Shipping Forecast Terminology
The BBC Shipping Forecast covers 31 sea areas around the British Isles. It reports wind direction (the direction it blows FROM), wind speed (in Beaufort scale), weather (rain, fog, etc.), and visibility. Key terms include:
Wind: 'Veering' means shifting clockwise (e.g., SW to W). 'Backing' means shifting anticlockwise (e.g., W to SW). 'Imminent' = within 6 hours. 'Soon' = 6–12 hours. 'Later' = 12–24 hours.
Visibility: 'Good' = more than 5 nautical miles. 'Moderate' = 2–5nm. 'Poor' = 1,000m–2nm. 'Fog' = less than 1,000m. Sea state: 'Smooth' = wave height 0–0.5m. 'Moderate' = 1.25–2.5m. 'Rough' = 2.5–4m.
Key Points
- Veering = wind shifting clockwise
- Backing = wind shifting anticlockwise
- Imminent = within 6 hours
- Soon = 6–12 hours
- Later = 12–24 hours
- Good visibility = > 5nm
- Fog = < 1,000 metres
Tip: The wind direction in forecasts is where the wind blows FROM, not where it blows TO. A 'westerly' wind blows FROM the west.