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Shipping forecast key

Map showing Shipping forecast areas

The shipping forecast is issued four times a day, 2300, 0500, 1100, 1700 GMT and covers the next 24 hours.

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, visibility and sea state.

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. This example shows gale warnings in force for Forties and Cromarty.

 Gale warning example
   
Guide symbol The marine forecasts guide has more information about how to view the forecasts, including a glossary of terms used and the Beaufort scale.