BBC Weather Forecasters through the ages.

Posted on by Durham Weather

Let’s take a little journey through the BBC’s weather team history. The BBC has been a cornerstone of weather forecasting in the UK for decades, with its presenters becoming familiar faces to millions. I’ll break down the list into several sections: current presenters, notable historic ones, special mentions and early pioneers.

Current BBC Weather Presenters

  1. Carol Kirkwood
    • One of the most recognized faces in weather broadcasting, Carol Kirkwood has been with the BBC for over two decades. She’s beloved for her warmth and professionalism, presenting on BBC Breakfast. She has also branched out into writing novels. [Wikipedia]
  2. Tomasz Schafernaker
    • Known for his accuracy and sometimes cheeky sense of humor, Tomasz is a fan favorite. He’s been with the BBC for many years, despite a brief hiatus. [Wikipedia]
  3. Louise Lear
    • Louise has been presenting weather forecasts on the BBC since the late 1990s. She’s known for her clear and concise delivery, making even the dreariest forecasts sound appealing. [Wikipedia]
  4. Simon King
    • A former RAF meteorologist, Simon brings a wealth of knowledge to his forecasts. He’s often seen on BBC Breakfast and the BBC News channel. [Wikipedia]
  5. Sarah Keith-Lucas
    • Sarah joined the BBC in 2008 and has become a regular presenter, known for her calm and reassuring presence. [Wikipedia]
  6. Chris Fawkes
    • Chris has been with the BBC since 2001, starting his career at BBC Radio before moving to television. He’s now a familiar face on BBC News and the BBC World Service.
  7. Darren Bett
    • Darren has been with the BBC for over 20 years. His approachable style and clear forecasts have made him a staple on BBC News. [Wikipedia]
  8. Matt Taylor
    • Matt’s passion for weather and his engaging delivery make him a popular presenter on BBC Breakfast and other BBC platforms. [Wikipedia]
  9. Ben Rich
    • Ben is a newer face in comparison, having joined the BBC weather team a few years ago. He’s quickly made a name for himself with his detailed and accessible forecasts. [Wikipedia]
  10. Alina Jenkins
    • Alina is known for her work on BBC Radio 4 and the BBC News Channel, where she provides the latest weather updates with a smooth and engaging style.

Historic BBC Weather Presenters

  1. Michael Fish
    • No list of BBC weather presenters would be complete without Michael Fish. He became a household name after his infamous “no hurricane” forecast in 1987, but he remained a trusted and beloved figure until his retirement in 2004. [Wikipedia]
  2. Ian McCaskill
    • Another beloved figure, Ian McCaskill, was known for his lively and sometimes humorous presentations. He was with the BBC from 1978 until his retirement in 1998. [Wikipedia]
  3. Bill Giles
    • Bill Giles is another giant in the world of BBC weather. He joined in 1972 and became the BBC’s Chief Weatherman, overseeing the weather team for many years. [Wikipedia]
  4. John Kettley
    • John Kettley was a mainstay on the BBC from 1985 until 2000. He’s remembered for his friendly, approachable style and accurate forecasts. [Wikipedia]
  5. Francis Wilson
    • Francis was known for his work on BBC Breakfast and was one of the first presenters to bring a more conversational style to weather forecasting. He left the BBC in 1992. [Wikipedia]
  6. Peter Cockroft
    • Peter Cockroft was with the BBC for many years, starting in the 1980s. He became the chief weather presenter for BBC London before his retirement in 2013. [Wikipedia]
  7. Barbara Edwards
    • Barbara Edwards was the first female weather presenter on BBC television, starting in 1974. She broke new ground in a male-dominated field but left the BBC in 1978 to pursue other interests. [Wikipedia]
  8. Helen Willetts
    • Helen has been with the BBC since 1995 and was known for her clear and confident delivery. Though she’s not retired, her appearances have become less frequent, placing her somewhat in between current and historic categories. [Wikipedia]
  9. Paul Hudson
    • Known for his work on regional BBC programs, particularly in Yorkshire, Paul Hudson was a familiar face on Look North. He joined the BBC in the 1990s and became a regional favorite. [Wikipedia]
  10. Daniel Corbett
    • Daniel Corbett was known for his enthusiastic and detailed weather presentations. He joined the BBC in 1997 but later moved to the United States and then New Zealand, where he continues to present weather forecasts. [Wikipedia]

Special Mentions

  • Philip Avery
    • Philip was with the BBC for many years and was known for his detailed and insightful weather reports. Although he’s not on air as frequently now, he remains a respected figure in meteorology. [Wikipedia]
  • Suzanne Charlton
    • Suzanne, the daughter of football legend Bobby Charlton, was a popular presenter in the 1990s. She left the BBC to focus on her family and other interests. [Wikipedia]

Early BBC Weather Pioneers

  1. George Cowling
    • George Cowling holds the distinction of being the very first weather presenter on BBC television. On January 11, 1954, he delivered the inaugural televised weather forecast. Cowling, a professional meteorologist from the Met Office, set the tone for the serious, data-driven approach that would characterize BBC weather presentations for years. His broadcasts were brief and to the point, reflecting the limited technology of the time. [Wikipedia]
  2. Bert Foord
    • Bert Foord followed George Cowling and became one of the first regular weather presenters on the BBC, starting in the late 1950s. He was known for his clear, authoritative style and became a familiar face to viewers throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Foord was instrumental in popularizing the use of isobars and weather maps on television, helping the public better understand the forecasts. [Wikipedia]
  3. Jack Scott
    • Jack Scott was another early BBC weather presenter who joined the team in the late 1960s. A professional meteorologist, Scott brought a more relaxed and engaging style to the weather reports, which resonated with viewers. He was one of the first to incorporate a bit of personality into his presentations, making the forecasts more relatable. Scott worked with the BBC until the mid-1980s, becoming a well-loved figure in British television. [Wikipedia]
  4. Barbara Edwards
    • As mentioned earlier, Barbara Edwards made history in 1974 as the first female weather presenter on BBC television. Her presence was groundbreaking in an era when the field was dominated by men. Despite her relatively short tenure, Edwards left a lasting legacy, paving the way for future female meteorologists and presenters. [Wikipedia]
  5. Keith Best
    • Keith Best was a key figure in the BBC’s weather team during the 1960s and 1970s. He was known for his calm and reassuring delivery, providing forecasts during some of the most tumultuous weather periods in Britain. Best was particularly remembered for his work during the harsh winters of the 1960s, where his forecasts were critical for public safety. 
  6. Graham Parker
    • Graham Parker was another prominent figure in BBC weather broadcasting during the 1970s and early 1980s. He was known for his precise and clear explanations, making even the most complex meteorological phenomena understandable to the average viewer. Parker’s approach to weather forecasting was highly educational, helping viewers develop a better understanding of weather patterns. 

These are just some of the many weather presenters who have graced the screens of the BBC. The list is by no means exhaustive, but it covers many of the most significant figures, both past and present. BBC weather presenters have played an important role in informing the public, often becoming minor celebrities in their own right due to the British fascination with weather.

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