Reflect

About Us

SkyWarn UK is an independent, internet based weather organisation. We currently operate two divisions: SkyWarn UK and SkyWarn UK OT (Overseas Territories). SkyWarn UK covers England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, where we have a network of more than 100 trained spotters. SkyWarn UK OT (Overseas Territories) is our newest venture, and covers the UK territories of Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our aim is to collect reports on specific severe weather events, and pass these on to relevant organisations. Organisations we pass reports on to include the UK Met Office, the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO), the European Severe Storms Laboratory / European Severe Weather Database (ESSL/ESWD), the US National Weather Service / National Hurricane Centre, and other relevant weather services. Such reports may then be used for forecast verification, preparation, and research. Reports may, at times, be passed to media outlets if warranted. We maintain a database of all reports received. All our spotters are volunteers, and SkyWarn UK makes no charge for membership. We are also a member of SkyWarn Europe - an umbrella organisation looking after the interests of many national european SkyWarn networks.

We recognise that severe weather spotting is dangerous. We therefore have implemented our 'SkyWarn UK Spotter Training Program'. The program consists of a presentation covering the basics of severe weather, the hazards, and how to minimise the risks. This presentation is then followed by a short test. Candidates are required to obtain a pass mark of at least 80% before being accepted and registered as a SkyWarn UK Spotter. Additionally, all registered SkyWarn UK spotters are required to abide by a Code of Conduct and Ethics.

It is important to remember that SkyWarn UK is not a weather forecasting agency. Our alerts are designed solely for the benefit of our network of spotters, in order to give them an idea of the type of severe weather event expected, along with its severity, and an idea of what to report. Reports are only made when the criteria has been met as per our reporting guidelines.

SkyWarn UK provides a number of resources from the SkyWarn UK website. These resources are available to both registered spotters, and members of the public, and inlcude books and branded merchandise. Sales of these items help to fund the organisation. We also have a forum where registered spotters can chat about anything weather related, and some things not!

Now you know a bit about who we are and what we do, why don't you join us? If you are interested in joining us and you live in the UK click here. If you live in one of the overseas territories listed above and would like to join us, click here. We would like to have you on board!

SkyWarn UK Homepage
SkyWarn UK OT Homepage

posted in About US16.08.09