Public Weather Service

The Public Weather Service (PWS) provides a coherent range of weather information and weather-related warnings that enable the UK public to make informed decisions in their day-to-day activities, to optimise or mitigate against the impact of the weather, and to contribute to the protection of life, property and basic infrastructure.

The PWS also fulfils international commitments on behalf of UK Government, and provides research, and forecast and observational data which are essential inputs to a wide range of Met Office services.

Structure

The Public Weather Service Customer Group (PWSCG) is responsible for overseeing the PWS on behalf of the public, reporting to and advising the Under Secretary of State for Defence.

Funding

The PWS is funded primarily by the Ministry of Defence on behalf of Government. In addition, the Civil Aviation Authority funds a share of the production of observations and generic forecast information, to underpin its services for UK and global aviation. Some research and development projects receive additional funding from other sources, including the EU. The current total PWS funding is approximately £83 million p.a.

PWS outputs

UK high-impact weather forecasts to enable the public and emergency service to take appropriate mitigating actions to minimise the adverse impact of weather events
Global high-impact weather forecasts to provide advice where high-impact weather events are expected to affect a large number of UK citizens, and in the aftermath of environmental disasters where weather is a significant factor for UK citizens engaged in relief operations
Site-specific weather forecasts
Global pollution forecasts
UK seasonal forecasts
Global seasonal forecasts to support FCO and DfID activities for UK citizens overseas and humanitarian activities
UK climatological records
National Meteorological Library and Archive

For emergency planners

Make a difference with a co-ordinated response to emergency management (PDF, 2.3 Mb)

This document focuses on the services available to UK emergency planners and responders and aims to:

explain the role of the Met Office in helping others prepare for, and respond to, emergencies;
describe the range of services available to emergency planners and responders;
provide guidance on interpreting the products.

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