Definition of shipping forecast

The term "Shipping Forecast" refers to a regular weather report that is broadcast by the British meteorological organization, the Met Office. The forecast specifically targets shipping vessels and covers a wide expanse of the sea around the British Isles. It has evolved through history, originally serving a vital communication function during the golden age of sail. From the mid-19th century, coastal stations, known as wireless telegraphy stations, sent pre-arranged telegrams reporting the weather in their vicinity to the relevant shipping lanes. The messages followed a standard format outlined by the Marconi Company in 1913. This helped sailors navigate unfamiliar waters and make informed decisions about their routes. In the early 1920s, radio broadcasting began, and the Met Office adopted this technology to deliver weather updates in a spoken format. Initially called the "Sea Area Forecasts," these broadcasts were edited and condensed to facilitate clear communication, making them more concise and memorable than other weather reports. By the mid-1930s, the term "Shipping Forecast" was coined, and it has persisted ever since. In its current format, the forecast is transmitted by the Met Office four times a day, covering up to 42 sea areas with alphabetical codes corresponding to the regions, making it easier to remember and reference. Hence, "Shipping Forecast" is a historical term steeped in maritime tradition, but it remains a practical and necessary resource that serves as a communication tool for seafarers today.