Shipping forecast key
The shipping forecast is issued four times a day at 2300, 0500, 1100, 1700 UTC and covers a period of 24 hours from 0000, 0600, 1200 and 1800 UTC respectively.
The waters around the British Isles are divided into 31 sea areas shown on the map.
The forecast contains details of gale warnings in force, a general synopsis and sea-area forecasts containg forecast wind direction and force, weather and visibility.
Gale warnings
Gale warnings are issued as required throughout the day (for winds of Gale Force 8 or more).
These are displayed with the Shipping forecast. This example shows gale warnings in force for Forties and Cromarty.
The marine
forecasts guide has more information about how to
view the forecasts, including a glossary
of terms used and the Beaufort
scale.
Surface pressure forecast
Produced daily around 0730 UTC.
Related internet links
Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)
Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
The Met Office is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
