Improved wind forecasting to give hourly details

Sunday 13 May 2018

Jersey Met has launched an improved weather forecasting service, giving users access to wind direction predictions on an hourly basis.

The changes, which launched ahead of the Boat Show, were prompted by customer feedback as users asked for hourly data maps and more detail around the Channel Islands.

The improved wind and wave map will show hourly detail for three regions, the English Channel, Channel Islands and the Bay of St Malo.

Jersey Met’s computer systems gather data from a number of UK Met Office weather and wave models, and display the information as a map. The latest real wind observations are added to the maps each hour for comparison. 

Jersey Met forecasters Aimee Reading and Agatha Plunkett worked with the States digital team on the improvements.

A sunny weekend for the @jerseyboatshow. Temps rising to a warm 21°C by Sunday with a light/moderate NE'ly breeze. UV 7, take care in the sun.

An interactive wind & wave map is now available on our website to aid planning of boating activities in the area https://t.co/bo9N3iSWtX pic.twitter.com/rO6wjln45L

— Jersey Met (@Jersey_Met) May 4, 2018

John Searson, Principal Meteorological Officer, said the improved service would be useful to Channel Islanders planning sailing or sea activities, as well as for people planning a beach trip or a ferry crossing and wanting to know the likely conditions.

He said: “It’s important to stress that the maps must be used in conjunction with the Channel Islands Shipping Forecast – the official forecast for Channel Island waters.  Jersey Met forecasters carefully analyse many computer models to make sure they are consistent with real weather and use their experience to adjust the shipping forecast and issue wind warnings based on much more detail, which in turn keeps the community safe.”