BBC Weather has announced plans to expand its weather hub in Salford and open a new weather centre at the Met Office. But 3 positions will go.
The BBC said it was responding to audiences’ increased use of digital platforms for weather forecasts.
It also comes after major UK tourist attractions, including Chester and Edinburgh Zoos criticised the way forecasts are being displayed on weather apps. They said that “misleading” rain icons can cost them up to £137,000 each day as people cancel plans.
“When families see a raincloud icon, many simply stay home. The reality might be a brief shower at 6am – but the symbol suggests a washout.” explained Dom Strange, Chief Operating Officer of Chester Zoo.
“As the national zoo and one of the UK’s leading attractions, we’re speaking up for the wider visitor economy – from heritage sites to theme parks – and the thousands of jobs that depend on spontaneous visits.
“The Met Office is the UK’s most trusted weather authority and in a unique position to help lead the way on clearer forecasting so other apps follow their leads. With today’s data and technology, there’s an opportunity to present forecasts in a way that better reflects how the day will actually feel on the ground.”
BBC Weather said it would be increasing digital content production for the weather app, website and social channels across the day.
They would also be creating a BBC weather centre at Met Office’s headquarters in Exeter, to place it “at the heart of weather insight and intelligence.”
It would also expand the existing weather operations in Salford, from which BBC Breakfast and Today programme weather bulletins will be presented in future.
It also promised to “make more of much-loved local weather presenters.” That means using local presenters in future television weather broadcasts at lunchtimes and weekends, giving a nationwide and detailed local forecast.
The Today programme, BBC Breakfast, and the weekday editions of the News at Six will continue to feature separate national forecasts from network weather presenters, as will the News at Ten, for a trial period.
“As this summer’s heatwaves have proved, up-to-the minute and accurate weather information has never been more important,” said Jonathan Munro, Interim CEO of BBC News.
“I’m looking forward to our partnership with the Met Office – this is a very apt time for our two trusted national institutions to be reunited.”
Simon Brown, Acting Chief Executive, Met Office, added:
“Trusted information has never been more important. By bringing together the Met Office’s world-leading weather and climate intelligence with BBC Weather’s ability to reach millions of people every day, we can help audiences make informed decisions and stay safe during severe weather.
“This partnership, expected to go live later this year, is an important part of our strategy to support broadcast customers and extend the reach of trusted weather information across broadcast and digital channels. BBC Weather’s increased presence in Exeter will also strengthen links with the South West’s environmental science and data community.”
Under the changes, radio forecasts will be read by presenters and announcers. On the news channel, half-hourly weather forecasts will continue, with automated forecast graphics rather than presenters.
The late night weather bulletin on BBC Two weekdays will close.
The proposed changes will save the BBC money, because a “net total” of 3 jobs will go and it will also close 2 of its dedicated weather studios at London Broadcasting House.
According to the latest BBC data, BBC Weather online had more than 23m unique visitors in June – an all time high. Over the same period 4 of the top 5 online BBC News stories were weather-related.
