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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Story Native weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
The Shipping Forecast is a BBC radio broadcast and Met Office bulletin that provides weather reports and gale warnings for 31 sea areas around the UK, issued four times daily. It helps mariners and coastal users plan safe voyages by detailing wind, visibility, and pressure changes.
What exactly is the Shipping Forecast?
The Shipping Forecast is a structured weather bulletin covering designated shipping forecast areas—such as Viking, Forties, and Biscay—that surround the British Isles. It includes gale warnings, general synopsis, and area-specific forecasts for wind direction and strength, sea state, and visibility. The broadcast follows a strict script format, often heard on BBC Radio 4 at set times (e.g., 0048, 0520, 1201, 1754). For practical use, a shipping forecast map helps visualise these zones, while the inshore waters forecast offers more localised detail for coastal areas up to 12 nautical miles out.
How can I use the Shipping Forecast today?
For tomorrow’s sailing or coastal walk, check the shipping forecast tomorrow via the Met Office website or a dedicated shipping forecast app. The forecast provides wind speeds in knots (e.g., “southwest 5 to 7”) and visibility codes (good, moderate, poor). A typical shipping forecast example might read: “Viking, North Utsire: Southeast 4 to 6, rain, moderate or good.” This calm, factual data lets you assess conditions without hype—ideal for planning safe passage or simply understanding the sea state near your location.
What are the shipping forecast areas?
The 31 areas include Viking, Forties, Cromarty, Forth, Tyne, Dogger, Fisher, German Bight, Humber, Thames, Dover, Wight, Portland, Plymouth, Biscay, Trafalgar, FitzRoy, Sole, Lundy, Fastnet, Irish Sea, Shannon, Rockall, Malin, Hebrides, Bailey, Fair Isle, Faeroes, Southeast Iceland, and North Utsire.
Where can I hear the shipping forecast on radio?
It airs on BBC Radio 4 longwave (198 kHz) and FM at the four daily times. You can also stream it via BBC Sounds or listen to the shipping forecast script read by continuity announcers.
Is the shipping forecast useful for non-mariners?
Yes—coastal walkers, anglers, and kayakers use it to gauge wind and sea conditions. The inshore waters forecast gives more local detail, while the main bulletin helps understand broader weather patterns affecting the UK coast.
For broader UK conditions, see our UK weather hub or check the 10 day weather forecast UK. For coastal cities, visit Bristol Weather or Liverpool Weather.