The Weather Forecast Thread

Incase you missed it, here it is.
http://stneotsfc.net/ident/BBC_Weather.rm

(Right click & save as)
Note: This clip shall only remain online for the weekend, possibly longer though I cannot guaranttee that.

Oh dear!

Yes, the BBC symbols are very dated but going down the Sky route of weather forecasts no one really understands isn't acceptable.

Newsnight will have to reintroduce their weather bulletin so people understand what's happening!


P.S. Can I suggest that as for previous big relaunches this "pre-relaunch" speculation thread is closed on Monday to make way for a new thread discussing the changes once they appear on screen.

I really don't think the symbols are dated. They're bold, simple and easy to recognise. I just don't see the logic in replacing them with something less clear.

Imagine if the Highways Agency replaced simple road signs with 'realistic' representations of slippery roads or level crossings.

Just a thought, how is this new system supposed to distinguish between different types of cloud cover - in particular the difference between cloudy with sunny intervals and an overcast sky.

Using symbols it's obvious:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/bbcweather/images/symbols/1_sunny_day.jpghttp://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/bbcweather/images/symbols/3_sunny_int.jpghttp://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/bbcweather/images/symbols/2_part_cloud.jpghttp://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/bbcweather/images/symbols/8_black_lev_cloud.jpg

But with the new system it's either completely cloudy over your house or it's completely sunny.

Yes I like the symbols myself, I don't really like Sky's gfxs.

It will be interesting to see it on BBC World especially.

Some cities seem to have changed in the maps: in the Europe one, we'll have Madrid instead of Lisbon:

Before
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/antaragon/EurSym.jpg

After
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/antaragon/Esp2.jpg

Also, I love the detail in this map (I imagine this flyover will one be used in the European primetime slot):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v304/antaragon/Esp1.jpg

I suppose we still have to see the wind charts...
will there be a pressure chart, fronts and a temperature chart? I find it difficult to work out the temperature from a few scattered boxes..

Where do you get the impression that nobody understands them from?!

I've seen them for about 1 minute, and I'm already perfectly clear about things.

I do think replacing cloud with a 'darker brown' is a tad illogical, when they're telling us about how this is the sort of weather we see outside.

But, again, if you genuinely can't understand it, I feel for you. I think it's more the case that you're the sort of people who love to moan about everything and anything, saw the opportunity, and engaged in a collective whinge.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/home/images/main_promo/picture_promo/clearer_weather.jpg

hmmm...clearer?

Well looking at the videos on the Metra website - giving a very good look at what we can expect on Monday.

Yes yes I know we've got to reserve judgement and all that rubbish, but considering the videos provide 3 full two minute forecasts given by the usual BBC team I feel I can wade in and complain. Here goes...

http://www.jamesison.co.uk/misc/bbcweather1.jpg

Seems that the Midlands doesn't deserve a placename or a temperature on the somewhat limited fly-through. And don't give me any of this rubbish that I can work it out from the temperature in other places - it's meant to be clearer damn it!



http://www.jamesison.co.uk/misc/bbcweather2.jpg

Well this looks fairly nice, but is it really clear where it's raining? Admitedly it's followed by yet another limited fly through but still doesn't make it much clearer.



http://www.jamesison.co.uk/misc/bbcweather3.jpg

Regional forecasts seem to work best for once...it's fairly clear what we can expect on this graphic which is good. But still not a fan of the 3D view we have over the UK though...it only makes it harder to see exactly where you are as it's strange viewing it at an angle. But I suppose that's something you get used to.



http://www.jamesison.co.uk/misc/bbcweather4.jpg

Rather nice.



http://www.jamesison.co.uk/misc/bbcweather5.jpg

Marvellous! But advertising Scarborough fireworks!? Is Peter Gibbs after Paul Hudson's job. (It is the regional forecast though)

Looking at the second last image, is there enough space now to fit in four days' weather summary? The first day's forecast appears to be blocked by the presenter.