Is it possible to get real-time weather forecasts (for the UK) online

Asks Sheila

A. As a preoccupation with the weather is a national pastime in the UK - it goes without saying that there are numerous websites that feed our obsession. They all give real-time forecasts, but if you look out of your window you can tell what the weather is like today - so their forward planning forecasts are usually of more use. Some of the best sites, covering the UK, include the following:

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The Met Office

The granddaddy of weather forecasting, the Met Office forecasts are probably the most believed in the entire country - so this is a great website to get you started. It provides a huge amount of public access weather data and forecasts, including UK, world and city forecasts, weather warnings, UV index, charts, marine information and satellite imagery. It even provides information on the weather if you're out and about - with its customised forecasts for mobile phones and PDAs.

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This site also provides loads of services that meet the specialised needs of the business community, including tailored solutions for agriculture, aviation, the environment, leisure, marine, offshore and transport to name but a few. This site also includes in-depth articles on weather conditions and its effects e.g. why autumn is late this year (2001) and what affect this has on wildlife and the environment.

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This site is clearly thought out and cleverly put together and its education section is second to none - it covers weather data, its curriculum learning centre (for primary and secondary school students with worksheets and classroom activities, and a great "Did you know" section), teacher training centre (which helps teachers interpret the curriculum effectively and has great information on the atmosphere, fronts and clouds - plus lots of essay questions), it also includes booklets, posters, charts and activity packs for all ages.

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Met Check

This is another great site that provides all the normal weather services e.g. finding out what the forecast is for your area, news stories on current weather conditions and statistic lists e.g. the coldest and warmest places in the UK at the moment - but it also has some great add-on features.

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These include its activities for children - fun weather projects for kids, books and games plus a white Christmas forecast for 2001. With this facility you simply choose a county and Met Check lets you know the likelihood of snow in that area on Christmas Day - it is updated daily so could well change before the big day. Currently, there is a 60% change of snow in Sussex, a 70% chance in Lancashire and an 80% chance in Yorkshire for example - the site does however predict snow throughout the UK during Christmas week.

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This site also provides 6 hour, 24 hour, 48 hour, 14 day, 30 day and football forecasts. While all the above services are free - Met Check is also trying to make a bit of money out of its forecasts - so is now charging for its "The Best Day for..." section. So for example if you planning ahead for a wedding Met Check can predict the best day for it and as this is a premium service it charges you a �20 premium membership to use it - so for this money you will get a list of the best days to get wed up until September 2002. The Best Day For... service also covers BBQs, golfing, kite flying, outdoor concerts, storm chasing, sunbathing and surfing.

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BBC Weather

If you're used to having your weather forecasts from the BBC this site could be added to your favourites list as it has great sections on the UK (which includes a weather summary, temperature, pressure, wind, infra-red satellite, visible satellite and radar maps), the world, travel weather, sports and events, feature articles, a webcam, a message board, a special weather chat room and the shipping forecast of course.

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Online Weather

Although I found this site incredibly slow to download linked pages from its Home Page (at least one minute for each page) it did provide some great information - which can also be customised to be received via SMS, WAP or PDAs. It has some very detailed and comprehensive sections on cities, regional weather, now casts, ten day forecasts, sailing, mountains, motor sport, climate changes and times of sunrise and sunsets around the country.

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Planting season

If you're into gardening and want to know the best time of year to plant your bulbs or shrubs check out the BBC's Gardeners World site, this will also provide you with a five day weather forecast designed for gardeners if you type in your full postcode. Another good site that offers tips on the best time to plant or mow the lawn can be found at Discovering Annuals.

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Tanning days

If you're planning when to go on holiday in 2002 check out the predicted weather at Via Michelin or at Thomas Cook . If you're worried about flying in poor weather conditions check out www.landings.com or www.theyr.com and these sites will either put your mind at rest or give you far too much information and you'll decide not to board the plane at all!

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Big weather

If extreme weather conditions are your bag check out the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation, Wild Weather or Natural Hazards these sites provide information on hurricanes, tornados etc. some with photograph and video clips.

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If you have any other Internet related questions, please click here

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By Karen Anderson