Shipping forecast key

The shipping forecast is issued four times a day, 2300, 0500, 1100, 1700 GMT and covers the next 24 hours.

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.