The Met Office has significantly improved the accuracy of its maritime weather forecasts over the past 10 years, contributing to safer and more efficient operations across the UK’s maritime sectors

New analysis reveals a steady upward trend in the precision of the iconic Shipping Forecast, with wind speed accuracy rising from 72% to 82%, wind direction from 82% to 88%, and sea state from 64% to 75%.

The improvements stem from a combination of advanced modelling, rigorous verification, and the introduction of automated forecasting tools that support but do not replace human expertise.