Weather

Because I rarely look at Weatheronline, I am a year behind the pace in noting that output from the UK Global and the North Atlantic European (NAE) meso-scale versions of the Unified Model are publicly available using a web browser.

A reminder to those sailing in French west coast waters covered by CROSS Etel and the Mediterranean covered by CROSSMED area Provence. 

There are continuous broadcasts in French on Ch 63 for these areas. For those whose French is limited this is a good opportunity to get used to the terminology and the names of places that are referred to.

For French weather terms, see http://weather.mailasail.com/Franks-Weather/French-Marine-Weather-Terms .  Any additions or corrections will be welcome.

Those who like to know what weather is being reported might like to see my revised and updated page  http://weather.mailasail.com/Franks-Weather/Latest-Weather-Actuals-Near-Uk-Waters.

In recent months, there has been some criticism of Met Office Inshore Forecasts for UK waters. In a letter published in the April PBO, the MCA has given some figures for “accuracy” of forecasts. They state that over a period of one  year, 

• The “hit rate” for gale warnings (for sea areas) was 92% 
• The “hit rate” for coastal strong wind warnings 96%.
• Within a typical 24 hour period forecast, 94% of winds were within one Beaufort force of prediction.

Leaving aside any remark about lies, damned lies etc, what do these figures mean? 

Around the west of Scotland Portpatrick reception can be difficult to impossible because of topography. On 518 kHz, Malin Head broadcasts Sea Area forecastss for Shannon, Rockall, Malin and Bailey (as well as Irish Coastal  and some High Seas Areas).