New weather forecasts for the Northwest Coast of Scotland and the Western Isles

22nd May 2009

The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the UK Met Office have announced a change to the Inshore Waters Forecasts that are broadcast on VHF radio by Stornoway and Clyde Coastguard during their Maritime Safety Information (MSI) broadcasts.

The change has come about as a result of consultation between the MCA, UK Met Office and the Western Isles Fisherman's Association to better define the difference in the weather conditions between the Atlantic coast of the Western Isles and the Minch, Little Minch & Sea of the Hebrides which is covered by the Ardnamurchan Point to Cape Wrath, including the Outer Hebrides forecast.

Using a computer model of historical weather data for the area, the Met Office determined that the highest average wind speeds were to be found in the area covering the west coast of the Western Isles, but also north of a line connecting the Butt of Lewis and Lochinver and also a line from Lochboisdale, South Uist, to the western coast of the Isle of Rhum. Winds of a lesser strength were generally found to be in the Minch, Little Minch, around the Isle of Skye and the Small Isles of Rhum, Eigg & Muck down to Ardnamurchan Point.

The description of these two new areas are as follows:
1. Ardnamurchan Point to Cape Wrath, excluding the Minch
2. The Minch, from South Uist and Rum in the south to Butt of Lewis and Lochinver in the north
(These areas are indicated on the attached chart of the area.)

These new forecasts are only available from Stornoway or Clyde Coastguard on VHF radio or by telephone. Clyde Coastguard only broadcast the Minch forecast (2) in their MSI broadcasts. The original Ardnamurchan Point to Cape Wrath forecast is still available from the Met Office website and via Navtex.

The MCA is a partner in the Sea Vision UK campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the sea and maritime activities. Sea Vision promotes the importance and economic value of the sector and works to highlight the exciting range of activities and career opportunities available to young people within the UK growing maritime sector. http://www.seavisionuk.org