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BBC Weather
BBC Weather
BBC Weather
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BBC Weather is the department of the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) responsible for both the preparation and the broadcasting of weather forecasts.

Key Information

On 6 February 2018, BBC Weather changed supplier from the government Met Office to MeteoGroup after an open competition.[1] The Met Office had been the provider of weather information for 94 years.[2][3] In July 2025, the BBC announced that it would be partnering with the Met Office again in future, instead of MeteoGroup.[4]

History

[edit]
George Cowling presented the first in-vision forecast on 11 January 1954.

The first BBC weather forecast was a shipping forecast, broadcast on the radio on behalf of the Met Office on 14 November 1922, and the first daily weather forecast was broadcast on 26 March 1923.

In 1936, the BBC experimented with the world's first televised weather maps, brought into practice in 1949 after World War II. The map filled the entire screen, with an off-screen announcer reading the next day's weather.

Advancement of technology

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On 11 January 1954, the first in-vision weather forecast was broadcast, presented by George Cowling. In an in-vision forecast, the narrator stands in front of the map. At that point, the maps were drawn by hand in the London Weather Centre, before being couriered across London.[5][6] The forecasts were presented by the same person who had composed them, and had relatively low accuracy. The London Weather Centre which opened in 1959 took the responsibility for the national radio weather broadcasts. Radio forecasters were chosen by a BBC audition from the forecasters at the London Weather Centre.[6][7]

In 1962, the installation of a fax machine and an electronic computer in the Met Office led to more accurate and quicker forecasting.

Satellite photography was available from 1964, but was of a poor quality and was given on paper, with the coastline etched in felt-tip pen. This did not change until 1973 with the installation of a new computer, increasing processing power of the Weather Centre greatly, leading to forecasts twice as accurate as earlier ones.

Graphical technology

[edit]
Michael Fish presents a weather forecast in 1974.

As computational capability improved, so did graphics technology. Early hand-drawn maps gave way to magnetic symbols, which in turn gave way to bluescreen (CSO) computer-generated imagery technology, each of which allowed the presenter greater control over the information displayed.

Early magnetic symbols tended to adhere poorly to the maps, and occasional spelling errors (such as the presenter writing 'GOF' instead of 'FOG') marred some broadcasts, but allowed the presenter to show how weather would change over time. The symbols were designed to be 'self-explicit', allowing the viewer to understand the map without a key or legend.

On 18 February 1985, computer graphics were introduced although the basic design of symbols was kept the same.[8] These forecasts were widely acclaimed for their simplicity, winning an award from the Royal Television Society in 1993.[9]

On 2 October 2000, BBC Weather underwent a more significant change. Whilst there was not much change to the existing weather symbols, new symbols giving information on pollen and sun levels were introduced. A new more detailed map of Britain was used based on satellite data.

Great Storm of 1987 controversy

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Possibly the most famous of the forecasters is the now retired Michael Fish. Noted for his informal manner and eccentric dress sense (he once wore a blue and green blazer emblazoned with all the weather symbols), he was a viewer favourite despite an unfortunate comment before the Great Storm of 1987.

During a weather forecast some hours before the storm, Michael Fish started his forecast with the now infamous line "Earlier on today, apparently, a woman rang the BBC and said she heard there was a hurricane on the way. Well, if you're watching, don't worry, there isn't". In this he was factually correct, as it is unlikely for a proper hurricane to reach the UK latitudes, and he was actually referring to a Florida hurricane (Floyd). He then went on to accurately forecast stormy conditions over the south of England. However, the statement has gone down in popular culture as one of the worst mistakes made so publicly.[10]

Weatherscape XT Graphics (2005–2018)

[edit]
Alex Deakin presents a 2013 weather forecast from New Broadcasting House

The weather symbols were replaced in May 2005 after 29 years and 9 months on air by a controversial format as the forecast underwent another redesign, with the flat map replaced by a 3D globe, and weather conditions shown by coloured areas. Cloud cover is indicated by the brightness of the map, while rain and snow are indicated by animated blue and white areas respectively.[11] The graphics are provided by Weatherscape XT, which was developed by the commercial arm of the New Zealand Metservice.[12]

The move polarised opinion; some saw it as more accurate and modern, while others disliked the brown colour chosen for the landmass and the presumed high cost of the graphics. The angling of the map, in order to show the curvature of the Earth, led to Scotland appearing little larger than Devon, and Shetland being almost invisible while exaggerating London and the South East. This led to many Scottish commentators accusing the BBC of having a London bias. As a result, the map was realigned, and the moving tour of the UK was lengthened.

The new look won a Silver Award at the Promax/BDA Awards in 2006.[13] Criticism continued, however, with some viewers complaining about the colour scheme, and of a lack of detail in the forecast about weather developments beyond 36 hours. In 2006, a rippling effect was introduced to define seas and oceans.[14]

BBC Weather Service switch to MeteoGroup

[edit]
Former logo, used from 2019 to 2023

On 23 August 2015, the BBC announced that the Met Office would lose its contract to provide weather forecasts, the BBC stating that it is legally obliged to ensure that licence fee payers get the best value for money.[15] The BBC said that the on-air presenting team was not expected to change and it would still broadcast warnings from the Met Office National Severe Weather Warning Service and Shipping Forecast issued on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.[16]

A competitive tendering process followed, with MeteoGroup (now part of DTN)[17] chosen as the new provider in August 2016. Data for forecasts began to be provided by MeteoGroup in September 2017.[18]

On 6 February 2018, the BBC began using the MeteoGroup graphics,[19] which include:

  • a seasonal "window on the weather" at the start of each bulletin
  • green land
  • high quality moving graphics reproduce detailed weather conditions represented by high-resolution data
  • more "realistic mapping"
  • a "realistic globe" to display a "variety of data from falling snow particles to areas likely to see the aurora"
  • forecasts that offer "improved accessibility for users with colour-blindness"
  • the possibility to "customise both TV and online forecasts, zooming in on particular areas to provide a more detailed forecast"
  • a 'chance of precipitation' feature on the app
  • a 'feels like' factor, for the app, that determines how cold it feels outside, particularly in different wind conditions
  • up to a 7-day forecast on TV and radio
  • up to 14 days of hourly forecasts for more UK and international locations—online and on the app[20][21]

Public feedback in January 2018 regarding the subsequent updates and changes to the BBC Website and associated weather applications for mobile devices were generally critical.[22][23] Many weather watchers were highly critical of the new design, with widespread criticism voiced across the media. Many used the comments section of the blog[24] written by Michael Burnett, the BBC Executive responsible, to voice their complaints. The blog entry dated 22 January 2018 was originally aimed at positively promoting the changes, but this appeared to have the opposite effect when the blog post generated well over 1000 mostly critical comments in under 10 days.[25]

BBC Weather switch back to Met Office

[edit]

On 30 July 2025, the BBC announced that it would be partnering with the Met Office in future, instead of DTN.[4][18] It was reported that the partnership was not a commercial one, instead "an agreement between the two organisations in the interests of public service".[18]

The BBC said that the new partnership is aimed at delivering "the most trusted and accurate weather service to everyone in the UK".[26]

Director-General of the BBC, Tim Davie, said that the weather is "the UK's favourite conversation...hugely important to all our lives and all our audiences across the world." "The BBC's world-renowned journalism will be working together with the Met Office's weather and climate intelligence to turn science into stories and help everyone in the UK to make informed decisions about the weather.

"There has never been more need for trusted and impartial information to help people understand today's weather."[27]

National forecasters

[edit]

National forecasters still provide forecasts for local news programmes.

Current

[edit]

Former

[edit]

Online forecasts

[edit]

The BBC Weather website provides outlook weather forecasts for UK and international locations using animated symbols and a format similar in design to that used for the televised broadcasts. The website launched in 1997.

The website also runs frequent special features about seasonal sports, white Christmas, nature, and meteorological science. It also has world weather, UK outlook, and weather news.

In October 2024 a technical fault affecting the supplying of data from DTN caused the BBC Weather website and app to incorrectly forecast wind speeds of over 15,000 mph (24,000 km/h) and air temperatures exceeding 400 °C (750 °F).[28][29]

BBC Weather apps

[edit]

On 20 May 2013, the BBC released the BBC Weather App for both iOS devices (although initially not optimised for iPad)[30] and Android devices (via the Google Play Store).[31] Both versions were designed by Media Applications Technologies, and their data source was the Met Office.[32]

See also

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References

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Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

BBC Weather

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
BBC Weather is the British Broadcasting Corporation's () dedicated service, providing forecasts, warnings, and meteorological analysis to audiences across the and internationally through radio, television, online platforms, and mobile applications. Launched initially on radio in 1922, it has evolved into a operation that delivers hourly updates, up to 14-day outlooks, interactive maps, and alerts, drawing on advanced data from satellites, , and supercomputers to inform public safety and daily planning. The service traces its origins to 14 November 1922, when the aired its first weather forecast on radio, becoming a daily feature by 26 March 1923 to meet growing public demand for accessible meteorological information. Television broadcasts began briefly in November 1936 with static charts, but regular programming commenced in July 1949 using hand-drawn maps prepared by the , marking a shift toward visual presentation. A pivotal moment arrived on 11 January 1954, when George Cowling became the first in-vision presenter, delivering forecasts directly to viewers and establishing the role of the broadcast meteorologist. Over the decades, innovations such as computer-generated graphics in 1985, the introduction of female presenters like Barbara Edwards in 1974, and storm naming conventions starting in 2015 have enhanced its accuracy and engagement. In its modern form, BBC Weather collaborates with the , resuming this partnership in July 2025 after a period with from 2018 to 2025, to supply high-resolution forecasts using tools like the and a network of approximately 15 radar stations. Key features include "feels like" calculations accounting for and , probability estimates, and real-time warnings for events like floods or high , all accessible via the website, apps (available on , Android, and Amazon devices in the ), and social media channels such as and . This integration ensures BBC Weather remains a cornerstone of public service broadcasting, adapting to technological advances like AI-driven modeling for future improvements in precision and speed.

History

Origins and Early Milestones

The origins of BBC Weather trace back to radio broadcasts, with the first weather forecast airing on 14 November 1922, shortly after the BBC's inaugural transmission, and becoming a daily feature by 26 March 1923. These early radio forecasts relied on data from the , the UK's national meteorological service established in 1854, providing essential weather information for maritime and public safety. From the outset, BBC Weather depended on expertise for accurate predictions, a partnership that formed the backbone of its forecasting reliability. Television weather presentations began experimentally in the late and resumed after with static weather charts broadcast from 29 July 1949, accompanied by voiceover explanations from announcers reading scripts. The service evolved to include in-vision forecasters on 11 January 1954, when George Cowling, a 32-year-old , delivered the first televised forecast at 7:55 pm, standing before a large magnetic board to manually place symbols representing weather conditions like clouds, rain, and wind. This marked a shift from purely audio or static visual aids to live, engaging presentations, though early broadcasts remained simple, focusing on basic maps and verbal descriptions without advanced graphics. Through the 1950s and 1960s, forecasts continued with manual methods, such as and successors like Jack Armstrong using physical maps and symbols in live segments, emphasizing clear communication over visual flair. A significant milestone came in the with greater diversity in presenting staff; Barbara Edwards became the BBC's first female television in January 1974, having previously provided radio forecasts since 1970, which helped broaden the service's appeal and reflect societal changes in gender representation. Key anniversaries highlight BBC Weather's enduring legacy, including the 70th anniversary of the first in-vision forecast in 2024, celebrated with archive retrospectives showcasing archival footage of early broadcasts and interviews with veteran forecasters to illustrate the service's foundational impact.

Technological and Graphical Evolution

In the , BBC Weather marked a significant technological shift by introducing (CGI) in 1985, replacing traditional magnetic boards with digital maps directly linked to forecast computers. This innovation, powered by systems like the and Apple Macintosh, allowed for more accurate and dynamic visualizations, moving away from manual symbol placement to automated graphic rendering. The change enhanced broadcast efficiency and visual clarity, setting the stage for further digital advancements in television weather presentation. During the 1990s, BBC Weather evolved to incorporate full-color animated forecasts, building on the 1985 CGI foundation with updated systems such as Weatherview introduced in 1991. These developments enabled smoother animations and vibrant color schemes for weather symbols and maps, improving viewer engagement through more fluid representations of atmospheric conditions. The era's graphics emphasized integration, with periodic refreshes like the 1992 Weather Watch additions, reflecting ongoing hardware improvements in broadcast . A major leap occurred in 2005 with the adoption of the Weatherscape XT system, developed in collaboration with International and used until 2018. This platform introduced 3D terrain modeling and elements, translating meteorological data into immersive, realistic visuals such as fly-through map animations and layered atmospheric simulations. Weatherscape XT automated much of the graphic production, allowing presenters to interact more intuitively with forecasts while delivering enhanced depth and spatial context to weather patterns. In the , Weather prioritized in its graphics, implementing color adjustments starting in 2017 to better accommodate viewers with deficiencies, such as deuteranomaly. These modifications involved recalibrating and scales to use distinguishable hues and contrasts, ensuring that essential information like heatwaves or cold fronts remained clear without relying solely on red-blue dichotomies. The updates aligned with broader commitments to , tested through user feedback to verify effectiveness across diverse visual impairments. By 2019, BBC Weather transitioned its on-screen text from the longstanding font to the custom BBC Reith typeface, enhancing legibility and modernizing the overall aesthetic. Developed by Dalton Maag, BBC Reith offered improved readability on screens with its optimized letterforms and weights, replacing the century-old across broadcasts including weather segments. This change maintained consistency with the 's corporate identity while supporting clearer delivery of forecast details like temperatures and timings.

Data Provider Partnerships

The BBC Weather service maintained a long-standing partnership with the , the United Kingdom's national meteorological service, beginning with the corporation's first radio weather bulletin on 14 November 1922. This collaboration provided official UK forecasts and data for BBC broadcasts for nearly a century, encompassing radio, television, and later digital platforms, until the relationship ended in 2018. In 2010, the opened its to competitive tender for the first time, driven by a desire to ensure value for money and explore innovative options. The secured a five-year extension despite criticisms over forecast accuracy, such as its handling of the wet 2007 summer. However, a subsequent tender process in 2015 led to the award of the to , a private European company, effective from 2018; the switch was delayed from an initial 2017 target due to technical issues with the new system. The decision was motivated by anticipated cost savings of millions of pounds for the and access to MeteoGroup's enhanced global networks, which improved international forecast coverage during its tenure from 2018 to 2025. , originally founded in 1986 and later acquired by DTN in 2019, specialized in commercial services across multiple sectors. The partnership with MeteoGroup faced public scrutiny over perceived inconsistencies in forecast accuracy, prompting the BBC to announce on 30 July 2025 a new agreement to revert to the Met Office as its primary data provider, with the transition expected later in 2025. This return, after eight years, aims to restore public trust through the Met Office's specialized UK-focused expertise and integration of advanced AI-enhanced modeling for more precise and frequently updated predictions. As of November 2025, the transition to full Met Office data integration is ongoing, with initial collaborative weather content already appearing on BBC platforms. The deal emphasizes collaborative efforts to combat weather disinformation and deliver authoritative climate updates, leveraging the Met Office's supercomputing capabilities for superior national forecasting.

Controversies and Key Events

One of the most significant controversies in BBC Weather's history occurred during the , when presenter downplayed the severity of an approaching weather system in a broadcast on 15 October. Fish famously stated, "Earlier on today, apparently, a woman rang the and said she'd heard there was a hurricane on the way... don't worry, there isn't," just hours before hurricane-force winds struck and northern overnight. The storm resulted in 18 deaths in the UK, widespread devastation including the felling of 15 million trees, and damages estimated at £1.5 billion. The failure prompted immediate scrutiny and internal reviews at both the and the , leading to reforms in warning protocols. These changes included the introduction of structured warning systems, such as color-coded alerts, to ensure clearer communication of risks to the public and mandatory issuance of warnings for potential high-impact events. The incident highlighted limitations in early computer models and observational data, spurring investments in and international collaboration on storm tracking. BBC Weather faced further criticisms over forecast accuracy during extreme cold events in subsequent decades. In the 2010 "Big Freeze," a prolonged winter spell brought record-low temperatures and heavy snow across the , but the —then BBC Weather's primary data provider—was accused of underpredicting the severity, leading to public frustration over inadequate preparation warnings. Similarly, during the 2018 "," a Siberian caused widespread disruption with blizzards and sub-zero temperatures, drawing complaints about initial forecast inconsistencies in snow accumulation and regional impacts, despite timely red warnings from the . Public backlash has also intensified around BBC Weather's reporting on climate change, particularly in the context of heatwave predictions amid escalating global temperatures. In 2024 and 2025, as the UK experienced record-breaking heat—with the summer of 2025 confirmed as the hottest on record, temperatures reaching up to 35.8°C, and an increased likelihood of extremes exceeding 40°C due to climate change—critics questioned whether the service adequately conveyed the amplified risks from human-induced warming, fueling broader discussions on media responsibility in climate communication. These accuracy concerns contributed to a major shift in BBC Weather's operations in 2025, when it announced on 30 July 2025 an agreement to end its eight-year partnership with and return to the as its primary data provider, with the transition expected later in 2025. The decision was partly driven by trust issues stemming from 's data errors, including an 2024 glitch that falsely reported extreme winds of up to 13,000 mph across locations, eroding public confidence. The cited the need for "the most trusted" forecasts amid rising scrutiny over reliability.

Presenters and Staff

Current National Presenters

The current national presenters for BBC Weather form a rotating team of qualified meteorologists and broadcasters who deliver forecasts across major BBC television outlets, including , , and . As of 2025, this team integrates data from the renewed partnership with the , announced in July, providing enhanced accuracy in national and regional predictions. Presenters handle daily shifts, focusing on clear communication of weather patterns, warnings, and climate insights to a UK-wide . Tomasz Schafernaker serves as a lead forecaster with over 20 years of experience, having joined the BBC Weather Centre in 2000 after graduating with a BSc in from the . His background includes early roles as a broadcast assistant and civil forecaster at the 's regional centre, where he honed skills in and . Schafernaker frequently anchors evening bulletins on and contributes to special reports, emphasizing severe events using the latest models reinstated in 2025. Chris Fawkes specializes in , drawing on his qualifications obtained in 2004 and a personal interest in severe events like stratospheric warmings and snowfall. He presents detailed analyses on , including heatwaves and flood risks, as in his July 2025 outlook on prolonged wet conditions. Fawkes rotates through national slots, using 2025 data to explain warning systems and global patterns. Carol Kirkwood is a veteran presenter known for her warm delivery on , having joined the in 1998 after training at the and earning a BA in Commerce from Napier University. With over 25 years of experience as of 2025, she provides daily forecasts, integrating data for national and regional insights, and has become one of the most recognizable faces in BBC Weather. Owain Wyn Evans maintains a visible presence through his viral engagement, stemming from his 2020 drumming video that garnered millions of views, while contributing to occasional TV weather segments. Formerly a regular forecaster for BBC North West, he returned for special meteorological coverage, such as at in June 2025, blending his broadcasting with radio duties on 2. The team reflects BBC's diversity initiatives, featuring presenters like Schafernaker, who is Polish-British, and Evans, who represents Welsh heritage, to broaden representation in national broadcasts. Recent post-2023 enhancements include AI-assisted tools for briefing preparation, part of broader BBC pilots launched in June 2025 to streamline production and improve forecast efficiency without replacing human expertise.

Former Notable Presenters

Michael Fish served as a BBC Weather presenter from 1974 until his compulsory retirement in 2004 at age 60, due to civil service age limits imposed by the , marking the end of a 30-year tenure that made him one of the longest-serving forecasters in the service's history. During his career, Fish contributed to the transition toward more dynamic presentations, including the adoption of early computer-generated graphics in the , which replaced static hand-drawn maps with animated visualizations to better illustrate patterns. His folksy, humorous delivery style helped demystify complex meteorological concepts for viewers, fostering greater public engagement with forecasts. Fish's legacy is indelibly linked to his infamous 15 October 1987 broadcast, where he dismissed viewer concerns about an impending hurricane—prompted by a report from —stating there would be no hurricane, only for the Great Storm to strike hours later with winds up to 110 mph, causing 18 deaths and £1.5 billion in damage across the . This gaffe, while embarrassing, catalyzed significant advancements in weather communication; it prompted the to overhaul its warning systems, introducing named storms and more proactive public alerts to enhance safety and education on risks. Fish himself reflected on the incident as a that improved forecasting accuracy and public trust, underscoring his unintended role in elevating storm awareness nationwide. In the early 2000s, presenters like Ian McCaskill and Peter Cockcroft advanced engaging delivery styles, blending meteorological expertise with relatable storytelling to make forecasts more accessible amid evolving broadcast technologies. McCaskill, who presented from 1978 until his retirement in 1998, was renowned for his cheerful demeanor and detailed regional breakdowns, which helped viewers connect personally with weather impacts during a period of increasing climate variability. Cockcroft, active from 1989 to 2000, similarly emphasized clear, narrative-driven explanations, contributing to the shift toward personality-infused presentations that humanized science for broader audiences. Their departures highlighted a generational transition, as BBC Weather incorporated more diverse voices and modern graphics post-2000. Rob McElwee, who joined BBC Weather in 1989 and became its longest-serving presenter after Fish's exit, delivered forecasts until early 2011, when cost-cutting measures by the —following a 2010 contract review—shifted him and others to off-screen roles, effectively ending his on-air tenure amid broader . This move, part of efforts to streamline operations before the 2016 switch to as data provider, reflected how technological integrations like the Weatherscape graphics system (introduced in 2005) prioritized efficiency over traditional presenting slots. Overall, these former presenters' legacies underscore a from formal, map-centric broadcasts in the to diverse, celebrity-like figures in the , with key exits often coinciding with tech upgrades—such as Fish's retirement amid digital shifts, McCaskill's 1998 departure during early Weatherscape adoption, and McElwee's 2011 exit post-graphics overhaul—that emphasized public education on storms and inclusive delivery to adapt to viewer expectations.

Television Presentations

Broadcast Formats and Schedules

BBC Weather segments on television are integrated into major news programs, providing concise national and regional updates to inform viewers on current conditions and upcoming trends. Daily broadcasts include a standard 90-second national forecast within and , offering a snapshot of UK-wide weather patterns, while an extended five-minute segment airs during , allowing for more detailed morning outlooks tailored to early routines. The core format of these segments features a seven-day outlook, segmented by UK regions to highlight variations in temperature, , and wind across areas like , , , and [Northern Ireland](/page/Northern Ireland). is emphasized through the Met Office's color-coded warning system, where yellow alerts indicate potential disruptions and red warnings signal life-threatening conditions, ensuring timely public safety information. Real-time integration of live and enhances accuracy, displaying animated maps and to illustrate developing systems during the broadcast. and visualization techniques, such as interactive maps, support this structure without altering the segment's timing. Following the July 2025 partnership renewal with the , the collaboration aims to incorporate more frequent inserts on context in broadcasts, linking daily forecasts to broader trends like rising temperatures or extreme event frequencies to combat and promote understanding. This collaboration, replacing the prior DTN/ arrangement, phases in enhanced data over subsequent months while maintaining existing broadcast slots. As of November 2025, the transition to data has been completed for operational forecasts and warnings. Viewer interaction is a key element, with audience-submitted weather photos from the BBC Weather Watchers frequently featured to illustrate local conditions, fostering and providing authentic, on-the-ground perspectives during segments. These contributions, uploaded via the platform, are selected for and showcased regionally, such as in evening regional forecasts on .

Graphics and Visualization Techniques

Since the introduction of the Weatherscape XT system in 2005, BBC Weather's television graphics have undergone significant updates, with the most notable contemporary advancements occurring in 2018. The 2018 graphics package, developed in collaboration with MeteoGroup (acquired by DTN in 2019), replaced earlier systems with enhanced 3D modeling capabilities utilizing virtual reality technology to create immersive, real-time visualizations of weather patterns. This allows presenters to interact with dynamic 3D maps, including overlaid animations for storm paths and trajectories, providing viewers with a more intuitive understanding of meteorological movements across the UK and beyond. Building on this foundation, the graphics evolved further in with the adoption of the Reith font across all visual elements, improving readability and consistency in map labels and data overlays while maintaining the 3D framework for storm forecasting. These updates emphasize layered visualizations where augmented reality-style overlays integrate live data streams, enabling precise depictions of storm development and paths without disrupting the broadcast flow. The evolution of weather symbols reached a milestone in 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of the standard icons first introduced in 1975 by designer Mark Allen. Originally comprising basic representations for conditions like and sun, the symbol set has expanded over decades to include over 90 variants, with recent additions addressing phenomena such as heat domes and prolonged heatwaves through specialized icons depicting intense solar radiation and stagnant high-pressure systems. These icons continue to form the core of television graphics, animated within the 3D environment for clearer communication of risks. Technically, the current system supports resolutions up to 4K, facilitating intricate cloud simulations that render volumetric effects and shading for realistic atmospheric representations, particularly beneficial for illustrating convective activity and frontal boundaries in high-definition broadcasts.

Digital Services

Website and Online Forecasts

The BBC Weather offers detailed hourly forecasts extending up to 14 days for tens of thousands of locations across the , enabling users to access localized predictions for urban centers, rural areas, and international destinations. Interactive elements, including dynamic weather maps and real-time radar visualizations, allow visitors to track , patterns, and variations in an intuitive format. These core features, powered by data from meteorological providers, emphasize clarity and usability for both casual users and those planning travel or outdoor activities. In July 2025, the announced the reestablishment of its partnership with the , with phased integration including enhanced real-time weather warnings directly into the website for immediate alerts on severe conditions like storms or floods. This collaboration also incorporates climate trend analyses, providing contextual insights into long-term patterns such as rising temperatures and seasonal shifts observed in 2025. Users benefit from tools like a robust search function and the ability to save multiple favorite spots for personalized forecast views, streamlining access to relevant data without repeated searches. Additional user-oriented resources include video explainers and in-depth articles addressing specific weather events, such as the meteorological drivers behind the 2025 heatwaves that pushed temperatures above 30°C in parts of the . Popular supplementary features cover environmental factors like pollen counts, with dedicated sections explaining how weather influences seasonal risks through sunny conditions or post-rain dispersal. These elements promote educational engagement, helping users understand broader implications beyond immediate forecasts. The website prioritizes , with compatibility for screen readers through adherence to BBC's mobile and web guidelines, ensuring navigable headings, alt text for images, and keyboard-friendly interactions. Multilingual support extends to English, Cymraeg (Welsh), Gaeilge (Irish), and Gàidhlig (), broadening reach for diverse audiences in the UK and beyond.

Mobile Applications

The BBC Weather mobile applications were launched simultaneously for and Android devices on June 10, 2013, providing users with accessible forecasts tailored for use. The app is also available on Amazon devices via the . These apps quickly gained popularity, amassing over 8 million downloads within the first year and establishing themselves as key tools for on-the-go weather information in the UK. In October 2025, the apps underwent a significant redesign, introducing a vertical ing layout for the main forecast screen to enhance on mobile devices. This update positions hourly forecasts directly beneath daily tabs, allowing users to scroll vertically for detailed hourly views while swiping horizontally to switch between saved locations, thereby streamlining navigation for touch-based interactions. The redesign rolled out first to Android users on October 15, 2025, with following in subsequent months, aiming to make forecast data more intuitive and less cluttered on smaller screens. Core features of the BBC Weather apps include push notifications for Met Office weather warnings, personalized to user-selected locations such as home or travel spots, enabling timely alerts for rain, hail, snow, or severe conditions. Users can access up to 14-day forecasts with hourly breakdowns for tens of thousands of global locations, alongside interactive maps that support offline viewing for basic navigation without an internet connection. Additionally, the apps integrate widgets for home screens, offering quick glances at current conditions and short-term outlooks directly from the device dashboard, a mobile-specific convenience not emphasized on the desktop website. Following the BBC's renewed partnership with the announced on July 30, 2025, the apps incorporated enhanced personalization in 2025 updates, such as location-specific climate intelligence and tailored risk alerts derived from data to better inform users about potential weather impacts. This collaboration, marking the end of an eight-year separation, integrates advanced meteorological insights into app features for more accurate and relevant notifications. As of November 2025, the version holds a 4.6 out of 5 rating on the based on over 1.2 million reviews, reflecting strong user satisfaction with its reliability and ease of use. The Android counterpart maintains a 4.5 rating with approximately 397,000 reviews and over 10 million downloads on . Version 5.5.0, released on November 12, 2025, included minor bug fixes and performance improvements to ensure smoother operation, such as resolving crashes and enhancing load times for forecast updates. Compared to the , the mobile apps prioritize gesture-based interactions—like vertical swipes for time-based and horizontal swipes for location switching—along with deep integration into device ecosystems via widgets, making them ideal for portable, quick-reference use as a companion to the more expansive web-based tools.

Additional Services

Radio and Shipping Forecasts

The originated as "Weather Shipping," first broadcast on 1 January 1924 from the radio station in , initially twice daily at 0900 and 2000 GMT to provide vital maritime . This service evolved from earlier gale warnings established in 1861 by following the 1859 , and it became a dedicated program in 1925. Today, it is broadcast on , covering 31 sea areas around the coasts of the and southern , named after geographical features such as sandbanks, channels, and historical sites like Viking, Dogger, and FitzRoy. As of 2025, with the service still operational ahead of its planned closure in , the forecast airs twice daily on weekdays at 0048 and 0520 UTC via , FM, and online, with an additional 1754 UTC broadcast on weekends; these timings ensure accessibility for while adapting to modern transmission changes. The forecast's format features a distinctive, rhythmic structure that has remained largely unchanged since the Second World War, consisting of a gale warning summary, a general synopsis of weather systems, and detailed 24-hour outlooks for each sea area, limited to 350 words (or 380 for the midnight edition). Gale warnings, issued for winds of Beaufort force 8 or higher (34-40 knots), use coded phrases like "imminent" for threats within six hours, "soon" for six to 12 hours, or "slow-moving" for fronts advancing less than 15 knots, delivered in a poetic, litany-like cadence to aid quick comprehension at sea. Each area forecast includes wind direction and force, precipitation, sea state, and visibility, read clockwise from Viking to Trafalgar, preserving a tradition that prioritizes brevity and clarity for mariners. BBC Radio 4 also provides complementary voice-only national weather outlooks and inshore waters forecasts at similar slots, such as 0048 UTC, focusing on conditions up to 12 nautical miles offshore with reports from about 20 coastal stations. In 2025, marking the centenary of its first broadcast, the core radio format remains unaltered to honor its heritage, but digital enhancements via the app allow on-demand access to episodes and special centenary editions, such as a version read by musician . The holds profound cultural significance in the UK, often described as a "national lullaby" for its soothing rhythm, with proposals in 2024 by the Twentieth Century Society for Intangible Cultural Heritage status highlighting its role in maritime safety and communal listening rituals. It reaches millions of listeners weekly, far exceeding many late-night broadcasts, underscoring its enduring appeal beyond practical use.

International and Specialized Coverage

BBC Weather extends its services beyond the United Kingdom to provide global forecasts accessible through its website and mobile applications, covering thousands of locations across more than 200 countries and territories. These international forecasts include detailed hourly and up-to-14-day outlooks, leveraging data from the and global models to deliver accurate predictions for diverse regions, from major cities to remote areas. Presenters such as contribute to this coverage by delivering world weather updates, highlighting significant global patterns like heatwaves in or monsoons in . In specialized areas, BBC Weather offers targeted outlooks and alerts for international phenomena, including the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which forecasters predicted would be above average with 16 named storms, eight hurricanes, and three major hurricanes due to warmer sea temperatures and lingering La Niña effects. The service also provides climate reports on milestone events, such as the 2024 global temperature breach of the 1.5°C warming threshold for a full —the first time this limit was exceeded annually—attributed to human-induced amplifying . Additionally, BBC Weather issues alerts for niche hazards like international wildfire risks, as seen in coverage of smoke from Canadian blazes affecting air quality across in 2025, and pollen trends exacerbated by , with longer allergy seasons reported in regions like and . The 2025 partnership renewal with the enhances these global capabilities, integrating advanced climate intelligence and modeling to better address international events like El Niño impacts on worldwide rainfall and anomalies. Formats for dissemination include interactive world weather maps featured on broadcasts, dedicated segments on World News and World Service programs focusing on extreme global events, and developer APIs that enable third-party integration of data for apps and services worldwide. Unique coverage extends to overseas territories, such as detailed forecasts for St Helena and the , and specialized support for expeditions, including polar research stations like the British Antarctic Survey's Halley VI, where tailored weather predictions aid scientific operations in extreme environments.

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