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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 20 June 2026 by the UK Bullet weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
The UK Shipping Forecast is a Met Office broadcast of weather and sea conditions for 31 defined sea areas around the British Isles, issued four times daily for mariners and coastal users.
What areas does the shipping forecast cover?
The forecast divides surrounding waters into named shipping forecast areas such as Viking, Forties, Cromarty, and Biscay. Each area receives a dedicated gale warning, wind direction and speed, sea state, and visibility report. A shipping forecast map shows these zones clearly, and the full shipping forecast script is read on BBC Radio 4 (long wave) at 0048, 0520, 1201, and 1754 UTC.
How do I read a shipping forecast example?
A typical shipping forecast example begins with gale warnings, then a general synopsis (pressure systems and fronts), followed by area-by-area details. For instance: “Viking, Forties: Northeast 5 to 7, occasionally 8 later. Moderate or rough, becoming very rough. Rain, moderate visibility.” The shipping forecast tomorrow follows the same structure, and you can also access it via a dedicated shipping forecast app or on the Met Office website.
What about inshore waters?
The shipping forecast inshore waters report covers coastal strips up to 12 nautical miles offshore, issued separately for 17 coastal regions. It includes wind, weather, sea state, and tidal information, updated at least three times daily. This is particularly useful for small boat users and anglers.
Can I listen to the shipping forecast on radio?
Yes, the shipping forecast radio broadcast airs on BBC Radio 4 long wave (198 kHz) four times daily. It is also available on the BBC Sounds app and the Met Office website.
What is the difference between shipping forecast and inshore waters?
The shipping forecast covers 31 open-sea areas, while inshore waters focus on coastal zones within 12 nautical miles of land. Inshore forecasts include more detail on tides and local effects.
How accurate is the shipping forecast?
The Met Office shipping forecast is highly reliable for planning, with wind and sea state predictions updated every six hours. For real-time conditions, combine it with local observations and radar.
Sources
For broader UK conditions, see our UK weather hub or check the 10 day weather forecast UK. Regional updates are available for Birmingham, Liverpool, Glasgow, Bristol, and Sheffield.