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 containing 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.