How we create weather forecasts

For decades the Met Office has been respected world-wide for the quality of its weather forecasts. Over the years, the techniques we use have changed dramatically. Modern weather forecasting applies scientific knowledge to predict future atmospheric conditions across the globe from observations of the current state, made from land, at sea, in the air, and from space.

Creating forecasts is a complex process which is constantly being updated and involves the application of technology and detailed meteorological knowledge of how the atmosphere, the Earth's surface and oceans work. We are increasingly forecasting further ahead, extending our forecasts from hours ahead to weeks and months.