Public Weather Service
The Met Office provides a range of information under the Public Weather Service (PWS), which is funded by the UK Government. This includes generating everything from day-to-day site-specific forecasts to long range forecasts. We are also responsible for the National Severe Weather Warning Service, which aims to give advance warning of extreme weather to the public, businesses, emergency services and Government.
The aims of the PWS are to:
- Produce weather forecasts which help the UK public make informed decisions about day-to-day activities.
- Warn people of extreme weather to mitigate its impacts — contributing to the protection of life, property and infrastructure.
- Improve weather and climate predictions through research.
- Fulfil international commitments on behalf of the UK Government.
- Provide public access to historic weather information via our Library and Archive and climatological records.
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 PWSCG is mainly funded by the Ministry of Defence on behalf of Government. In addition, the Civil Aviation Authority pays towards the service 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 PWSCG funding is approximately £83 million p.a.
Performance
The report into the Public Weather Service’s value to the UK economy has been produced by PA Consulting Group on behalf of the PWS Customer Group.
How valuable is the Met Office?
Emergency responders
The Met Office’s role
in emergency preparedness
and response (PDF, 2.3 MB)
Focusing 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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