The Weather Forecast Thread

I'm sure they said the same when they changed the music for MOTD.

I don't see the old graphics coming back (that would be stupid given the investment), but if what we've seen so far is representative of the full package, I don't see it surviving without some quiet modifications within the first few months.

Yes, I agree. Whilst I think the graphics are a HUGE step forward, the people they are aimed at will probably be scratching their heads.

I am expecting changes to be made VERY quickly- the 1st I would expect is increasing the distinction between the two browns.

I hope the BBC are prepared with extra operators from tomorrow......

DG

Ceefax have never had weather symbols, it's always been done like this::

http://teletext.mb21.co.uk/gallery/ceefax/bbc1-181-0586.jpg

BBCi then - it has symbols. And the charts online...

They can use these symbols for summaries on BBCi and online...
http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/tvdragon/wt130505d.jpg
and the new maps with its shading for everything else.

BBCi already had the new look a while ago. If you look now you'll see that the map is already brown, and the symbols are slightly different to the old ones (eg. lightning is now silvery as opposed to that reddy-orange).

I am sure it was originally planned for the BBC to retain the historic symbols for some part of the forecast. But this idea may now have been ditched all together. A shame really. Its like losing the BBC 1 globe all over again. RIP BBC Weather Symbols 1975 - 2005.

I'm looking at the new symbols for online and BBCi and to me the thing behind the temperature looks like a background when in fact I'm presuming that this shows the weather. Why bother changing them for something that is so complicated that no-one is going to understand? It's fine as it is.
To be honest I couldn't care less whether or not it will be raining in my village for around half an hour. I'd rather just know if there is a chance of rain and do I need the umbrella or sun cream?

First of all, take a chill pill, it's just a weather map. No point anyone getting wound up about it.

No forecast can tell you exactely when it'll rain. A forecast is a prediction.

I'm perfectly happy being told it might rain in the morning sometime or in the afternoon. I think a majority of people would be too. Most viewers simply want to know whether it'll rain or not and the current system does a perfectly good job.

Anyway, as I said, I look forward to seeing the new system in action and am happy to give it a week or two before I pass judgement.

Do you *really* think that it's "so complicated that no-one is going to understand" or do you think you might be over-stating things just a little?

This new system is perfect for you, then - all you need to do is look at the summary, and if you see rain, bring an umbrella. If you see blue sky, bring some sun cream. This system is much clearer in that it actually shows you simulations of the conditions you can expect to see!!

I fail to see how anyone would find it hard to understand conditions they see every day in the real weather. This is all the new system shows you - realistic images of what you can expect to see out the window.

It'll take a bit of adjusting, but when everyone has adjusted I'm sure they'll never look back.

I'm sure that'll look different on screen- they'll have to change the overall background as it clearly clashes with the forecast-representing backgrounds in the little boxes.