Meteorological Office - there will be lots of weather about

The UK Met office issued their weather forecast for Summer 2007 on April 11th.

Precipitation

"Prospects for rainfall are uncertain. However, there are currently no indications of an increased risk of either a particularly dry or a particularly wet summer."

This forecast was "derived using global forecasting models and statistical methods."

The Met office today issued a Press Release ...

"Provisional rainfall figures (up to 28th August) show that the UK as a whole had 358.5mm of rain, just beating the previous record of 358.4mm in 1956. However, since it is such a narrow margin between the figures and further rainfall data has to be gathered, this summer could end up being the second wettest since the UK rainfall series began in 1914."

Using your skill and judgement spot the difference - you can call them on +44(0)1392 886655, e-mail pressoffice@metoffice.gov.uk. to express any views you may have on their capacity to ..."using global forecasting models and statistical methods" tell us what the weather will be like 3 months ahead and perhaps suggest they lay in a store of pine cones and seaweed as divining tools.

The Press release adds this note for Editors;

The Met Office is the UK's National Weather Service, providing 24x7 world-renowned scientific excellence in weather, climate and environmental forecasts and severe weather warnings for the protection of life and property.

..it's these witless fuckwhits who think they can tell us all about climate change and the anthropogenic effects on the weather.

More recently on 13th August these wise guys published this advisory ...

"With the Rolex Fastnet Race (14th-15th) taking place off south-west England this week, the Met Office has been working closely with the organisers throughout the weekend to warn them of the impacts of the unseasonable weather on the race. Doug Mansfield, Met Office Chief Forecaster said: "There is still a very small chance of severe weather disrupting the event."

211 boats out of 300 officially retired , only 60 boats crossed the finishing line. In the 1979 storm 85 boats finished the race.