By South China Morning Post | Created at 2025-01-01 01:31:23 | Updated at 2025-01-03 22:13:28
2 days ago
The BBC on Wednesday celebrates 100 years of a weather forecast for sailors in British waters that has inspired musicians and poets and become an immovable fixture on UK radio.
The Shipping Forecast, providing predictions by the Met Office on expected wind speeds, sea state, weather and visibility, began as a vital service to sailors and sea captains who may be in peril at sea.
Modern seafarers can now rely on sophisticated forecasting technology but the calm, rhythmic delivery of the forecast by one of BBC Radio 4’s silky-voiced continuity announcers has turned the forecast into something of a beloved British institution.
Radio 4 controller Mohit Bakaya described The Shipping Forecast as a “cherished ritual” and “one of our national treasures”.
He said the centenary would be marked with a day-long series of programmes on Wednesday.
