Weather Forecast - Operational Delivery Profession

Department

The Met Office - The UK’s national meteorological service. It provides weather forecasts, warnings, and climate information across the UK and internationally.

Intent

To help people access clear, timely, and location-specific UK weather forecasts to support everyday decisions, travel, safety, and operational planning. Forecasts help individuals, businesses, and public services prepare for conditions such as rain, wind, heat, and severe weather.

Interaction

Accessing and using a Met Office forecast is primarily a digital interaction, supported by Operational Delivery Profession (ODP) colleagues when needed.

ODP colleagues help people understand current conditions and forecasts, including what weather is expected, how likely it is, and what impact it may have. They clarify differences between local and regional forecasts and explain why forecasts can change.

They also support users in navigating Met Office services, helping them find location-specific forecasts, interpret weather maps and symbols, and access information in suitable formats. Assisted digital support ensures accessibility for people with limited digital skills or connectivity.

When severe weather is forecasts, colleagues explain warnings (yellow, amber, red), what they mean, and what actions people should consider. They also highlight when warnings may change and signpost to additional advice from relevant authorities.

Where weather has wider impacts, colleagues help connect people to further information, such as travel updates, flood risk, or public health guidance during heatwaves or cold weather.

Throughout, colleagues provide clear, accurate information, respond to queries, and maintain public confidence by sharing trusted Met Office updates.

Responsibilities

Interact with the public and partners through Met Office digital channels (website/app), contact centres, community outreach, and cross-government operations rooms.

Provide clear explanations of forecasts and weather warnings

Support access to Met Office digital services and alternative formats

Help users understand potential impacts and practical actions

Signpost to relevant services (e.g. travel, flood, health advice)

Ensure information is accurate, consistent, and based on official sources

Handles queries and accessibility needs appropriately

Collaboration

Organisation / Body	Role or Linked Process
Local Authorities	Road gritting, community alerts, and public safety decisions.
Department for Transport, National Highways, Rail and Aviation Operators	Adjusts operations based on weather conditions and provide travel updates.
Environment Agencies	Uses forecasts to issue flood warnings and risk information.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) & NHS	Trigger heat and cold weather responses to protect vulnerable people.
Emergency Services & Local Resilience Forums	Coordinate response to severe weather events.
Utilities and Infrastructure	Prepare for weather-related disruptions to power, water, and telecoms.
Marine and Coastal Operations	Uses marine forecasts for safety and operations.
Education, Events, and Employers	Plan activities safely based on forecast conditions.