Issue 3 Met Office Magazine

barometer Issue 3 www.metoffice.gov.uk Met Office magazine

TURNING OVER A NEW LEAF Britain’s first tea plantation

WIND IN YOUR SAILS TV weatherman at sea

BATTLING THE WEATHER Nelson’s famous victory 01 Welcome www.metoffice.gov.uk

In brief 2 News and updates Forecasting for everyone Key environmental events 4 The force of Nature Turning over a new leaf 6 Quick and easy access to high quality forecasts and services from the Britain’s first tea plantation Met Office helps UK Government agencies, and those overseas, Our people 7 prepare for severe weather by taking appropriate mitigating action, TV weatherman at sea And now the weather... 9 says Mark Hutchinson, Acting Chief Executive. TV forecasts get a facelift All change 11 With a predicted colder-than-average weather broadcasts both informative winter expected, our forecasters are and entertaining. Weather creates challenges for working closely with the National Network Rail We mark the bicentenary of Admiral Health Service (NHS) and others to Lord Nelson’s death by exploring how look after those who are vulnerable in The pull of the Pole 13 the weather influenced the British cold weather. Targeted medical care British women tackle Polar Challenge victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. As the (from NHS) and Warm Front grants modern battlefield can cover A golden age 15 (from Defra), triggered by timely and thousands of kilometres of land, air, accurate forecasts from the Met Office, Science focus Satellite technology in sea and — increasingly — space, we forecasting are working to reduce winter deaths also report on how the Met Office is and further the Government’s aim to working with the Ministry of Defence Storm chaser 16 eradicate fuel poverty by 2018. to provide instant access to the Science profile Julian Heming — Throughout the winter, we will be Mark Hutchinson weather and environmental Tropical Prediction Scientist working closely with the Highways Acting Chief Executive information that the contemporary Agency and local authorities to help A drop in the ocean 17 military strategist needs. keep roads open and ‘UK Plc’ moving. Science focus Taking the seas’ The sheer power of weather had the Whatever the season, the Met Office As our customers’ expectations grow, temperature Gulf Coast reeling from the force of works alongside Network Rail to help it along with advances in technology, Celebrity weather 18 Hurricane Katrina in August and Rita tackle the complex problems posed by the Met Office will continue to Sir Chris Bonington in September. The Met Office worked ice, high winds and other extreme improve its forecast accuracy. This year closely with the National Hurricane events. Barometer looks at what is we have a more readily understood Barometer is a controlled circulation magazine Center in Miami, as well as the UK done, through this active partnership, accuracy target which measures our distributed free of charge to decision-makers in Foreign Office and Embassies, to warn to keep the railway network running next-day forecast for 11 UK cities. You government, science and commerce, for whom of this impending severe weather. The smoothly in all types of weather. can see how we are performing on our weather and climate information has an impact. science behind hurricanes is explored website. Product information is correct at the time of At the Met Office, we are passionate further in Key Environmental Events publication but may be subject to change. about using our skills in meteorology I hope that Barometer will give you a on page 4 and we introduce our For queries about Barometer contact in partnership with others to get the flavour of the many different ways in hurricane expert, Julian Heming, on Sancha Lancaster Met Office, FitzRoy Road, Exeter, right weather and climate information which the weather touches all our Devon, EX1 3PB, UK page 16. to the right people at the right time. lives. At the Met Office we are For any queries about Met Office products or This year’s Atlantic hurricane season Recent advances in technology — committed to using world-class services, contact us at our Customer Centre (24hrs): was one of the most active and widely including the internet and mobile science to predict the weather and Email: [email protected] reported, and has given new impetus devices — mean that people can now climate for maximum benefit to the T: 0870 900 0100 F: 0870 900 5050 to the debate on climate change. With expect accurate weather information nation and to supporting other From outside the UK: the increased likelihood of extreme at their fingertips. Research shows that countries in their response to severe T: +44 (0)1392 885680 F: +44 (0)1392 885681 www.metoffice.gov.uk weather events in future, the G8 television weather sits comfortably weather. nations have agreed to promote alongside these new media. Barometer © Crown copyright 2005 05/0273 Met Office and the Met Office logo are registered cleaner technologies to safeguard the looks back at its evolution — from trademarks climate. The Met Office is assisting by George Cowling’s first live broadcast in advising the UK Government on 1954 to the new-look weather forecasts Printed on Revive Matt Paper which contains 75% post-consumer waste paper. options for reducing greenhouse gas of the BBC and ITV — and at the emissions post-2012, when the Kyoto challenge of making television Cover image © Crown copyright Protocol has run its course. Space weather Space weather originates on the Sun. charged particles from the Sun, Activity on the surface of the Sun, moving along the Earth’s magnetic such as solar flares, can cause high field and colliding with gas atoms, levels of radiation in Space. As the causing the atoms to give off light. Sun sends light to Earth, it also blasts Events on the Sun and in the tiny pieces of matter (particles) in magnetosphere can also trigger our direction. This is the solar wind, changes in the electrical and which travels past Earth at more chemical properties of the than 1,000,000 mph, deflected by atmosphere, the ozone layer, and the Earth’s magnetic field. Auroras high-altitude temperatures and wind — the northern and southern lights patterns; and cause communication — are the one aspect of Space and science satellites to fail. weather that we can see. These happen as a result of electrically

The number of satellites in Space has • The military — which was the first risen as major advances in science industry to use satellites — still relies and technology have been made, and heavily on data received from them in October these advances are • Search satellites help save lives by celebrated as part of World Space watching for emergency beacons Week. Set up in 1999 by the United What is out there? from boats and aeroplanes in distress Nations, World Space Week highlights the contribution that Space science • The telecommunications and media Did you know that there are around 8,000 artificial and technology makes to our industries use satellites to transmit objects orbiting Earth, 2,500 of which are satellites? understanding of the world we live in. signals around the world So when you are wishing upon a star you might actually Weather forecasting is just one of the • Remote-sensing satellites are used to many fields that has benefited from detect changes in the Earth’s surface be wishing on a piece of metal. advances in Space technology — from and the environment tracking hurricanes to pinpointing • Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are rain clouds. But satellites are also used used for navigation on Earth — i.e. in for a multitude of other reasons: your car or in an aeroplane 03 In brief www.metoffice.gov.uk

Climate change Staying warm

explained Keeping warm in the winter months is something everyone Climate change is always high on tries to do, and this winter people the political agenda — but never will need to do it more than ever, more so than this year when the as the Met Office is predicting that UK holds the Presidency of the G8 it will be colder than average. and the European Union. Both Since 1995–96, winters in the UK have highlighted the need to have been mild, giving many the improve public understanding of impression that this is now the climate change. A modern view norm. Even an average winter The Met Office has teamed up could come as a surprise to many. with the Royal Meteorological of the battlefield Being accurate The Met Office helps support the Society to commission a DVD that Government’s winter campaigns The modern battlefield can cover will provide the facts about climate With weather as variable as the UK’s, to protect lives during periods of thousands of kilometres of land, air, sea change. It is hoped that helping accurate forecasts from the Met Office cold weather by providing and — increasingly — space. But, as the people understand the complex are the first link in helping people be meteorological information, UK’s Armed Forces discovered this science that lies behind climate prepared. But as their expectations advice and forecasts via the summer, there is now a way to view the change will also help them make grow, the Met Office must keep up. Associate Parliamentary Warm entire battlefield using the Recognised informed choices about tackling The first step in producing accurate Homes Group. Environmental Picture (REP). the problems it raises. weather forecasts is using all available We also support the country’s Using a secure IT network, the REP gives Leader and chair of the project’s observational data and putting it infrastructure by working closely frontline military strategists a full scientific steering group, Professor together in a computer forecasting with emergency planners in a environmental picture of the terrain; Paul Hardaker (the Met Office’s model. The forecaster modifies the number of agencies, who have and, earlier this year, the Met Office’s Chief Advisor to Government), computer output as necessary to received advance warnings about contribution to the project was says: “I’m very excited by the produce the most accurate, reliable the seasonal forecast. In addition, demonstrated at the Coalition Warrior potential impact that this DVD will and timely forecasts possible. the Met Office is backing npower Interoperability Demonstration have. Climate change often seems a Last year the Met Office improved and National Energy Action’s (CWID). This is an annual event where big global phenomenon and it is forecast accuracy for the northern Spreading Warmth programme certain international defence hard for people to understand that hemisphere by around 11%. which aims to help customers communities, including NATO, gather they can make a difference at a who are struggling to pay for to demonstrate and evaluate local level, but they can.” This year, we have even more energy use. technologies that will support the challenging Key Performance Targets A number of bodies are already exchange of information on the future (KPTs), one of which assesses the sponsoring the project. Interested parties battlefield. Demonstrations are run as a accuracy of our next-day forecasts for can contact Professor Hardaker on 01392 ‘virtual war’ fought by a multi-national 11 cities across the UK. Our level of 886238 or [email protected] force in a fictional region of Africa. forecast accuracy will also be published on our website along with At CWID, the Met Office demonstrated an explanation of why we may have a new system that can present got it wrong. meteorological and other environmental information for any required area, The full KPTs are listed in the Annual Report whenever and wherever it is needed, and Accounts 2004/5 www.metoffice.gov.uk/ regardless of the computer technology bookshelf/annualreport/index.html being used. The system — called the Joint Environmental Dynamic Data Server (JEDDS — as featured in Barometer, Issue 1) — took live data from the Met Office at Exeter and was able to feed them, on demand, to a number of the demonstration systems that were playing out the ‘virtual war’. Key environmental events 04 www.metoffice.gov.uk

In July landslides and flash floods were caused by the heavy monsoon rains across India, especially hitting Assam and Arunachal. Thirty-five villages were affected and 10,000 people left homeless. Two months later, emergency services in Switzerland, Austria and Germany dealt with floods across alpine regions, which left hundreds of families homeless. Drought conditions Elsewhere it was drought and heat which affected people. In June, the Iberian Peninsula experienced the worst drought since the 1940s. Water reserves in Spain were just 57% of capacity, and farmers feared for their crops. By July, Spain was in the grip of its worst drought on record. Farmers in Murcia asked for permission to dig new wells to help save 80 million fruit trees. In August Romania suffered a heatwave, which contributed to the deaths of 56 people. In China, while parts of the country suffered continuous flooding, in the east 7.6 million citizens faced water shortages. Meanwhile south-east Australia experienced snowfall for the first time in decades, leading to schools and The force of Nature roads being closed. In the UK the summer was a mixed bag Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita it reached landfall it began to reduce in Embassy Washington and British — ranging from very warm to very wet. were the most widely reported weather intensity and was a category 3 as it Consulate-General in Houston. These For example on 19 June, as London events of the year so far. On both swept through Texas and Louisiana. accurately predicted the eastward shift basked in temperatures of 33.1 °C, occasions accurate and timely forecasts However, wind speeds of 120mph and of the hurricane. (See also Science Hawnby, in North Yorkshire, had were provided through sophisticated a 10 ft storm surge left part of Texas and Profile, page16). 60 mm (more than two inches) of rain modelling techniques. Louisiana severely damaged. Levees in Earlier in the hurricane season (June in an hour. New Orleans, which had previously Having crossed southern Florida as a to November) Hurricane Emily hit been breached as a result of Katrina, Yet despite some heavy rainfall events, category 1 hurricane, Katrina Grenada, almost a year to the day after were breached again. across the country the general picture strengthened rapidly. For three days Hurricane Ivan devastated the island. was of a drier than average summer. before landfall, forecasters at the The Met Office routinely provides It then moved on to Mexico, with wind In July, Scotland and Northern Ireland National Hurricane Center (NHC) in input to the warning process by speeds up to 135 mph. Meanwhile, in experienced well below-average Miami and local weather offices in the sending its forecasts of hurricane tracks Taiwan, Typhoon Haitang injured rainfall. South East England and southern USA, worked around the to NHC every 12 hours. In the case of 17 people as winds peaked at 114 mph Central and Southern England have clock to warn of the impending Katrina, Met Office forecasts three days and almost one metre of rain fell. had the driest November to July period disaster. ahead predicted the location of In the UK on 28 July a tornado, since 1975/1976. The driest area was landfall to an accuracy of 60 km. Less than a month later Hurricane Rita although small by comparison with Surrey, which received just 63% of its During Rita’s progress the Met Office was also heading for the southern the hurricanes, ripped through normal rainfall in that nine month also provided forecasts to the Foreign states. Initially a category 5 hurricane, Birmingham with estimated winds of period. However, there were some and Commonwealth Office; the with wind speeds of more than 175 up to 130 mph, causing major damage regional variations, with Scotland Deputy Consul-General and Director mph, Rita threatened to wreak even and numerous injuries. having considerably higher-than- of US Consular Operations; the British more devastation than Katrina. But as average rainfall over the same period. 05 In brief www.metoffice.gov.uk

Battling the weather

Two hundred years ago, a British naval Due to the north-westerly wind which of 137 ships from the Royal Navy and officer checked the weather, changed prevailed all day on 21 October 1805, 35 nations assembled off the coast of his plans accordingly and won one of the French-Spanish fleet was unable to Portsmouth to commemorate Nelson the most famous sea-battles in British form a battle line and was slowly — Britain’s greatest naval hero. history. That officer was Admiral Lord pushed northwards. Action began at The review included a re-enactment Nelson and the battle was the Battle Cape Trafalgar, off the Spanish coast, of the Battle of Trafalgar, involving of Trafalgar. at around noon, when the leading 17 ships from five nations, and the British ships broke through the The weather played a major role in the biggest firework display ever seen in French-Spanish line. battle between the combined fleets of Britain. Just as on the day of Nelson’s France and Spain, and the British Royal An hour after the first shots, Nelson victory two hundred years earlier, Navy. A light wind from the north-west was fatally wounded by musket fire the weather played a part, as around influenced Nelson’s decision to order from the French ship Redoubtable and 250,000 soaked spectators gathered the British to sail in two lines toward died a few hours later, but not before in the rain on the shore at Spithead to the French-Spanish fleet. hearing that his battle plans had been witness the centrepiece of the successful. He was laid in state in the celebrations. In a new tactic that defied traditional Painted Hall at the Royal Naval naval strategy, Nelson’s ship — the The Royal Navy’s Trafalgar 200 College, Greenwich in January 1806 Images © Crown copyright Victory — sailed in the direction of the festival was part of SeaBritain 2005 — once the British fleet returned home. wind, leading a ‘weather line’ a nationwide celebration of all things consisting of 11 British ships. The To mark the bicentenary of Nelson’s maritime. Fiestas were also held in other 15 frigates from the British fleet death, the Royal Navy’s Trafalgar 200 Toulon, France and Cadiz, Spain in made up a second, or ‘lee’, line led by festival began this summer, with the celebration of international friendship the Royal Sovereign, and approached largest International Fleet Review by between former opponents. from the south-west. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. A total Feature 06 www.metoffice.gov.uk

“You can grow camellias virtually anywhere in Britain, but there is a big difference between keeping a plant alive and growing something that makes good tea. The growing season is long enough for us, particularly because we are not looking for volume Know your cuppa but for high quality. • Tea is camellia sinensis, a selective “We also have the right amount of of the camellia japonica. It is a bush tree cover and drainage thanks to the about 10 feet high which grows in slopes. The growing areas are also the shelter of other, bigger trees generally south facing. It seems that • There are two main types of tea being in valleys does help. But there bush: the original China bush and are no absolute rights and wrongs the Assam bush (from north-eastern about where tea will grow.” India). The native Assam bushes are Thumbs up from tea expert now all hybrids, because they have Tea expert Tim Tucker says the cross-fertilised with the China Tregothnan venture has every chance bushes introduced into India of success. Mr Tucker grew tea in India • Tea needs an acidic soil, and lime is for the Eastern Assam Tea Company, harmful to it from 1952 to 1961. He agrees Cornwall is the ideal place in the UK to • Tea, including green tea, always grow a commercial crop but that such comes from camellias. Tea purists a venture is unlikely to succeed insist that all other herbal beverages elsewhere in the country. should not be called tea, but ‘tisanes’. A tisane is made with fresh “Most of the common knowledge we or dried flowers, leaves, seeds or have of tea is plain wrong,” he says. roots — but not with real tea Turning over a new leaf “The geography text books say it grows best on a slope, but Assam — the • The nearest tea production sites to Although we are renowned for being big tea drinkers in the highest yielding tea area in the world Britain are in Turkey, South Carolina — is flat.” and the Azores UK, growing it has always been the preserve of hotter climes He adds that even quite severe weather • Total world production of tea is such as India and China. Now, for the first time, tea is being will not kill off some of the more hardy 3,000,000 tonnes. The largest grown on a commercial basis here in the UK. varieties of tea: “Frosts don’t matter if producers are Sri Lanka (20%), Kenya you have the right kind of bushes. (19%), China (18%) and India (13%) The Assam bush, although higher Britain’s first commercial tea we are running a trial of some Assam as yielding than the China bush, is more plantation has taken root on an estate well. The proof is in the pudding, and delicate and would not survive in Cornwall, and is already proving to we are producing some very fine tea.” Cornish winters in the open. But the right. The aim when you are growing be a huge success. Although most Good old British weather China bush — which I’ve seen survive tea is to have a kind of lawn about waist people associate tea with the tropics, Jonathon studied at the Royal Botanic heavy snow in areas such as the high which gives continuous cover so Jonathon Jones, Head Gardener at the Garden in Edinburgh and was Caucasus in Georgia and on the Black that weeds can’t grow underneath.” Tregothnan Botanic Garden near Truro, appointed Head Gardener at the 60- Sea coasts of Turkey — could survive and brains behind the new plantation, Concludes Jonathon: “The acre private Tregothnan estate in 1996. well in Cornwall. Unfortunately it insists that growing a high quality tea in Tregothnan tea range is aimed at real gives lower yields and weaker brews.” the British climate is not as challenging “One important thing to note is that connoisseurs and has been likened to a as some may think. In fact, tea is part of this has nothing to do with global Some of the most important factors, Darjeeling, which is considered to be the camellia family, and Tregothnan warming,” he says. “You can grow tea according to Mr Tucker, are acid soil, the champagne of teas. That is the has been renowned for growing even with good old traditional British high humidity and, ideally, tree cover ultimate accolade.” camellias for hundreds of years. weather, but Tregothnan does benefit for the bushes. “The trees give a from a microclimate which provides a dappled shade and drop leaves, which “We started on a trial basis in 1999 and longer growing season and mild helps to add nitrogen to the soil. One have been testing various tea plants to winters, and contributes to the desired of the most important things is to get see which delivers the best results,” he flavour of the tea. the distances between the bushes says. “It is mostly China tea, although 07 Our people www.metoffice.gov.uk

Wind in your sails

Being a TV weather presenter can have its peaks and troughs but, as Phil Avery soon found out, it is a breeze compared to sailing some of the world’s most treacherous oceans.

From being battered by gales just “I know a number of skippers in the of wind and a shift of 10 degrees outside Portsmouth to becalmed seas fleet were keen to have a qualified seemed to be matters of life and death.” in the shadow of Table Mountain, forecaster on board,” he says. “Many of Life at sea Cape Town, Phil experienced all kinds them are very competent at analysing Phil had never taken part in anything of conditions while competing in the weather information themselves, but like the Global Challenge race before, Global Challenge yacht race, sailing it always helps to have someone on but he was no stranger to life at sea, the ‘wrong way’ around the world hand to take some of the responsibility having started his career as a forecaster against the prevailing winds and for making important weather calls. in the Royal Navy, serving on HMS currents. I conferred with our tactician, Ark Royal. Georgina Walker, on a daily basis; From day one, the weather put its stamp sometimes on a minute-by-minute “The time onboard Ark Royal was on the race, as Phil explains: “The first basis in fast changing situations.” sound preparation for going without night out of Portsmouth was extremely so many of the things we take for rough with winds at gale force and The crews constantly received granted in life and for living in close driving rain. Yes, I was seasick!” meteorological data throughout their proximity with one’s colleagues,” trip, and around UK waters relied on Setting off from Portsmouth on he says. the Shipping Forecast issued by the 3 October, 2004, 12 crews raced over Courtesy of onEdition Met Office on behalf of the Maritime Phil was born in Dunfermline, more than 30,000 miles of ocean, and Coastguard Agency. Phil says his Scotland. After taking an Honours passing through some of the world’s forecasting experience helped him degree in Politics and Economics at most treacherous waters, before Stormy waters identify the most important Keele University, he served in the finishing 10 months later in La The competitors experienced almost information quickly, helping to keep Royal Navy as a weather forecaster Rochelle. On the way, they stopped in all possible sailing conditions, from his skipper one step ahead of the from 1984 to 1994. His broadcasting Buenos Aires, Wellington, Sydney, the calm of the doldrums to the changing forecasts. career began in 1996, first with The Cape Town and Boston. storms of the southern oceans; from Weather Network and then The icebergs en route for New Zealand to As Phil puts it: “It paid to be the man “We were very lucky to cross Weather Channel. He joined the Met the tropical downpours along the east on the ground with an eye to the sky. thousands of miles in the southern Office BBC Weather Centre team in coast of Brazil. This, and the fact that The race has also confirmed something oceans with no serious injuries or April 1998, and now broadcasts across they were participating in a sport that I already knew — yachtsmen are encountering any of the very violent all the BBC’s domestic channels. is totally dependent on the weather, among the most demanding of storms one can experience in those made Phil a popular crew member. customers. An extra three or four knots waters.” says Phil.

Image from XXXXXXXXXXXX Courtesy of Challenge Business

Having finished the race — his team’s So would he do it again? “No! No! No! craft achieving ninth place out of Life’s too short,” he says. “I have other “ The first night out of 12 competing yachts — he says he is ambitions for the future and would now simply glad to be back on dry love to play a big part in presenting Portsmouth was extremely land. “The trip flew by in many ways. weather around the time of the It certainly didn’t feel like 10 months London 2012 Olympics. Unless I’m rough with winds at gale since we sailed from Portsmouth. competing, of course, at the tender age Having said that, individual watches of 52.” force and driving rain. Yes, — particularly in the cold and wet of the Southern Ocean — did seem more I was seasick!” like four years than four hours.” 09 Feature www.metoffice.gov.uk And now the weather...

The winds of change are blowing through the world aggressive wasps affecting parts the Live television area, I heard a low hum and a tickle at Live television, in a hurry, always of television weather forecasts. Although two big the top of my arm. Without thinking, brings problems as Helen Young, the I brushed at it, only to realise that I’d Met Office’s Lead Presenter at the BBC players — ITV and BBC — have gone down different squashed the biggest wasp I’d ever Weather Centre, explains: “I can routes, both have given their presentation a facelift, seen. Then the pain kicked in and, at remember one occasion when I was in the same time, I heard in my ear the middle of a broadcast and one of adding new life and spontaneity to broadcasts. ‘coming to you in 5, 4, 3...’ I did the my earrings fell off. There was nothing only thing I could do — pulled the end I could do, I just had to carry on. I did of the sting out of my arm, looked up get a few letters from viewers who In 1954 George Cowling made 120 ITV national and regional forecasts and started talking.” found it amusing. I’m just glad it was television history when he presented daily, including live ITV News Channel only an earring!” the first live weather forecast. Lasting interviews. As her arm started to go numb, five minutes, it consisted of George Becky explained her situation to her Helen has also stumbled over her words Producing so many forecasts — showing weather charts that were colleagues. But instead of on occasion — she once pronounced some are live and some pre-recorded — hand drawn by him and Met Office sympathising, they decided to keep the name Fakenham incorrectly, while means that the presenters have to be colleagues. her waiting on the rooftop and come covering the weather for the day’s races. on top of the story no matter where back to her shortly afterwards for her Horses have also caused Helen’s Fast forward over half a century and they are. But, as Becky Mantin — the personal wasp story. colleague Carol Kirkwood problems everything has changed. TV weather latest addition to the ITV network — during a live broadcast. forecasts, and those who present them, explains, it is not always that easy. “All they said was ‘Becky’s been stung come in all shapes, sizes and by a wasp. Fantastic timing!’ and held She explains: "One winter in Devon, “One hot, sunny day last August, I was frequencies. Met Office staff at the BBC over the weather for another ten I was standing by a fence delivering a standing on a rooftop terrace waiting produce 100 forecasts every weekday — minutes so it would fit the story! And I live weather forecast in fairly thick fog. for them to come to me for a link for both UK and international had just wanted to get the forecast over Soon I was aware of some hot breath on during the news. Just as they ran a channels — and there are more than with as quickly as possible.” my neck. I surreptitiously looked headline about an invasion of

The evolution of TV weather forecasts 2000 Computer 3D graphics are 1936 A weather chart is shown on BBC 1985 Computerised symbols replace the introduced into forecasts for the first time magnetic rubber icons. Forecast computers at television — a world first. These early charts 2001 ITV weather goes ‘widescreen’ as Met Office HQ are linked directly to a graphics are hand drawn with wax crayons 16:9 formats are introduced across the computer system at BBC Television Centre. 1949 BBC television starts to broadcast TV industry Moving satellite pictures are introduced captioned weather maps on a regular basis 2002 GMTV launches the first national 1988 New, more colourful graphics are 1954 The first weather forecast featuring a 3D fly-through presentation using a Met introduced, showing the strength and live presenter on British television. George Office graphic system direction of wind and rain Cowling’s (pictured left) broadcast lasted five January 2005 ITV (24 hour) News 1989 First National Weather Bulletins across minutes Channel launches hourly weather bulletin the ITV network. Powergen starts sponsoring 1967 Colour television is launched, and the and includes a daily live interview with the ITV weather — the first time any TV BBC introduces magnetic weather symbols national weather presenter to cover topical programme has been sponsored in the UK stuck on wall charts — triangles for showers global weather issues 1996 New computer graphics include back- and dots for rain 2005 The complete redesign of BBC ground maps with more topography and 1975 A new set of weather symbols is weather is launched, including TV, internet land shadings. More powerful computers introduced, including a new cloud symbol. and digital text services. ITV relaunches a allow forecasters to create forecasts more They provide a clearer and quicker unified design across all national and quickly and make greater use of sequences understanding of essential forecast details regional bulletins

Courtesy of the BBC Weather Centre around, only to find a horse’s head create the forecasts, central computer limited to only four weather maps. them the complete picture. alongside mine. So as not to startle the servers at the BBC transform the data He was also using a synoptic chart Blue has traditionally been used as a horse and risk being bitten (or worse), into 3D images. At ITV, the presenters with isobars and magnetic strips. It background colour because it is all I could think of saying to him was are briefed by Met Office forecasters took a huge amount of time to compile complementary to human skin tone ‘now you stay there’. In my ear I could who have worked with graphic these. Although we had a computer and is therefore easier to remove hear the Gallery howling with designers to produce the forecasts in a putting symbols on a map, the whole digitally. However green screens are laughter, which made it nigh on similar way. Across the board, major system was very cumbersome. We used increasingly being used as the colour impossible to keep a straight face." technological advances have made the to get photographs sent over on a fax. has become easier to remove and is not presenters’ job easier, quicker and We would take a picture of them with Again, like Helen, she had to ignore found as frequently on clothing. It is more efficient, enabling them to our camera and overlay that onto the the laughter and interruption and essential that presenters do not wear present the weather story in a graphics. Now, of course, we get a carry on. Being alone, either in the clothing of a similar colour to the language and format that viewers digital picture directly from the studio or on location, means background screens because their understand. satellite.” presenters only have themselves to clothing, or part of it, will rely on. Helen explains: “Thanks to things like Disappearing presenters automatically be rubbed out as well — webcams I can now show viewers live The advent of chroma key technology basically parts of them will disappear. However, they also know that, when it pictures of what the weather is actually — the removal of a colour (or small comes to the actual weather story, they Changes in technology over the years doing in their areas; and thanks to the colour range) from one image to reveal can always rely on experts at the Met have also changed the styles of the latest computers I now have masses of another ‘behind’ it — it has led to Office to provide them with as much presenters. They now have much more information literally at my fingertips. presenters looking directly at the information as possible. One constant freedom to add to the basic weather Having forecasters on top of the camera, instead of behind them at the throughout TV weather history is the story, as Becky explains: weather story is vital to ensure we weather map. fact that the Met Office still provides warn the public about any dangers and “It is not just that the graphics have the majority of television weather In fact, if they do look behind them all also give them the good news, when it changed. There has been a move information in the UK. they will see is a blue or green screen — happens. Therefore having cutting towards presenters having more input the weather map is not actually there Powerful computers edge systems and equipment which into the broadcasts. After all, it is at all. This is added digitally once the As weather data comes in from the Met makes this possible is also essential.” supposed to be a source of information background colour has been removed. Office in Exeter they are held and and entertainment for people. Adding ITV regional presenter Jon Mitchell Presenters do have a faint outline of updated on databases at the BBC and in ‘how the weather is going to feel’ or agrees: “When I first joined in 1989, the weather map to guide them ITV so that all weather output is environmental factors makes it much my predecessor had been using a through their broadcasts, but rely on a consistent. While the Met Office more of an informative bulletin.” turning cube with four faces, so he was monitor hidden off-camera to give forecasters use powerful computers to 11 Feature www.metoffice.gov.uk

“Accurate forecasts help us keep the network open and running efficiently, and that is really important for our passengers,” says Steve. “Weather can All change cause up to 10% of all delays across the network. Three-quarters of these usually happen from October to From leaves on the line to rails buckling in the heat, every change in the March, mainly because of leaf-fall, weather creates a new challenge for Network Rail, the people responsible for increased wind speeds and cold temperatures.” keeping the country’s railway network running smoothly. Leaves on the line At this time of year, the autumn leaf- fall period brings with it a unique set of Anyone who travels by train knows “We use Met Office forecasts to decide Hot weather comes with its own set of problems. how frustrating it can be when services whether we should send the de-icing difficulties. Heat makes metal expand, Says Steve “If you think forecasting the are late or cancelled, but many of us do trains out or not,” says Steve Scott, the so very hot days can lead to distortion weather is a challenge then forecasting not realise the amount of work that National Weather Strategy Manager of the track; while prolonged dry spells adhesion conditions on a rail track is goes on behind the scenes to make sure for Network Rail. can lead to line-side fires and possible another level of complexity altogether everything runs as smoothly as damage to line-side equipment and “Ice is difficult to remove, so these days — particularly in the autumn when possible. It is also hard to appreciate cables. we try to be proactive and prevent it leaf-fall is at its most prevalent.” just how complex some of the forming in the first place. In high Rain or shine problems can be — especially where Leaf-fall can lead to trains having winds we can have problems with The weather can create so many the weather is concerned. problems with accelerating and overhead electrical power lines and different problems for Network Rail braking. Train drivers must also adjust Working forecasts high station roofs. Even vegetation that it has a special team to minimise their driving style to the more Most types of extreme weather can can create difficulties, such as when the impact on the country’s railway difficult conditions with the potential cause problems for the rail network. trees come crashing down. Sometimes network. Every morning it receives a knock-on-effect of causing train For example, ice can cause problems in the trees are not growing on our five-day forecast from the Met Office, services to lose time. In extreme areas where the electrical current is on property, which makes them doubly targeted at 32 local areas and circumstances, a modified form of the ground, such as around London or hard to deal with in advance.” identifying potential risks to the signalling may have to be introduced on Mersey Rail. network from various weather hazards. Our people 12 www.metoffice.gov.uk

“Accurate forecasts help us keep the network open and running efficiently.”

to ensure increased braking distances In all, Network Rail spends around can be accommodated. To make things £50 million a year managing its even more complicated, railhead autumn operations. This includes How extreme weather affects the rail network conditions are made more slippery in operating a fleet of around 60 trains • Snow can get into the point ends and has to be melted or swept away. Point certain autumn weather conditions — used to clean the tracks, as well as an ends can be heated but this is wasteful and can damage the track if it is done at for example, if there is light rain or dew. army of workmen sent out to clean the wrong time, so an accurate forecast is essential the lines. Forecasting these problems is • High winds can bring down trees, blow debris onto tracks, and cause problems particularly difficult as leaf-fall Any decision that affects the smooth at stations with high roofs depends on a variety of weather factors running of the trains is taken very such as frost, wind, precipitation, the seriously because of the direct impact • Hot weather can cause rails to buckle, and trains have to be slowed down amount of daylight and temperature. it has on the travelling public. Safety is • Dry spells lead to fires beside the tracks But it also varies, depending on the paramount — whether that be the types of trees growing in a particular safety of Network Rail customers or rail • Prolonged or heavy rainfall can flood the tracks and damage line-side location. To help predict where industry staff and suppliers. The equipment. Underground stations may be evacuated during flash floods problems will occur, the Met Office network’s performance is important • Ice interferes with conductor rails supplying electrical power to trains has joined forces with specialist too — the welcome improvement in environmental consultancy ADAS to recent years only serving to increase • Fog is a problem on rural lines still using semaphore signals produce a daily leaf-fall and adhesion people’s expectations of the service. • Leaves contaminate the railhead making adhesion difficult and extending forecast. Overall, there are many factors to take braking distances “The more accurately we can issue a into account before decisions • Lightning strikes can affect signalling and power supply equipment warning,” says Ian Barrie, who is part regarding weather-related speed of the Met Office Rural Environment restrictions or train service • Very high seas can breach sea defences and flood the track Team that works with ADAS, “the suspensions are taken. As Steve says, more Network Rail can do to “It’s a matter of balance”. anticipate any problems and reduce the impact on the travelling public and rail safety.” 13 Feature www.metoffice.gov.uk

At the magnetic pole The pull of the Pole

For 13 days three British women pitted themselves Hauling sledges weighing almost already taken part in a variety of twice their body weight, enduring smaller expeditions, they were keen to against the harshest elements Nature could throw at temperatures as low as -40 °C and test their skills to the limit. But, as trekking across constantly shifting sea meteorologist Felicity explains, this them to become the first all-female team to ice, the women succeeded where was not the only reason they went. others had failed, by completing the They also wanted to highlight the successfully complete a gruelling polar race. Scott Dunn Polar Challenge. issues of global warming and climate change. On 22 April 2005, The Pink Lady Polecats — Felicity Aston, Sam Eve and “The impacts of climate change are Tori James — left Polaris Mine in the going to be seen first in the Arctic and Canadian North West Territories. Antarctic, and most people don’t Three weeks and 368 miles later they know much about these places,” she crossed the finishing line at Magnetic says “People need some sort of North Pole in sixth place — out of 16 connection with areas in order to feel teams — and made race history as the they are important. We have that first female team ever to finish the race. connection because we have been there, but not everyone has that The three hardy adventurers — chance. We hope that by taking part in Felicity, 27, Sam, 26, and Tori, 23 — this race, we have helped make these met while working for BSES regions more real to more people.” Expeditions (formerly The British Schools Exploring Society). Having Feature 14 www.metoffice.gov.uk

This was not Felicity’s first experience three or four times a week, and Polar challenge fact file: of cold climates. After studying dragging car tyres cross-country to > physics, astronomy and climate simulate the action of hauling a heavy Start: Polaris Mine, North West Canadian Territories change at university, she joined the sledge over the ice. The girls also had to > Finish: The 1996 Certified Magnetic Pole position (Isachcsen Mine) British Antarctic Survey as a change their eating habits in order to > meteorologist, becoming only the achieve their physical potential, which Date: 22 April 2005 ninth woman to spend a winter at the meant eating a lot of brown rice, nuts > Duration: 3 weeks Rothera Research Station, on the and fruit. > Antarctic Peninsula. She has also been Distance: 368 miles (approx. 20 miles/day) Before they started the race they on expeditions in Greenland, Canada > worked out their strategy. Felicity says: Load: A sledge weighing more than 60 kg containing equipment and and South America. “You have to have a definite idea of supplies However, the Polar Challenge was a far how many miles you want to do in a > Temperature: From -20 °C to -40 °C on a good day, down to -70 °C with cry from any of her previous day, roughly how many hours you wind chill experiences of freezing temperatures. want it to take you and what sort of > She explains: “What I did in Antarctica pace you want to set. The sitting down Terrain: Between 0–600 m elevation over frozen sea ice and land was very different. We’d usually have a and talking about tactics and strategy > Food: Dehydrated rations warm building to go back to and we is really important.” > took spares of everything, because we Water: Melted snow and ice And it seems that their strategy — were the only people out there and > and the fact that the women kept each Risks: Frostbite, polar bears and dehydration could not risk anything going wrong. other going through pain, cold, > In the race it was a very different Support: Meteorological information, satellite phones, flares, rifles and hunger and fatigue — worked. matter. You took a minimum of personal locator beacons. Additional ground crew support (including a everything and threw out anything Felicity says: “When we get together doctor) at checkpoints, base camp and on skidoos that wasn’t absolutely essential.” there is a real buzz; a strong feeling of camaraderie. We all had a singular goal For more details, visit www.polar-challenge.com Knowing that their bodies would be — to finish the race — and it was great pushed to the limit — having to endure to share that. The sense of achieve- days of arduous trekking in extreme ment when we crossed the finishing conditions — the women undertook line together was just enormous.” six months of intense fitness training. This included three-hour gym sessions, 15 Science focus www.metoffice.gov.uk

180°W 120°W 60°W 0° 60°E 120°E 180°E

80°N 80°N

40°N 40°N

0° 0° A golden age 40°S 40°S 80°S 80°S

180°W 120°W 60°W 0° 60°E 120°E 180°E A recent World Meteorological Organization meeting in

Prague claimed that we are entering a golden age for 171 195 219 243 268 292 Contrast enhancement: approximate colour scale weather satellite data. Stephen English, Satellite Radiance Assimilation Manager, examines whether this is Figure 1: AMSU-B 89 GHz image showing variations in water vapour over the ocean (blue areas are very dry over the ocean and orange and yellow are very moist) and snow cover over land (blue and green true and what it means for the Met Office. areas are deep snow cover over land)

On 13 October 1959, meteorological passes through clouds so we can ‘see’ microwave and infrared). This type of EFEA 10 MSG fog 23 Apr 2004 0400 UTC history was made when pioneering below clouds from space. satellite data has been available for American scientist Verner Suomi fixed Increasing impact of satellite data many years and provided freely to a camera to a satellite and showed the In the early days of weather satellites forecast centres — including the Met world a new way of looking at the the measurements were not Office — by NOAA, the American weather. Since then, the amount, particularly accurate and were limited national weather service. quality and importance of satellite in what they could achieve. Also, In 2002, NASA launched a new data have been increasing. weather forecasting centres did not infrared research instrument called There are two main types of satellite. have sufficiently well-developed the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder, The first — the geostationary satellite systems nor sufficient computer power which measures more than 2,000 — looks continuously at the same area to process effectively all the data for channels. This increase means that, for of Earth. Five of these are needed for a operational weather forecasting. the first time, changes in temperature constant view of the entire planet and As information derived from satellites of 1 °C can be resolved in layers 1 km to produce the movie loops of clouds became more sophisticated their thick (previous systems could only often seen on TV broadcasts. The impact on weather forecasting began resolve changes in 3 km thick layers). second type orbits the planet. By using to increase. These fine structures in temperature Fog temperatures and thickness three of these we can revisit the same with height are important for Subsequent improvements in view four or five times a day. These predicting the weather. The Met Office technology led to even more accurate polar orbiting satellites provide implemented a system to use this T < -1ºC -1< T <+1ºC T > +1ºC measurements. An example from the information on upper atmospheric NASA research data operationally in Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit is Figure 2: An image over the British Isles showing temperature and humidity, which May 2005. shown in Figure 1. This unit provided where fog is occurring (coloured areas). These change relatively slowly with time. an unprecedented quality and The METOP satellite images are generated at night and are valuable Onboard satellite instruments measure quantity of information on In 2006, similar infrared data will for aviation and traffic forecasts three bands of light: visible light we temperature and humidity, but still the become available on METOP, the first can see, infrared and microwave. The satellites only measured 40 channels in a series of European operational advantage of microwave light is that it (narrow bands of light, mostly polar orbiting satellites, operated by Science focus 16 www.metoffice.gov.uk

EUMETSAT — the European Organisation for the Exploration of Science profile Meteorological Satellites. The UK is a major contributor to METOP and will left their trails of destruction, Julian benefit from the data. METOP also found himself in demand by everyone how tropical cyclones will develop and continues the important microwave from the BBC to CNN. But appearing in which direction they will move. component of the satellite Tropical cyclones happen when trade in the media does not faze him observations which, unlike the winds in the tropics (both north and because, as Julian explains, his media infrared component, provides south of the Equator) converge at low training began while still at school. temperature and water vapour level over the ocean. Warm sea information in and below clouds, and “I did my first media interview when I temperatures lead to moisture being will remain important for numerical was 13,” he says. “It was on local radio, pushed up until it forms clouds. weather prediction (NWP) for many on a Saturday morning children’s slot If various atmospheric conditions are years to come. and I had to answer questions about right, these clouds grow and start to the weather fired at me by the show’s rotate. The term tropical cyclone is The benefits will keep growing hosts. Now I do a lot of media work used to describe all such revolving The arrival of the first METOP satellite Julian Heming during active periods of the hurricane storms. If the sustained winds are will build on the existing European Tropical Prediction Scientist season in the Atlantic. It can be a busy greater than 74 mph they are then also contribution to geostationary time, but at least I learnt the skills called hurricanes (in the Atlantic and satellites which was most recently early on.” eastern North Pacific) or typhoons advanced through the launch of the The Met Office employs professionals (in the western North Pacific). Meteosat second generation (MSG) and experts who are constantly satellite series in 2002. Together, expanding the boundaries of weather This year’s model METOP and MSG will deliver benefits and climate prediction. Here we meet These new techniques were first put in a range of areas, including NWP, one of them… into action in 1995 — one of the most cloud imagery, fog imagery, active years for Atlantic hurricanes on Julian Heming is the UK’s top environmental products (e.g. volcanic record. “In one fell swoop we reduced ‘storm chaser’, but instead of flying dust), rainfall products and climate the hurricane forecast errors by 30%,” into the eye of tropical storms and monitoring. An example of a fog says Julian. “The Met Office model cyclones he tracks them from the image from MSG is given in Figure 2. outperformed all others around the comfort of his desk at the Met Office These fog products are available every world that year and soon forecasters in Exeter. 15 minutes from MSG (prior to MSG from other countries such as the USA they were only available on polar There are few sights more awe- wanted to see Met Office forecasts to orbiting satellites two or three times inspiring than a hurricane at full Montage of satellites images of the track of aid them in forecasting tropical a day). force, and the scenes of destruction Hurricane Isabel. Courtesy of NOAA cyclones for their local area.” it leaves in its wake are always quick METOP is a 15-year programme, Since 1995, Julian has been working to hit our TV screens. during which we will continue to learn on continuous improvements and how to use the data more effectively. Hurricanes occur between June and A tropical debate refinements to the model. He is also Initial efforts will focus on using November in the Atlantic and parts Julian studied Physics and involved in long-term research microwave data to maintain existing of the Pacific Ocean. They can also Meteorology at Reading University projects; collaborating with fellow capability, with data from the other form off the coast of Australia and in before joining the Met Office in 1988. scientists and forecasters around the instruments exploited shortly the Indian Ocean between Here, he specialised in looking at ways world; checking that the tropical afterwards. November and March. in which forecasters could improve cyclone systems work; producing computer weather models. reports and carrying out verification We have already come a very long way. Although the devastation speaks for of forecasts. The impact of satellites on weather itself, the science behind hurricanes Julian’s early career led him to work on forecasts is now reported to exceed the needs more explanation, which is tropical weather conditions, Julian’s work also involves researching impact of non-satellite data. However, why Met Office scientist Julian collaborating closely with Professor and predicting monsoons, and it is clear that the quality and quantity Heming is often called upon to Johnny Chan of City University, Hong cyclical phenomena such as the of satellite data will continue to grow. present on radio and TV. As one of Kong. Using new techniques for Madden-Julian Oscillation (a pattern The challenge continues to be to fully the nation’s foremost specialists on intervening in prediction models by of tropical rainfall). But, predictably, exploit the potential of this golden age tropical cyclones he is a long- introducing ‘synthetic’ or ‘bogus’ it is his work with hurricanes that gets for satellite data in meteorology. standing favourite with the media. observations, Julian helped develop him all the media attention. When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita ways to deliver better information on 17 Science focus www.metoffice.gov.uk

But on a planet that is more than 70% onboard system, then geo-referenced ocean we would need millions of so that a map of SST is generated. thermometers to provide an accurate Aerosols — from volcanic eruptions, and complete global map of SST. large dust storms and forest fires — are Taking the temperature of the ocean a major challenge, as they are present In fact, there are thousands of surface in the atmosphere and depress the drifting buoys and moorings which measured SST by absorbing infrared measure SST and report back to the radiation. To overcome the aerosol A drop in the ocean Met Office several times a day, and problem, the AATSR uses a unique and many ships take meteorological innovative technique which measures Sea-surface temperatures are an important part of day-to-day measurements for us. However, all of infrared radiation from a forward and weather forecasting and point to how the climate is behaving. these observations — which measure vertical angle. By combining these SST using 3 mm diameter temperature observations, the AATSR is able to But with 70% of the Earth’s surface made up of water, how is the sensors — are just a drop in the ocean compensate for atmospheric aerosol temperature of the sea accurately measured? Met Office scientist because enormous areas such as the effects. wild seas of the Southern Ocean are Craig Donlon explains. Stitching together the big picture not measured at all. But even satellite observations of SST This is where satellite imaging helps, are not able to measure the entire by providing millions of measurements global ocean every day. The only way every day over the entire global ocean. to do this is to combine all available measurements and a new, Since 1962, when the first satellite collaborative project at the Met Office imaging system (TIROS-N) returned — called the Operational SST and Sea pictures of the Earth, the skills of Ice Analysis (OSTIA) — is doing just meteorologists and oceanographers this, by generating a global analysis of around the world have been SST using only the best quality revolutionised. observations from satellites, ships and In the early days, achieving an SST buoys. The AATSR is an essential input accuracy of better than 1°C from to the OSTIA system. observational equipment in space was The future a great achievement, but today this is Future European satellite systems are way off the mark. The most accurate now being developed to replace the system in space today is the European current set of instruments in space. Space Agency’s Advanced Along Track The European Space Agency Scanning Radiometer (AATSR), funded Sentinel-3 series planned for 2011/2 is by the UK’s Department of particularly important as it will carry Figure 1. Sea-surface temperature from North Atlantic FOAM at 1/9 degree resolution showing Environment and Rural Affairs. The a next-generation AATSR system. details of the mesoscale structure AATSR is able to measure the SST to an accuracy of better than 0.2°C from So, next time you are flying, think of The sea-surface temperature (SST) is an environmentally-friendly sources over 800 km above the ocean surface, the satellite systems that are tirelessly essential measurement for all weather of energy. which is better than most of us could measuring SST and the forecasters and ocean forecasting models and is achieve with a thermometer in the supporting your pilot by providing the The aviation industry too needs high used by the Met Office each day. bath. But how does the AATSR weather, ocean or seasonal forecasts resolution SST maps to identify warm instrument work? for your destination. And remember, SST helps forecasters to predict water areas that may trigger the weather and climate over our everyday offshore hazards such as fog cumulonimbus activity — a real The AATSR measures the infrared country today is, in part, determined — helping sailors make the most of danger to all aircraft. energy emitted from the sea surface of by the distant and ‘forgotten’ ocean their leisure time and shipping the ocean just like the heat from an Studying this data is also of great temperatures of some time ago — companies plan the safe passage of electric fire, but at a lower temperature. importance for climate researchers as which can only be measured perishable cargo. As it flies forward in an orbit around the ocean has a long memory thanks effectively from space. the Earth, the AATSR scans across the Increasingly, wind farms in coastal to its high heat capacity (the heat sea surface to build up an image of the areas rely on SST and predictions of content of the top three metres of the SST. The measured signals are sea breeze activity from the Met Office ocean is equal to that of the entire calibrated using a sophisticated in the move towards renewable, atmosphere above). Celebrity weather 18 www.metoffice.gov.uk

With very little equipment and even eight other parties turned back. Ian less experience, Chris and his friend and I thought it looked okay and took themselves up Snowdon, started our ascent. By 11am the skies blissfully unaware of the danger they were clear and we had a fantastic faced. climb. Three days later we climbed the North Wall of the Eiger [one of Chris explains: “I am sure we should climbing’s most formidable challenges have been warned off Snowdon, for in at the time]. In climbing you need to severe winter conditions even the listen to your hunches.” easiest way up can be dangerous and has claimed lives.” Feeling and forecasting But Chris has also been caught out by Part of the way into the ascent, the the weather and knows the heavy snowfall made progress very importance of heeding the signals. treacherous. Chris continues: “People can get too focused on “Suddenly, everything around us was finishing their climb and ignore the moving and we rolled and slid in a signs. It’s very important to be steadily moving chute of snow down sensitive to all the warnings.” the slope. We had no real comprehension of danger, and arrived So for Chris, judging the weather is a at the bottom laughing.” combination of “feeling and forecasting” and he maintains that If the conditions put his friend off you need both. Over his years as a mountains for good, they did little to climber he has seen forecasting change dampen Chris’ passion. He was dramatically. “In the 1960s we used to hooked and spent every spare moment get specific reports from the local area dreaming of the mountains and on regular forecasts for the Everest planning his next trip. region. Along with statistics and past Career peaks reports of the weather, we had enough The list of achievements that followed information on which to base our these early exploits is impressive. From decisions. But now, it’s incredible. Chris Bonington on Elbrus in Russia in 1993 his ascent of Annapurna II in Nepal in You can get accurate reports, no matter 1961; through leading many where you are in the world. It’s expeditions up awe-inspiring peaks definitely made planning expeditions such as Everest; to making the first easier.” ascent of Danga II in East Nepal with Spirit of adventure his son, brother and nephew in 2000; The passion that Chris feels for the Chris Bonington Chris’ life has always followed the path mountains and climbing shows little of adventure. In a career spanning sign of abating, and recent trips have more than 45 years he has earned Everest, K2, the Eiger… places that are distant dreams for including Ireland, Morocco, India and many accolades including a CBE in a return to Thyangboche, a small 1986 and knighthood in 1996. most people are places where Sir Chris Bonington forged monastery in Nepal with dramatic his career. As one of the country’s most famous climbers, During so many years at the height of views of Everest. one of the world’s toughest sports, he It seems that climbing is in Chris’ his life’s work is inextricably linked to the elements. So is the has developed a close relationship blood. When asked what he would be with the weather, but even in the early weather friend or foe? doing if he had not become a years he had a feel for its patterns and mountaineer he simply reiterates the whims. One memorable climb for title of his first book: “‘I Chose to There are few environments that put Born and raised in London by a family Chris was the 1962 ascent of the Climb’, and that is that.” people at the mercy of the elements who showed little interest in the Walker Spur in the Grandes Jorasses in more than the mountains, where the mountains, the source of his passion Chamonix, France, with Ian Clough. For more info on Sir Chris Bonington visit weather can change in moments and for peaks is mysterious. But, as a www.bonington.com. For info on mountain “We bivouacked at the bottom of the the results can be catastrophic. 16-year-old, his fascination led him to safety visit www.met office.gov.uk climb and were one of several parties Chris discovered this at an early age on persuade a school friend to take a trip ready to climb the next day, but there his first trip to the mountains of to Snowdonia in the Christmas break was high cloud in the morning and North Wales. for their first taste of mountaineering. Crosby, chills and splash You need an iron constitution to brave the beach all year round, especially if you are exposed to the elements. Luckily, an iron constitution is exactly what 100 figures on Merseyside’s Crosby beach have. Facing every weather condition the UK can throw at them, the cast-iron sculptures by Angel of the North creator Antony Gormley, will gaze out to sea for the next year. Moulded from his own body, the sculptures have previously stood in a river estuary in De Panne, Belgium, in 2003; on the shores of Stavenger in Norway in 1998 and at Cuxhaven in Germany in 1997. Says Gormley: “The seaside is a good place to do this. Here time is tested by tide, architecture by the elements.” More than 600,000 people are expected to visit the project, which has cost £150,000 to install and could generate £5m for the local economy.