Our work beyond weather forecasts

With our weather (including space weather) and climate advice, we inform government policy, support national resilience, and assist industries to become more resilient to extreme weather and climate change. Our work also plays a vital role in supporting national and international security. 

How we support key sectors: 

Aviation

We’re one of only two World Area Forecast Centres globally and one of nine Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres worldwide. We provide critical meteorological data that keeps international air travel safe and efficient.  

Beyond regulated services, we offer tailored commercial solutions that help airlines, airports, and air traffic management optimise their operations when facing weather challenges – improving fuel efficiency and reducing disruptions.  

Find out all about our regulated aviation services and commercial aviation services.  

Flood forecasting

Since 2009, we have partnered with the Environment Agency in the Flood Forecasting Centre (FFC), to predict and respond to flood events in England. Our combined meteorology and hydrology expertise provides crucial forecasts and guidance to government and emergency responders.  

Since 2022, we also work with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency toto deliver daily flood forecasts to emergency responders in Scotland. 

We are also working in partnership with Natural Resources Wales (NRW) to monitor rainfall, river levels and sea conditions to forecast the possibility of flooding in Wales. 

Supporting national resilience 

Through our Met Office Environment Monitoring and Response Centre (EMARC), we support emergency responders dealing with hazardous chemicals incidents). When local fire and police services need expert guidance, we provide forecasts and h chemical meteorology (CHEMET) predictions.  

This work is part of our Hazard Manager service, which provides emergency responders with information around hazard and risk management. 

Find out more about our broader commitment to enhancing national resilience and safeguarding communities across the UK. 

Defence 

We support the UK defence and security interests both at home and abroad with our accurate weather guidance for military planning. We are part of the Joint Operational Meteorological and Oceanographic Centre (JOMOC) with the Royal Navy, delivering environmental information to national and NATO military partners. 

We also work with international defence services and have built long term relationships with the UK's key allies, including NATO and the Five Eyes community.  

Energy 

Our services help energy companies understand how the weather affects supply and demand, supporting efficient planning and improve energy security across the UK, both onshore and offshore. 

Our deployed meteorologists provide real-time guidance during weather sensitive offshore operations, helping companies enhance emergency plans. In 2023, we deployed eight meteorologists to support over 15 renewable energy offshore operations. 

Road 

We embed meteorologists within Transport Scotland and National Highways to support the safe and efficient running of major road networks across the UK. We provide real-time weather insights, site specific, road surface forecasts, specifically designed to support gritting and winter maintenance during winter months, as well as bridge forecasts to assist in managing speed restrictions, closures and maintenance decisions.  

Find out all about our road sector services. 

Rail 

Since 2021, we’ve supported Network Rail managing adverse weather situations following the Weather Advisory Task Force (WATF) report on resilience of Britain's rail infrastructure to climate change. 

We are also part of the Extreme Heat Task Force, helping Network Rail prepare for extreme heat that can cause rail expansion, buckling and damage to signals and overhead lines.  

Find out all about our rail sector services.  

Marine 

As the UK's METAREA Coordinator 1, we provide crucial maritime forecasts and warnings for UK waters and much of the North-West Atlantic. Our services include SafeVoyage Route Forecasts, Port-Specific Forecasts, and Visibility Forecasts, available 24/7. We also offer tailored weather warnings and expert support to protect lives at sea and optimise marine operations. 

Find out all about our marine sector services. 

Our connected impact 

Our expertise across aviation, flood forecasting, environment, defense, energy, transport and marine sectors creates a network that significantly enhances the UK's national resilience and security. 

By providing accurate and timely information, we help the UK's ability to predict, prepare for, and respond to environmental challenges, safeguarding interests at home and abroad. 

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