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Industry newsletter |
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Issue 2 | 15 January 2025 |
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Welcome to our second issue and first industry update of 2025, bringing you the latest developments in weather and climate services that matter to your business operations.
If you would like further information on any of these areas, please contact business@metoffice.gov.uk.
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EUMETSAT’s first 'Third Generation Imager' satellite, now known as Meteosat-12, officially began providing operational imagery to meteorologists last month. This marks the latest phase of a 20-year collaboration between EUMETSAT (European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites) and the European Space Agency to safeguard and improve weather forecasts across Europe for the next two decades. Positioned at 36,000km above the Earth and providing a view of Europe and Africa, Meteosat-12 features an advanced imaging instrument and the region’s first ever lightning imager, which will significantly benefit short-range ‘nowcasting’ of developing severe convective systems. The Met Office leads the UK representation and funding for EUMETSAT.
The Met Office are building a partnership with the National Energy Systems Operator (NESO) with an ambitious shared goal: combat climate change through the provision of sustainable clean energy. The Met Office are providing robust weather and climate expertise to support NESO fulfil its responsibilities, going beyond data procurement and science support for innovation with the provision of policy advice and briefings. We’re creating an open access collaboration for both organisations to engage both commercially and non-commercially, including workshops, webinars, one-on-one conversations, shared learning sessions, and any other means of working that aligns with the Met Office value of being a force for good.
The iconic Shipping Forecast, issued by the Met Office on behalf of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, marks 100 years of BBC broadcasting in 2025. BBC Radio 4 launched the centenary celebrations on New Year's Day, featuring Met Office experts Senior Operational Meteorologist Craig Snell and Library and Archive Manager Dr Catherine Ross.
The forecast's origins trace back to a devastating storm in 1859, when the Royal Charter Gale claimed 800 lives. This event prompted our founder, Robert FitzRoy, to establish the first storm warning service.
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Ice accretion is the build-up of ice layers on solid objects and it poses significant challenges for energy infrastructure in the UK, particularly in northern regions. The Met Office has partnered with SSEN Transmission to develop an innovative mapping solution that helps energy companies better understand and prepare for this winter weather phenomenon. Our enhanced geographical data enables more efficient infrastructure design and reduces unnecessary overengineering costs.
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In December, the Met Office demonstrated its advanced trajectory prediction capabilities through an innovative festive scenario. This showcases how our aviation forecasting technology - routinely used to calculate efficient routes through complex weather systems - can optimise flight paths for maximum performance.
Using a creative Christmas Eve scenario, we illustrated how the same scientific principles that guide thousands of commercial flights daily can be applied to plot precise international routes while accounting for weather patterns and energy conservation, even when travelling by flying sleigh.
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 Did you know? For over 30 years the Met Office has been creating custom weather forecasts to help the rail industry cope with autumn and winter weather.
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Infographics and case studies |
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Click on the image to view this infographic on a webpage.
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The Met Office has enhanced its data distribution capabilities by adding key datasets to Snowflake, a global data platform that enables organisations to seamlessly access, combine and analyse multiple data sources.
Our Postcode Sector Weather Forecast launched in beta on Snowflake in October, offering six distinct packages with varying parameters and timeframes to match different user requirements.
In December, we expanded our offering with Global Spot Weather Data, now available across all Snowflake regions. This service provides 14-day forecast data plus historical archives in hourly, three-hourly, and daily intervals.
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The Met Office's National Severe Weather Warnings Service (NSWWS) API is now available in BETA through Esri UK, a global leader in geographic information system (GIS) software.
This integration enables organisations to:
- Seamlessly incorporate weather warnings into operational and decision-making tools
- Enhance decision-making by contextualising warnings within existing operational data
- Access warnings through a broader, more accessible platform
The collaboration expands on Esri UK's successful delivery of the Met Office's Local Authority Climate Service, Air Quality Portal, and Climate Data Portal, supporting our strategy to integrate Met Office data into standard ecosystems.
For more information:
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Lone workers, particularly those operating outdoors, face increased hazards due to isolation and lack of immediate support. In a new case study, Emma Thomas, Commercial Director at Trackplot, shares how the Met Office Data Provisioning Team helped find the perfect solution to enhance their organisation's ability to ensure the safety of outdoor lone workers.
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For more than three decades, the Met Office has provided the Port of Cromarty Firth with various standard and bespoke marine forecasting and consultancy services depending on their needs and project requirements. Our table and graph forecasts, plus 24/7 access to Marine Meteorologists, have helped the port welcome over 240 cruise ships in two years without turning away a single vessel. This vital forecasting support continues to enhance safety and efficiency across the port's expanding operations, from traditional shipping to renewable energy projects.
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Stay ahead of weather impacts in 2025 with our next transport-focused weather briefing on Monday 28 January at 10am GMT. Our Expert Operational Meteorologist will deliver a 30-minute session covering the three-month outlook and specific transport impacts, followed by a Q&A discussion.
These monthly briefings help transport operators identify upcoming weather challenges and plan operations effectively.
Access the webinar here or contact transport@metoffice.gov.uk to receive regular updates and future webinar links.
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The Met Office is conducting research to ensure that we refine our data services offer in line with user needs. We are seeking participants in this research who can share their experiences with weather data and help shape the future of our services. Initial involvement is by completion of a short questionnaire detailing how you use data. This could lead to an interview with our research team.
Who should join?
We’re looking for:
- Decision-makers, analysts, or anyone using weather data in industries such as aviation, energy, agriculture, logistics, healthcare, insurance, or tourism and events.
- People who integrate weather data into their systems or use it to make strategic choices.
By sharing your insights, you’ll help us:
- Uncover user needs and challenges.
- Design services that fit into your workflows.
- Enhance the accuracy, accessibility, and impact of weather data on critical decisions.
Don’t miss this chance to contribute to the future of weather data.
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Follow us on the social media channels below to join the conversation.
#WhenItMatters
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