Weather information guide

Left column

Side navigation

Other products and more detailed information can be accessed from any page using the expandable navigation bar.

Centre column

Latest/recent or Forecast

The tabs above the map are used to switch between latest/recent and forecast weather and to change the parameter displayed on the map.

Animation controls

Various animation controls will step through, play a loop or jump to a specific time/day in the recent past/forecast. A link may be available if more information is available for the parameter currently displayed.

Date and time

The date/time above the map refers to the time (local) of the observation/forecast.

Clickable map

A clickable map is used to display a range of parameters. Selecting a weather symbol will show the latest observations/forecast for that location. Other areas on the map link to regional pages (from the UK map) or to adjacent regions (from a regional map) or to nearby sites (from a location map). The clickable map may not display correctly on hand-held devices.

Updated time

The updated time refers to the time (local) when that information became available.

When viewing a regional or location map, additional layers showing roads, terrain and boundaries can be displayed using the check boxes below the updated time.

When viewing a forecast location, a link to the nearest observation site is shown. There are more forecast sites than observation sites.

The help buttons link to the guide (this page) and a key to the forecasts: Weather symbols key

Drop down menus

As an alternative to clicking on the map, a region or location can be selected from drop-down menus. Entering a valid postcode will show observations/forecasts for the nearest location.

Thumbnail map

The red box on the thumbnail map shows the extent of the area being viewed. Clicking on this map is another way to select a region. The zoom-out button links to the UK page (from a regional page) or regional page (from a location page).

Right column

Warnings and Advisories

A box at the top displays weather warnings and Advisories. Areas of the thumbnail maps are coloured yellow, orange or red when warnings are in force.

Chief Forecaster’s View

Although our forecasts are increasingly accurate, observations and forecasts are being continually updated and there may be occasions when our forecasters have new information that indicates significant changes in the forecast. On these occasions we will use the Chief Forecaster’s View to provide an update on the forecast. This update should be considered to supersede the symbol forecast.

Observations/forecasts

Observations/forecasts are shown in the tables. Where present, selecting a tab will show more information. The updated time (local) refers to the time when that information became available.