipitation_timing": " Rain is most likely during the afternoon. "
 	}`))
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("ValidateDaily() error = %v", err)
@@ -28,23 +27,22 @@ func TestValidateDailyNormalizesJSON(t *testing.T) {
 	if value.PrecipitationTiming != "Rain is most likely during the afternoon." {
 		t.Fatalf("PrecipitationTiming = %q, want trimmed precipitation timing", value.PrecipitationTiming)
 	}
-	want := `{"summary":"Showers are possible during the selected day.","forecast_discussion":["A front will keep rain chances in the forecast.","Temperatures stay seasonable by afternoon."],"precipitation_timing":"Rain is most likely during the afternoon.","confidence":"Medium"}`
+	want := `{"summary":"Showers are possible during the selected day.","forecast_discussion":["A front will keep rain chances in the forecast.","Temperatures stay seasonable by afternoon."],"precipitation_timing":"Rain is most likely during the afternoon."}`
 	if string(normalized) != want {
 		t.Fatalf("normalized = %s, want %s", normalized, want)
 	}
 }
 
-func TestValidateDailyOmitsEmptyOptionalFields(t *testing.T) {
+func TestValidateDailyPreservesRequiredEmptyPrecipitationTiming(t *testing.T) {
 	_, normalized, err := ValidateDaily([]byte(`{
 		"summary": "Showers are possible during the selected day.",
 		"forecast_discussion": ["A front will keep rain chances in the forecast."],
-		"precipitation_timing": "   ",
-		"confidence": "   "
+		"precipitation_timing": "   "
 	}`))
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("ValidateDaily() error = %v", err)
 	}
-	want := `{"summary":"Showers are possible during the selected day.","forecast_discussion":["A front will keep rain chances in the forecast."]}`
+	want := `{"summary":"Showers are possible during the selected day.","forecast_discussion":["A front will keep rain chances in the forecast."],"precipitation_timing":""}`
 	if string(normalized) != want {
 		t.Fatalf("normalized = %s, want %s", normalized, want)
 	}
diff --git a/internal/generatedtext/day_style.go b/internal/generatedtext/day_style.go
index 48076e6..cd6fd2f 100644
--- a/internal/generatedtext/day_style.go
+++ b/internal/generatedtext/day_style.go
@@ -9,7 +9,6 @@ type dayStyleFields struct {
 	Summary             string
 	ForecastDiscussion  []string
 	PrecipitationTiming string
-	Confidence          string
 }
 
 type dayStyleGeneratedText interface {
@@ -31,7 +30,6 @@ func validateDayStyleGeneratedText[T any, PT interface {
 	fields := pointer.dayStyleFields()
 	fields.Summary = strings.TrimSpace(fields.Summary)
 	fields.PrecipitationTiming = strings.TrimSpace(fields.PrecipitationTiming)
-	fields.Confidence = strings.TrimSpace(fields.Confidence)
 	fields.ForecastDiscussion = trimNonEmpty(fields.ForecastDiscussion)
 	if fields.Summary == "" {
 		var zero T
@@ -41,6 +39,10 @@ func validateDayStyleGeneratedText[T any, PT interface {
 		var zero T
 		return zero, nil, fmt.Errorf("%s generated text forecast discussion is required", name)
 	}
+	if err := requireGeneratedTextStringField(data, name, "precipitation_timing"); err != nil {
+		var zero T
+		return zero, nil, err
+	}
 	pointer.setDayStyleFields(fields)
 
 	normalized, err := normalizeGeneratedText(value, name)
diff --git a/internal/generatedtext/day_style_test.go b/internal/generatedtext/day_style_test.go
index b337594..6ec073f 100644
--- a/internal/generatedtext/day_style_test.go
+++ b/internal/generatedtext/day_style_test.go
@@ -60,8 +60,7 @@ func TestValidateDayStyleGeneratedTextSharedBehavior(t *testing.T) {
 						"",
 						" Second paragraph. "
 					],
-					"precipitation_timing": " Afternoon. ",
-					"confidence": " Medium "
+					"precipitation_timing": " Afternoon. "
 				}`))
 				if err != nil {
 					t.Fatalf("validate() error = %v", err)
@@ -76,31 +75,35 @@ func TestValidateDayStyleGeneratedTextSharedBehavior(t *testing.T) {
 				if fields.PrecipitationTiming != "Afternoon." {
 					t.Fatalf("PrecipitationTiming = %q, want trimmed precipitation timing", fields.PrecipitationTiming)
 				}
-				if fields.Confidence != "Medium" {
-					t.Fatalf("Confidence = %q, want trimmed confidence", fields.Confidence)
-				}
-				want := `{"summary":"Shared summary.","forecast_discussion":["First paragraph.","Second paragraph."],"precipitation_timing":"Afternoon.","confidence":"Medium"}`
+				want := `{"summary":"Shared summary.","forecast_discussion":["First paragraph.","Second paragraph."],"precipitation_timing":"Afternoon."}`
 				if string(normalized) != want {
 					t.Fatalf("normalized = %s, want %s", normalized, want)
 				}
 			})
 
-			t.Run("omits empty optional fields", func(t *testing.T) {
+			t.Run("preserves required empty precipitation timing", func(t *testing.T) {
 				_, normalized, err := report.validate([]byte(`{
 					"summary": "Shared summary.",
 					"forecast_discussion": ["First paragraph."],
-					"precipitation_timing": "   ",
-					"confidence": "   "
+					"precipitation_timing": "   "
 				}`))
 				if err != nil {
 					t.Fatalf("validate() error = %v", err)
 				}
-				want := `{"summary":"Shared summary.","forecast_discussion":["First paragraph."]}`
+				want := `{"summary":"Shared summary.","forecast_discussion":["First paragraph."],"precipitation_timing":""}`
 				if string(normalized) != want {
 					t.Fatalf("normalized = %s, want %s", normalized, want)
 				}
 			})
 
+			t.Run("requires precipitation timing field", func(t *testing.T) {
+				_, _, err := report.validate([]byte(`{"summary":"Shared summary.","forecast_discussion":["First paragraph."]}`))
+				want := fmt.Sprintf("%s generated text precipitation timing is required", report.name)
+				if err == nil || err.Error() != want {
+					t.Fatalf("validate() error = %v, want %q", err, want)
+				}
+			})
+
 			t.Run("rejects unknown fields", func(t *testing.T) {
 				_, _, err := report.validate([]byte(`{"summary":"Shared summary.","forecast_discussion":["First paragraph."],"extra":"value"}`))
 				if err == nil {
@@ -110,6 +113,13 @@ func TestValidateDayStyleGeneratedTextSharedBehavior(t *testing.T) {
 					t.Fatalf("validate() error = %v, want unknown field error", err)
 				}
 			})
+
+			t.Run("rejects retired confidence field", func(t *testing.T) {
+				_, _, err := report.validate([]byte(`{"summary":"Shared summary.","forecast_discussion":["First paragraph."],"precipitation_timing":"","confidence":"Medium"}`))
+				if err == nil || !strings.Contains(err.Error(), `unknown field "confidence"`) {
+					t.Fatalf("validate() error = %v, want retired confidence field rejection", err)
+				}
+			})
 		})
 	}
 }
diff --git a/internal/generatedtext/hourly.go b/internal/generatedtext/hourly.go
index 9e431ae..ae8eeed 100644
--- a/internal/generatedtext/hourly.go
+++ b/internal/generatedtext/hourly.go
@@ -9,8 +9,7 @@ import (
 type Hourly struct {
 	Summary             string `json:"summary"`
 	ForecastDiscussion  string `json:"forecast_discussion"`
-	PrecipitationTiming string `json:"precipitation_timing,omitempty"`
-	Confidence          string `json:"confidence,omitempty"`
+	PrecipitationTiming string `json:"precipitation_timing"`
 }
 
 func ValidateHourly(data []byte) (Hourly, []byte, error) {
@@ -22,13 +21,15 @@ func ValidateHourly(data []byte) (Hourly, []byte, error) {
 	value.Summary = strings.TrimSpace(value.Summary)
 	value.ForecastDiscussion = strings.TrimSpace(value.ForecastDiscussion)
 	value.PrecipitationTiming = strings.TrimSpace(value.PrecipitationTiming)
-	value.Confidence = strings.TrimSpace(value.Confidence)
 	if value.Summary == "" {
 		return Hourly{}, nil, fmt.Errorf("hourly generated text summary is required")
 	}
 	if value.ForecastDiscussion == "" {
 		return Hourly{}, nil, fmt.Errorf("hourly generated text forecast discussion is required")
 	}
+	if err := requireGeneratedTextStringField(data, "hourly", "precipitation_timing"); err != nil {
+		return Hourly{}, nil, err
+	}
 
 	normalized, err := normalizeGeneratedText(value, "hourly")
 	if err != nil {
diff --git a/internal/generatedtext/hourly_test.go b/internal/generatedtext/hourly_test.go
index d98a336..4260b16 100644
--- a/internal/generatedtext/hourly_test.go
+++ b/internal/generatedtext/hourly_test.go
@@ -9,8 +9,7 @@ func TestValidateHourlyNormalizesJSON(t *testing.T) {
 	value, normalized, err := ValidateHourly([]byte(`{
 		"summary": " Storm chances increase. ",
 		"forecast_discussion": " A front will keep the region unsettled. ",
-		"precipitation_timing": " Showers are most likely early this afternoon. ",
-		"confidence": " Medium "
+		"precipitation_timing": " Showers are most likely early this afternoon. "
 	}`))
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("ValidateHourly() error = %v", err)
@@ -24,23 +23,22 @@ func TestValidateHourlyNormalizesJSON(t *testing.T) {
 	if value.PrecipitationTiming != "Showers are most likely early this afternoon." {
 		t.Fatalf("PrecipitationTiming = %q, want trimmed precipitation timing", value.PrecipitationTiming)
 	}
-	want := `{"summary":"Storm chances increase.","forecast_discussion":"A front will keep the region unsettled.","precipitation_timing":"Showers are most likely early this afternoon.","confidence":"Medium"}`
+	want := `{"summary":"Storm chances increase.","forecast_discussion":"A front will keep the region unsettled.","precipitation_timing":"Showers are most likely early this afternoon."}`
 	if string(normalized) != want {
 		t.Fatalf("normalized = %s, want %s", normalized, want)
 	}
 }
 
-func TestValidateHourlyOmitsEmptyConfidence(t *testing.T) {
+func TestValidateHourlyPreservesRequiredEmptyPrecipitationTiming(t *testing.T) {
 	_, normalized, err := ValidateHourly([]byte(`{
 		"summary": "Storm chances increase.",
 		"forecast_discussion": "A front will keep the region unsettled.",
-		"precipitation_timing": "   ",
-		"confidence": "   "
+		"precipitation_timing": "   "
 	}`))
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("ValidateHourly() error = %v", err)
 	}
-	want := `{"summary":"Storm chances increase.","forecast_discussion":"A front will keep the region unsettled."}`
+	want := `{"summary":"Storm chances increase.","forecast_discussion":"A front will keep the region unsettled.","precipitation_timing":""}`
 	if string(normalized) != want {
 		t.Fatalf("normalized = %s, want %s", normalized, want)
 	}
@@ -72,6 +70,21 @@ func TestValidateHourlyRejectsInvalidInput(t *testing.T) {
 			in:   `{"summary":"Storm chances increase.","forecast_discussion":"  "}`,
 			want: "forecast discussion is required",
 		},
+		{
+			name: "missing precipitation timing",
+			in:   `{"summary":"Storm chances increase.","forecast_discussion":"A front will keep the region unsettled."}`,
+			want: "precipitation timing is required",
+		},
+		{
+			name: "null precipitation timing",
+			in:   `{"summary":"Storm chances increase.","forecast_discussion":"A front will keep the region unsettled.","precipitation_timing":null}`,
+			want: "precipitation timing must be a string",
+		},
+		{
+			name: "retired confidence field rejected",
+			in:   `{"summary":"Storm chances increase.","forecast_discussion":"A front will keep the region unsettled.","precipitation_timing":"","confidence":"Medium"}`,
+			want: `unknown field "confidence"`,
+		},
 		{
 			name: "old timing field rejected",
 			in:   `{"summary":"Storm chances increase.","forecast_discussion":"A front will keep the region unsettled.","timing":"Late morning."}`,
diff --git a/internal/generatedtext/json.go b/internal/generatedtext/json.go
index 027a9b4..7d3897d 100644
--- a/internal/generatedtext/json.go
+++ b/internal/generatedtext/json.go
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import (
 	"encoding/json"
 	"fmt"
 	"io"
+	"strings"
 )
 
 func decodeGeneratedText[T any](data []byte, name string) (T, error) {
@@ -24,6 +25,21 @@ func decodeGeneratedText[T any](data []byte, name string) (T, error) {
 	return value, fmt.Errorf("decode %s generated text: multiple JSON values", name)
 }
 
+func requireGeneratedTextStringField(data []byte, name, field string) error {
+	var fields map[string]json.RawMessage
+	if err := json.Unmarshal(data, &fields); err != nil {
+		return fmt.Errorf("decode %s generated text: %w", name, err)
+	}
+	raw, ok := fields[field]
+	if !ok {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%s generated text %s is required", name, strings.ReplaceAll(field, "_", " "))
+	}
+	if bytes.Equal(bytes.TrimSpace(raw), []byte("null")) {
+		return fmt.Errorf("%s generated text %s must be a string", name, strings.ReplaceAll(field, "_", " "))
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
 func normalizeGeneratedText[T any](value T, name string) ([]byte, error) {
 	normalized, err := json.Marshal(value)
 	if err != nil {
diff --git a/internal/generatedtext/render_context_test.go b/internal/generatedtext/render_context_test.go
index 65b5e10..f856c7b 100644
--- a/internal/generatedtext/render_context_test.go
+++ b/internal/generatedtext/render_context_test.go
@@ -21,7 +21,6 @@ func TestBuildHourlyRenderContext(t *testing.T) {
 		Summary:             "Storm chances increase through late morning.",
 		ForecastDiscussion:  "A front will keep the region unsettled.",
 		PrecipitationTiming: "A cold front is moving into the region.",
-		Confidence:          "Medium confidence in timing.",
 	}
 	collected := testCollected()
 	derived := testDerived()
diff --git a/internal/generatedtext/today.go b/internal/generatedtext/today.go
index b400fa7..98ff6cd 100644
--- a/internal/generatedtext/today.go
+++ b/internal/generatedtext/today.go
@@ -3,8 +3,7 @@ package generatedtext
 type Today struct {
 	Summary             string   `json:"summary"`
 	ForecastDiscussion  []string `json:"forecast_discussion"`
-	PrecipitationTiming string   `json:"precipitation_timing,omitempty"`
-	Confidence          string   `json:"confidence,omitempty"`
+	PrecipitationTiming string   `json:"precipitation_timing"`
 }
 
 func ValidateToday(data []byte) (Today, []byte, error) {
@@ -16,7 +15,6 @@ func (t *Today) dayStyleFields() dayStyleFields {
 		Summary:             t.Summary,
 		ForecastDiscussion:  t.ForecastDiscussion,
 		PrecipitationTiming: t.PrecipitationTiming,
-		Confidence:          t.Confidence,
 	}
 }
 
@@ -24,5 +22,4 @@ func (t *Today) setDayStyleFields(fields dayStyleFields) {
 	t.Summary = fields.Summary
 	t.ForecastDiscussion = fields.ForecastDiscussion
 	t.PrecipitationTiming = fields.PrecipitationTiming
-	t.Confidence = fields.Confidence
 }
diff --git a/internal/generatedtext/today_test.go b/internal/generatedtext/today_test.go
index b2d3701..cff56cb 100644
--- a/internal/generatedtext/today_test.go
+++ b/internal/generatedtext/today_test.go
@@ -13,8 +13,7 @@ func TestValidateTodayNormalizesJSON(t *testing.T) {
 			"",
 			"  Temperatures stay mild through the afternoon. "
 		],
-		"precipitation_timing": " Rain is most likely during the afternoon. ",
-		"confidence": " Medium "
+		"precipitation_timing": " Rain is most likely during the afternoon. "
 	}`))
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("ValidateToday() error = %v", err)
@@ -28,23 +27,22 @@ func TestValidateTodayNormalizesJSON(t *testing.T) {
 	if value.PrecipitationTiming != "Rain is most likely during the afternoon." {
 		t.Fatalf("PrecipitationTiming = %q, want trimmed precipitation timing", value.PrecipitationTiming)
 	}
-	want := `{"summary":"Showers are likely today.","forecast_discussion":["A front will keep rain chances elevated.","Temperatures stay mild through the afternoon."],"precipitation_timing":"Rain is most likely during the afternoon.","confidence":"Medium"}`
+	want := `{"summary":"Showers are likely today.","forecast_discussion":["A front will keep rain chances elevated.","Temperatures stay mild through the afternoon."],"precipitation_timing":"Rain is most likely during the afternoon."}`
 	if string(normalized) != want {
 		t.Fatalf("normalized = %s, want %s", normalized, want)
 	}
 }
 
-func TestValidateTodayOmitsEmptyOptionalFields(t *testing.T) {
+func TestValidateTodayPreservesRequiredEmptyPrecipitationTiming(t *testing.T) {
 	_, normalized, err := ValidateToday([]byte(`{
 		"summary": "Showers are likely today.",
 		"forecast_discussion": ["A front will keep rain chances elevated."],
-		"precipitation_timing": "   ",
-		"confidence": "   "
+		"precipitation_timing": "   "
 	}`))
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("ValidateToday() error = %v", err)
 	}
-	want := `{"summary":"Showers are likely today.","forecast_discussion":["A front will keep rain chances elevated."]}`
+	want := `{"summary":"Showers are likely today.","forecast_discussion":["A front will keep rain chances elevated."],"precipitation_timing":""}`
 	if string(normalized) != want {
 		t.Fatalf("normalized = %s, want %s", normalized, want)
 	}
diff --git a/internal/generatedtext/tomorrow.go b/internal/generatedtext/tomorrow.go
index 8854acc..26022ba 100644
--- a/internal/generatedtext/tomorrow.go
+++ b/internal/generatedtext/tomorrow.go
@@ -3,8 +3,7 @@ package generatedtext
 type Tomorrow struct {
 	Summary             string   `json:"summary"`
 	ForecastDiscussion  []string `json:"forecast_discussion"`
-	PrecipitationTiming string   `json:"precipitation_timing,omitempty"`
-	Confidence          string   `json:"confidence,omitempty"`
+	PrecipitationTiming string   `json:"precipitation_timing"`
 }
 
 func ValidateTomorrow(data []byte) (Tomorrow, []byte, error) {
@@ -16,7 +15,6 @@ func (t *Tomorrow) dayStyleFields() dayStyleFields {
 		Summary:             t.Summary,
 		ForecastDiscussion:  t.ForecastDiscussion,
 		PrecipitationTiming: t.PrecipitationTiming,
-		Confidence:          t.Confidence,
 	}
 }
 
@@ -24,5 +22,4 @@ func (t *Tomorrow) setDayStyleFields(fields dayStyleFields) {
 	t.Summary = fields.Summary
 	t.ForecastDiscussion = fields.ForecastDiscussion
 	t.PrecipitationTiming = fields.PrecipitationTiming
-	t.Confidence = fields.Confidence
 }
diff --git a/internal/generatedtext/tomorrow_test.go b/internal/generatedtext/tomorrow_test.go
index ce54354..f8aed4c 100644
--- a/internal/generatedtext/tomorrow_test.go
+++ b/internal/generatedtext/tomorrow_test.go
@@ -13,8 +13,7 @@ func TestValidateTomorrowNormalizesJSON(t *testing.T) {
 			"",
 			"  Temperatures stay seasonable by afternoon. "
 		],
-		"precipitation_timing": " Rain is most likely before sunrise. ",
-		"confidence": " Medium "
+		"precipitation_timing": " Rain is most likely before sunrise. "
 	}`))
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("ValidateTomorrow() error = %v", err)
@@ -28,23 +27,22 @@ func TestValidateTomorrowNormalizesJSON(t *testing.T) {
 	if value.PrecipitationTiming != "Rain is most likely before sunrise." {
 		t.Fatalf("PrecipitationTiming = %q, want trimmed precipitation timing", value.PrecipitationTiming)
 	}
-	want := `{"summary":"Storms become more likely tomorrow.","forecast_discussion":["A front will keep showers in the forecast.","Temperatures stay seasonable by afternoon."],"precipitation_timing":"Rain is most likely before sunrise.","confidence":"Medium"}`
+	want := `{"summary":"Storms become more likely tomorrow.","forecast_discussion":["A front will keep showers in the forecast.","Temperatures stay seasonable by afternoon."],"precipitation_timing":"Rain is most likely before sunrise."}`
 	if string(normalized) != want {
 		t.Fatalf("normalized = %s, want %s", normalized, want)
 	}
 }
 
-func TestValidateTomorrowOmitsEmptyOptionalFields(t *testing.T) {
+func TestValidateTomorrowPreservesRequiredEmptyPrecipitationTiming(t *testing.T) {
 	_, normalized, err := ValidateTomorrow([]byte(`{
 		"summary": "Storms become more likely tomorrow.",
 		"forecast_discussion": ["A front will keep showers in the forecast."],
-		"precipitation_timing": "   ",
-		"confidence": "   "
+		"precipitation_timing": "   "
 	}`))
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("ValidateTomorrow() error = %v", err)
 	}
-	want := `{"summary":"Storms become more likely tomorrow.","forecast_discussion":["A front will keep showers in the forecast."]}`
+	want := `{"summary":"Storms become more likely tomorrow.","forecast_discussion":["A front will keep showers in the forecast."],"precipitation_timing":""}`
 	if string(normalized) != want {
 		t.Fatalf("normalized = %s, want %s", normalized, want)
 	}
diff --git a/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/daily/daily_generated_text.user.md b/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/daily/daily_generated_text.user.md
index c481216..0936d82 100644
--- a/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/daily/daily_generated_text.user.md
+++ b/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/daily/daily_generated_text.user.md
@@ -8,8 +8,7 @@ Return these fields:
 
 - `summary`: required. One or two sentences summarizing the main weather story for the valid period.
 - `forecast_discussion`: required. Three paragraphs explaining the broader setup, trend, or forecast reasoning most relevant to the valid period.
-- `precipitation_timing`: optional. Include only when the deterministic `precip_timing` module contains precipitation windows.
-- `confidence`: optional. Include only if uncertainty, timing spread, or conflicting signals materially affect how the reader should interpret the forecast.
+- `precipitation_timing`: required. When the deterministic `precip_timing` module contains precipitation windows, provide the supported timing prose described below. Otherwise, return an empty string (`""`).
 
 Return JSON only.
 
@@ -27,7 +26,7 @@ In most cases, include three paragraphs: a two-to-four sentence relevant local o
 
 # Precipitation timing
 
-Include this only if precipitation is forecast. Use one to four sentences to give practical context about a supported frontal, convective, or stratiform setup; expected type, intensity, and duration; and uncertainty in onset or duration.
+When precipitation windows are present, use one to four sentences to give practical context about a supported frontal, convective, or stratiform setup; expected type, intensity, and duration; and uncertainty in onset or duration. When no precipitation windows are present, return an empty string (`""`) for `precipitation_timing`.
 
 # Narrative source selection
 
diff --git a/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/daily/daily_generated_text.yml b/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/daily/daily_generated_text.yml
index 7959bde..80481a8 100644
--- a/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/daily/daily_generated_text.yml
+++ b/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/daily/daily_generated_text.yml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 id: weather.daily_generated_text
-version: "1.0.0"
+version: "1.0.1"
 default_profile: gemini-flash-latest
 description: Daily weather report analysis prompt.
 inputs:
diff --git a/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/hourly/hourly_generated_text.user.md b/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/hourly/hourly_generated_text.user.md
index 5bcac60..f441c1e 100644
--- a/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/hourly/hourly_generated_text.user.md
+++ b/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/hourly/hourly_generated_text.user.md
@@ -8,8 +8,7 @@ Return these fields:
 
 - `summary`: required. One or two sentences summarizing the main weather story for the valid period.
 - `forecast_discussion`: required. Two or three sentences explaining the broader setup, trend, or forecast reasoning most relevant to the valid period.
-- `precipitation_timing`: optional. Include only when the deterministic `precip_timing` module contains precipitation windows.
-- `confidence`: optional. Include only if uncertainty, timing spread, or conflicting signals materially affect how the reader should interpret the forecast.
+- `precipitation_timing`: required. When the deterministic `precip_timing` module contains precipitation windows, provide the supported timing prose described below. Otherwise, return an empty string (`""`).
 
 Return JSON only.
 
@@ -25,4 +24,4 @@ Use narrative products to explain the “why” behind the local forecast when u
 
 # Precipitation timing
 
-Include this only if precipitation is forecast. Use one to four sentences to give practical context about a supported frontal, convective, or stratiform setup; expected type, intensity, and duration; and uncertainty in onset or duration.
+When precipitation windows are present, use one to four sentences to give practical context about a supported frontal, convective, or stratiform setup; expected type, intensity, and duration; and uncertainty in onset or duration. When no precipitation windows are present, return an empty string (`""`) for `precipitation_timing`.
diff --git a/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/hourly/hourly_generated_text.yml b/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/hourly/hourly_generated_text.yml
index 21b4806..966f55e 100644
--- a/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/hourly/hourly_generated_text.yml
+++ b/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/hourly/hourly_generated_text.yml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 id: weather.hourly_generated_text
-version: "1.0.0"
+version: "1.0.1"
 default_profile: gemini-flash-latest
 description: Hourly weather report analysis prompt.
 inputs:
diff --git a/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/today/today_generated_text.user.md b/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/today/today_generated_text.user.md
index 5270f55..fe853f2 100644
--- a/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/today/today_generated_text.user.md
+++ b/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/today/today_generated_text.user.md
@@ -8,8 +8,7 @@ Return these fields:
 
 - `summary`: required. One or two sentences summarizing the main weather story for the valid period.
 - `forecast_discussion`: required. Three paragraphs explaining the broader setup, trend, or forecast reasoning most relevant to the valid period.
-- `precipitation_timing`: optional. Include only when the deterministic `precip_timing` module contains precipitation windows.
-- `confidence`: optional. Include only if uncertainty, timing spread, or conflicting signals materially affect how the reader should interpret the forecast.
+- `precipitation_timing`: required. When the deterministic `precip_timing` module contains precipitation windows, provide the supported timing prose described below. Otherwise, return an empty string (`""`).
 
 Return JSON only.
 
@@ -27,4 +26,4 @@ In most cases, include three paragraphs: a two-to-four sentence relevant local o
 
 # Precipitation timing
 
-Include this only if precipitation is forecast. Use one to four sentences to give practical context about a supported frontal, convective, or stratiform setup; expected type, intensity, and duration; and uncertainty in onset or duration.
+When precipitation windows are present, use one to four sentences to give practical context about a supported frontal, convective, or stratiform setup; expected type, intensity, and duration; and uncertainty in onset or duration. When no precipitation windows are present, return an empty string (`""`) for `precipitation_timing`.
diff --git a/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/today/today_generated_text.yml b/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/today/today_generated_text.yml
index 31bc92f..0784318 100644
--- a/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/today/today_generated_text.yml
+++ b/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/today/today_generated_text.yml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 id: weather.today_generated_text
-version: "1.0.0"
+version: "1.0.1"
 default_profile: gemini-flash-latest
 description: Today's weather report analysis prompt.
 inputs:
diff --git a/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/tomorrow/tomorrow_generated_text.user.md b/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/tomorrow/tomorrow_generated_text.user.md
index cf3e236..69b4eac 100644
--- a/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/tomorrow/tomorrow_generated_text.user.md
+++ b/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/tomorrow/tomorrow_generated_text.user.md
@@ -8,8 +8,7 @@ Return these fields:
 
 - `summary`: required. One or two sentences summarizing the main weather story for the valid period.
 - `forecast_discussion`: required. Three paragraphs explaining the broader setup, trend, or forecast reasoning most relevant to the valid period.
-- `precipitation_timing`: optional. Include only when the deterministic `precip_timing` module contains precipitation windows.
-- `confidence`: optional. Include only if uncertainty, timing spread, or conflicting signals materially affect how the reader should interpret the forecast.
+- `precipitation_timing`: required. When the deterministic `precip_timing` module contains precipitation windows, provide the supported timing prose described below. Otherwise, return an empty string (`""`).
 
 Return JSON only.
 
@@ -27,4 +26,4 @@ In most cases, include three paragraphs: a two-to-four sentence relevant local o
 
 # Precipitation timing
 
-Use one or two sentences to give practical context about a supported frontal, convective, or stratiform setup; expected type, intensity, and duration; and uncertainty in onset or duration.
+When precipitation windows are present, use one or two sentences to give practical context about a supported frontal, convective, or stratiform setup; expected type, intensity, and duration; and uncertainty in onset or duration. When no precipitation windows are present, return an empty string (`""`) for `precipitation_timing`.
diff --git a/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/tomorrow/tomorrow_generated_text.yml b/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/tomorrow/tomorrow_generated_text.yml
index 07563ed..d65a569 100644
--- a/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/tomorrow/tomorrow_generated_text.yml
+++ b/internal/promptassets/assets/prompts/tomorrow/tomorrow_generated_text.yml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 id: weather.tomorrow_generated_text
-version: "1.0.0"
+version: "1.0.1"
 default_profile: gemini-flash-latest
 description: Tomorrow's weather report analysis prompt.
 inputs:
diff --git a/internal/promptassets/assets/schemas/daily.generated_text.schema.json b/internal/promptassets/assets/schemas/daily.generated_text.schema.json
index 5091fc0..21b1de0 100644
--- a/internal/promptassets/assets/schemas/daily.generated_text.schema.json
+++ b/internal/promptassets/assets/schemas/daily.generated_text.schema.json
@@ -4,11 +4,10 @@
   "title": "Daily GeneratedText",
   "type": "object",
   "additionalProperties": false,
-  "required": ["summary", "forecast_discussion"],
+  "required": ["summary", "forecast_discussion", "precipitation_timing"],
   "properties": {
     "summary": {"type": "string"},
     "forecast_discussion": {"type": "array", "items": {"type": "string"}, "minItems": 1},
-    "precipitation_timing": {"type": "string"},
-    "confidence": {"type": "string"}
+    "precipitation_timing": {"type": "string"}
   }
 }
diff --git a/internal/promptassets/assets/schemas/hourly.generated_text.schema.json b/internal/promptassets/assets/schemas/hourly.generated_text.schema.json
index 6b49afb..45c362f 100644
--- a/internal/promptassets/assets/schemas/hourly.generated_text.schema.json
+++ b/internal/promptassets/assets/schemas/hourly.generated_text.schema.json
@@ -4,11 +4,10 @@
   "title": "Hourly GeneratedText",
   "type": "object",
   "additionalProperties": false,
-  "required": ["summary", "forecast_discussion"],
+  "required": ["summary", "forecast_discussion", "precipitation_timing"],
   "properties": {
     "summary": {"type": "string"},
     "forecast_discussion": {"type": "string"},
-    "precipitation_timing": {"type": "string"},
-    "confidence": {"type": "string"}
+    "precipitation_timing": {"type": "string"}
   }
 }
diff --git a/internal/promptassets/assets/schemas/today.generated_text.schema.json b/internal/promptassets/assets/schemas/today.generated_text.schema.json
index 5ba5da7..1fad04b 100644
--- a/internal/promptassets/assets/schemas/today.generated_text.schema.json
+++ b/internal/promptassets/assets/schemas/today.generated_text.schema.json
@@ -4,11 +4,10 @@
   "title": "Today GeneratedText",
   "type": "object",
   "additionalProperties": false,
-  "required": ["summary", "forecast_discussion"],
+  "required": ["summary", "forecast_discussion", "precipitation_timing"],
   "properties": {
     "summary": {"type": "string"},
     "forecast_discussion": {"type": "array", "items": {"type": "string"}, "minItems": 1},
-    "precipitation_timing": {"type": "string"},
-    "confidence": {"type": "string"}
+    "precipitation_timing": {"type": "string"}
   }
 }
diff --git a/internal/promptassets/assets/schemas/tomorrow.generated_text.schema.json b/internal/promptassets/assets/schemas/tomorrow.generated_text.schema.json
index c7f121e..bff0368 100644
--- a/internal/promptassets/assets/schemas/tomorrow.generated_text.schema.json
+++ b/internal/promptassets/assets/schemas/tomorrow.generated_text.schema.json
@@ -4,11 +4,10 @@
   "title": "Tomorrow GeneratedText",
   "type": "object",
   "additionalProperties": false,
-  "required": ["summary", "forecast_discussion"],
+  "required": ["summary", "forecast_discussion", "precipitation_timing"],
   "properties": {
     "summary": {"type": "string"},
     "forecast_discussion": {"type": "array", "items": {"type": "string"}, "minItems": 1},
-    "precipitation_timing": {"type": "string"},
-    "confidence": {"type": "string"}
+    "precipitation_timing": {"type": "string"}
   }
 }
diff --git a/internal/promptassets/promptassets_test.go b/internal/promptassets/promptassets_test.go
index 8f1991b..625bc12 100644
--- a/internal/promptassets/promptassets_test.go
+++ b/internal/promptassets/promptassets_test.go
@@ -67,8 +67,8 @@ func TestPromptAssetsDeclareTheFourGeneratedTextPrompts(t *testing.T) {
 			if err := yaml.Unmarshal(data, &definition); err != nil {
 				t.Fatalf("decode prompt definition: %v", err)
 			}
-			if definition.ID != tc.id || definition.Version != "1.0.0" || definition.DefaultProfile != "gemini-flash-latest" {
-				t.Fatalf("definition = %#v, want %s version 1.0.0 and gemini-flash-latest", definition, tc.id)
+			if definition.ID != tc.id || definition.Version != "1.0.1" || definition.DefaultProfile != "gemini-flash-latest" {
+				t.Fatalf("definition = %#v, want %s version 1.0.1 and gemini-flash-latest", definition, tc.id)
 			}
 			if len(definition.Inputs) != 1 || definition.Inputs[0].Name != "data_package" || !definition.Inputs[0].Required || definition.Inputs[0].ContentType != "application/yaml" {
 				t.Fatalf("inputs = %#v, want one required YAML data_package", definition.Inputs)
@@ -101,11 +101,11 @@ func TestSchemasAreCanonicalAndIndependent(t *testing.T) {
 			if err := json.Unmarshal(data, &schema); err != nil {
 				t.Fatalf("decode schema: %v", err)
 			}
-			if schema.Type != "object" || schema.AdditionalProperties || strings.Join(schema.Required, ",") != "summary,forecast_discussion" {
+			if schema.Type != "object" || schema.AdditionalProperties || strings.Join(schema.Required, ",") != "summary,forecast_discussion,precipitation_timing" {
 				t.Fatalf("schema = %#v, want strict generated-text object", schema)
 			}
-			if _, ok := schema.Properties["confidence"]; !ok {
-				t.Fatalf("schema properties = %#v, want confidence", schema.Properties)
+			if _, ok := schema.Properties["confidence"]; ok {
+				t.Fatalf("schema properties = %#v, do not want retired confidence field", schema.Properties)
 			}
 			if id == "daily" && (schema.ID != "weatherreporter.daily.generated_text.schema.json" || schema.Title != "Daily GeneratedText") {
 				t.Fatalf("daily schema identity = %q/%q, want corrected Daily identity", schema.ID, schema.Title)
@@ -129,11 +129,11 @@ func TestPromptkitInspectsEmbeddedPromptsOffline(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	for _, id := range []string{"weather.daily_generated_text", "weather.today_generated_text", "weather.tomorrow_generated_text", "weather.hourly_generated_text"} {
 		t.Run(id, func(t *testing.T) {
-			inspection, err := engine.InspectPrompt(context.Background(), id, "1.0.0")
+			inspection, err := engine.InspectPrompt(context.Background(), id, "1.0.1")
 			if err != nil {
 				t.Fatalf("InspectPrompt() error = %v", err)
 			}
-			if inspection.PromptID != id || inspection.PromptVersion != "1.0.0" || inspection.DefaultProfileID != "gemini-flash-latest" {
+			if inspection.PromptID != id || inspection.PromptVersion != "1.0.1" || inspection.DefaultProfileID != "gemini-flash-latest" {
 				t.Fatalf("inspection = %#v", inspection)
 			}
 		})
diff --git a/internal/report/daily_report.go b/internal/report/daily_report.go
index 93284c7..d77afb8 100644
--- a/internal/report/daily_report.go
+++ b/internal/report/daily_report.go
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ func dailyDefinition() Definition {
 		ID:                    Daily,
 		Name:                  "Daily Report",
 		PromptID:              "weather.daily_generated_text",
-		PromptVersion:         "1.0.0",
+		PromptVersion:         "1.0.1",
 		TemplateID:            "daily",
 		GeneratedTextSchemaID: "daily",
 		ComparisonStrategy:    CompareSameValidDate,
diff --git a/internal/report/hourly_report.go b/internal/report/hourly_report.go
index 6860bdf..c99bfa9 100644
--- a/internal/report/hourly_report.go
+++ b/internal/report/hourly_report.go
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ func hourlyDefinition() Definition {
 		ID:                    Hourly,
 		Name:                  "Hourly Report",
 		PromptID:              "weather.hourly_generated_text",
-		PromptVersion:         "1.0.0",
+		PromptVersion:         "1.0.1",
 		TemplateID:            "hourly",
 		GeneratedTextSchemaID: "hourly",
 		ComparisonStrategy:    CompareRollingWindow,
diff --git a/internal/report/period_test.go b/internal/report/period_test.go
index 818d087..8f92fa8 100644
--- a/internal/report/period_test.go
+++ b/internal/report/period_test.go
@@ -51,8 +51,8 @@ func TestRegistryContainsOnlyPromptBackedReports(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 
 	for _, definition := range definitions {
-		if definition.PromptVersion != "1.0.0" {
-			t.Fatalf("%s PromptVersion = %q, want 1.0.0", definition.ID, definition.PromptVersion)
+		if definition.PromptVersion != "1.0.1" {
+			t.Fatalf("%s PromptVersion = %q, want 1.0.1", definition.ID, definition.PromptVersion)
 		}
 		if definition.TemplateID == "" || definition.GeneratedTextSchemaID == "" {
 			t.Fatalf("%s template/schema = %q/%q, want both set", definition.ID, definition.TemplateID, definition.GeneratedTextSchemaID)
diff --git a/internal/report/today_report.go b/internal/report/today_report.go
index 89414db..5a70277 100644
--- a/internal/report/today_report.go
+++ b/internal/report/today_report.go
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ func todayDefinition() Definition {
 		ID:                    Today,
 		Name:                  "Today Report",
 		PromptID:              "weather.today_generated_text",
-		PromptVersion:         "1.0.0",
+		PromptVersion:         "1.0.1",
 		TemplateID:            "today",
 		GeneratedTextSchemaID: "today",
 		ComparisonStrategy:    CompareSameValidDate,
diff --git a/internal/report/tomorrow_report.go b/internal/report/tomorrow_report.go
index d77a36d..4e2352c 100644
--- a/internal/report/tomorrow_report.go
+++ b/internal/report/tomorrow_report.go
@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ func tomorrowDefinition() Definition {
 		ID:                    Tomorrow,
 		Name:                  "Tomorrow Report",
 		PromptID:              "weather.tomorrow_generated_text",
-		PromptVersion:         "1.0.0",
+		PromptVersion:         "1.0.1",
 		TemplateID:            "tomorrow",
 		GeneratedTextSchemaID: "tomorrow",
 		ComparisonStrategy:    CompareSameValidDate,
diff --git a/internal/reporttemplate/reporttemplate_test.go b/internal/reporttemplate/reporttemplate_test.go
index ecf4e59..3023703 100644
--- a/internal/reporttemplate/reporttemplate_test.go
+++ b/internal/reporttemplate/reporttemplate_test.go
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ func TestSchemaLookup(t *testing.T) {
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("Schema() error = %v", err)
 	}
-	assertStringSchema(t, data, "summary,forecast_discussion", []string{"summary", "forecast_discussion", "precipitation_timing", "confidence"})
+	assertStringSchema(t, data, "summary,forecast_discussion,precipitation_timing", []string{"summary", "forecast_discussion", "precipitation_timing"})
 }
 
 func TestTomorrowSchemaLookup(t *testing.T) {
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ func TestTomorrowSchemaLookup(t *testing.T) {
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("Schema() error = %v", err)
 	}
-	schema := assertSchema(t, data, "summary,forecast_discussion")
+	schema := assertSchema(t, data, "summary,forecast_discussion,precipitation_timing")
 	property, ok := schema.Properties["forecast_discussion"].(map[string]any)
 	if !ok {
 		t.Fatal("schema property forecast_discussion missing or invalid")
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ func TestTomorrowSchemaLookup(t *testing.T) {
 	if !ok || items["type"] != "string" {
 		t.Fatalf("forecast_discussion items = %#v, want string items", property["items"])
 	}
-	for _, field := range []string{"summary", "precipitation_timing", "confidence"} {
+	for _, field := range []string{"summary", "precipitation_timing"} {
 		property, ok := schema.Properties[field].(map[string]any)
 		if !ok {
 			t.Fatalf("schema property %q missing or invalid", field)
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ func TestDailySchemaLookup(t *testing.T) {
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("Schema() error = %v", err)
 	}
-	schema := assertSchema(t, data, "summary,forecast_discussion")
+	schema := assertSchema(t, data, "summary,forecast_discussion,precipitation_timing")
 	property, ok := schema.Properties["forecast_discussion"].(map[string]any)
 	if !ok {
 		t.Fatal("schema property forecast_discussion missing or invalid")
@@ -118,7 +118,7 @@ func TestDailySchemaLookup(t *testing.T) {
 	if !ok || items["type"] != "string" {
 		t.Fatalf("forecast_discussion items = %#v, want string items", property["items"])
 	}
-	for _, field := range []string{"summary", "precipitation_timing", "confidence"} {
+	for _, field := range []string{"summary", "precipitation_timing"} {
 		property, ok := schema.Properties[field].(map[string]any)
 		if !ok {
 			t.Fatalf("schema property %q missing or invalid", field)
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@ func TestTodaySchemaLookup(t *testing.T) {
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("Schema() error = %v", err)
 	}
-	schema := assertSchema(t, data, "summary,forecast_discussion")
+	schema := assertSchema(t, data, "summary,forecast_discussion,precipitation_timing")
 	property, ok := schema.Properties["forecast_discussion"].(map[string]any)
 	if !ok {
 		t.Fatal("schema property forecast_discussion missing or invalid")
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ func TestTodaySchemaLookup(t *testing.T) {
 	if !ok || items["type"] != "string" {
 		t.Fatalf("forecast_discussion items = %#v, want string items", property["items"])
 	}
-	for _, field := range []string{"summary", "precipitation_timing", "confidence"} {
+	for _, field := range []string{"summary", "precipitation_timing"} {
 		property, ok := schema.Properties[field].(map[string]any)
 		if !ok {
 			t.Fatalf("schema property %q missing or invalid", field)
@@ -214,7 +214,6 @@ func TestRenderHourly(t *testing.T) {
 			Summary:             "Storm chances increase through late morning.",
 			ForecastDiscussion:  "A front will keep the region unsettled.",
 			PrecipitationTiming: "A cold front is moving into the region.",
-			Confidence:          "Medium confidence in timing.",
 		},
 		Modules: testModules{
 			CurrentConditions: &testCurrentConditions{
@@ -282,7 +281,7 @@ func TestRenderHourly(t *testing.T) {
 			t.Fatalf("rendered template missing %q:\n%s", want, text)
 		}
 	}
-	if strings.Contains(text, "19%") || strings.Contains(text, "wind S") || strings.Contains(text, "## Confidence") {
+	if strings.Contains(text, "19%") || strings.Contains(text, "wind S") {
 		t.Fatalf("rendered template included omitted details:\n%s", text)
 	}
 	for _, unwanted := range []string{"Avoid low-water crossings.", "Slight risk for severe thunderstorms"} {
@@ -955,7 +954,6 @@ type testGeneratedText struct {
 	Summary             string
 	ForecastDiscussion  string
 	PrecipitationTiming string
-	Confidence          string
 }
 
 type testTomorrowReportContext struct {
@@ -980,14 +978,12 @@ type testTomorrowGeneratedText struct {
 	Summary             string
 	ForecastDiscussion  []string
 	PrecipitationTiming string
-	Confidence          string
 }
 
 type testDailyGeneratedText struct {
 	Summary             string
 	ForecastDiscussion  []string
 	PrecipitationTiming string
-	Confidence          string
 }
 
 type testModules struct {
diff --git a/internal/state/prompt_artifacts_test.go b/internal/state/prompt_artifacts_test.go
index 4ed6895..b132d05 100644
--- a/internal/state/prompt_artifacts_test.go
+++ b/internal/state/prompt_artifacts_test.go
@@ -172,9 +172,9 @@ func validPreparationArtifact() PromptPreparationArtifact {
 	return PromptPreparationArtifact{
 		SchemaVersion: PromptPreparationSchemaVersion, Status: PromptPreparationSucceeded,
 		ReportID: report.Daily, RunID: "weatherreporter-run", PromptID: "weather.daily_generated_text",
-		PromptVersion: "1.0.0", DataPackagePath: "/workspace/data.yaml",
+		PromptVersion: "1.0.1", DataPackagePath: "/workspace/data.yaml",
 		Preparation: &promptexec.Preparation{
-			PromptID: "weather.daily_generated_text", PromptVersion: "1.0.0",
+			PromptID: "weather.daily_generated_text", PromptVersion: "1.0.1",
 			DataPackagePath: "/workspace/data.yaml",
 		},
 		StartedAt: started, EndedAt: started.Add(time.Second), Duration: time.Second,
@@ -186,9 +186,9 @@ func validExecutionArtifact() PromptExecutionArtifact {
 	validation := promptexec.NewValidation(promptexec.ValidationPassed, "json_schema", "daily.generated_text.schema.json", nil)
 	return PromptExecutionArtifact{
 		SchemaVersion: PromptExecutionSchemaVersion, Status: PromptExecutionSucceeded,
-		ReportID: report.Daily, RunID: "weatherreporter-run", PromptID: "weather.daily_generated_text", PromptVersion: "1.0.0",
+		ReportID: report.Daily, RunID: "weatherreporter-run", PromptID: "weather.daily_generated_text", PromptVersion: "1.0.1",
 		Provenance: &PromptExecutionProvenance{
-			RunID: "provider-run", PromptID: "weather.daily_generated_text", PromptVersion: "1.0.0",
+			RunID: "provider-run", PromptID: "weather.daily_generated_text", PromptVersion: "1.0.1",
 			PromptHash: "prompt-hash", RenderedPromptHash: "rendered-hash", ProfileID: "profile",
 			BackendID: "backend", ModelName: "model", DataPackagePath: "/workspace/data.yaml",
 			StartedAt: started, EndedAt: started.Add(time.Second), Duration: time.Second,
@@ -201,7 +201,7 @@ func validFailedExecutionArtifact() PromptExecutionArtifact {
 	started := time.Date(2026, 5, 29, 15, 0, 0, 0, time.UTC)
 	return PromptExecutionArtifact{
 		SchemaVersion: PromptExecutionSchemaVersion, Status: PromptExecutionFailed,
-		ReportID: report.Daily, RunID: "weatherreporter-run", PromptID: "weather.daily_generated_text", PromptVersion: "1.0.0",
+		ReportID: report.Daily, RunID: "weatherreporter-run", PromptID: "weather.daily_generated_text", PromptVersion: "1.0.1",
 		StartedAt: started, EndedAt: started, Error: &PromptArtifactError{Category: promptexec.Generation, Message: "provider unavailable"},
 	}
 }