WEATHER RESOURCES
page update: 7th. November, 2026
Top tip: use more than one source, use your own senses!
Ask the locals: sailors, fishermen, harbourmaster, lifeboat station, local radio.
Watch a barometer and feel air temperature drops.
Radio 4 & the 'shipping forecast'.
Time: 0048hrs & 0520hrs [long wave & FM]
1201hrs & 1754hrs [long wave]
"In addition, some bulletins include a forecast for all UK inshore waters, as distinct from the coastal waters. This can be heard on BBC Radio 4 at the end of programmes (approximately 0048), and on BBC Radio 3 at 0535. The forecast covers the area up to 12 miles offshore and is for the period up to 1800 the next day. It includes a general synopsis, the forecast of wind direction and force, visibility and weather. The broadcast on Radio 4 also includes the latest available reports of wind direction and force, visibility, sea-level pressure and tendency for approximately 20 stations around the UK." [https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/guides/coast-and-sea/radio]
Met Office https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/
Use an appropriate postcode.
I prefer the overview https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/maps-and-charts/surface-pressure
There are 'arrows' to show the predicted trend, winds run anti-clockwise around the centre of low pressure.
[We used to have monochrome synoptic charts - I much preferred these.]
XC Weather https://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/
Use an appropriate postcode.
I have been conscious of xcweather for over twenty years, it is 'cross country'. Used by walkers and paragliders.
Cautionary note: the reporting station in Arran is in a valley near to the String Road, south of Cul Nan Creagan with other hills to the south of the road - this is in an east/west crest of two valleys. We need to know more about other reporting stations.
Big Salty https://bigsalty.com/en/weather/forecast/343/
This is the link to Warley Moor, there seems to be no direct link to our pond. There are shortcuts to Dovestones, Clowbridge & Hollingworth.
Remember: altitude and the shape of the hills.
Global Winds https://www.windfinder.com/forecast/west-kirby_marine-lake
About the nearest/appropriate location on their site. Their homepage has an overview of what is going on - I like that.
Wind Guru - I used to use this, you now have to pay for location information
There will be other sources - remind me and I will add to the page.
Really Boring Stuff, History & Details
Clouds
Global wind systems
Old wives tales