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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the UrbanMixr weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
The Shipping Forecast is a four-times-daily BBC radio broadcast and online update detailing wind, weather, and visibility for 31 sea areas around the UK and Ireland. It is essential for sailors, fishermen, and coastal travellers planning trips up to 24 hours ahead.
What areas does the Shipping Forecast cover?
The forecast divides UK coastal waters into 31 named sea areas, from Viking and Forties in the north to Trafalgar and FitzRoy in the south. Each area receives a gale warning (if needed), wind direction and force, weather type, and visibility in nautical miles. A UK weather hub can help you cross-reference coastal conditions with inland forecasts.
You can find the full shipping forecast map on the Met Office website, which shows the boundaries of each area. The shipping forecast inshore waters service covers zones within 12 miles of the coast, issued separately for smaller craft.
How do I listen or read the shipping forecast?
The shipping forecast radio broadcast airs on BBC Radio 4 at 00:33, 05:20, 13:40, and 17:54 (times vary slightly). A full shipping forecast script is published online, including the gale warnings, general synopsis, and area forecasts. For tomorrow’s outlook, check the shipping forecast tomorrow section on the Met Office app or website.
If you are planning a coastal trip, combine the forecast with our 10 Day Weather Forecast UK for a broader view of conditions.
What is a shipping forecast example?
A typical shipping forecast example: “Viking, Forties: Northeast 5 to 7, rain or showers, moderate to good.” This tells you wind direction and force, weather, and visibility in that sea area.
Is there a shipping forecast app?
Yes, a shipping forecast app is available from the Met Office. It provides push alerts for gale warnings, area-by-area forecasts, and inshore waters data for mobile users at sea or on the coast.
How do I read the shipping forecast script?
The shipping forecast script lists gale warnings first, then a general synopsis of pressure systems, followed by each area’s wind, weather, and visibility. Learn the Beaufort scale to interpret wind forces quickly.