Postcode Sector Weather Forecasts

# Introduction

We’ve developed Postcode Sector Data to help you identify the impact of the weather on your business and use this actionable intelligence to inform your decision making and plan effectively.

<p><br/></p>

# What is in this product?

This product includes forecast data for the next 14 days, available in hourly, three-hourly and daily timesteps and retained for 30 days. The product also includes an archive of forecasts in three-hourly timesteps that will continue growing until a two-year retention limit is reached in July 2026. The product is available for all UK postcode sectors, and includes all available parameters:

- Temperature - Temperature, ‘Feels Like’ Temperature, Max/Min Temperature, Feels Like T Range, Surface Temperature, Temperature Range, Feels Like T Range, Dry Bulb Freezing Level, Wet Bulb Freezing Level, Relative Humidity, Mean Sea Level Pressure
- Wind - Wind Speed, Wind Direction, Wind Gust, Max Wind Gust
- Precipitation - Precipitation Amount, Precipitation, Snow Amount (rain equivalent), Snow Depth mm (water equivalent)
- Cloud - Cloud Amount < 200feet oktas, Low cloud amount oktas, Medium cloud amount oktas, High cloud amount oktas, Total cloud amount oktas, Visibility
- Other - Weather Code, Daytime Nighttime
- Solar - UV Index 0 to 13, Sunshine Duration, Instantaneous Direct Downward SW radiation, Instantaneous Direct Downward SW radiation, Instantaneous Diffuse Downward SW radiation, Integrated Diffuse Downward SW radiation
- Probabilistic - Probability of Precipitation, Probability of Snow, Probability of Heavy Snow, Probability of Rain, Probability of Heavy Rain, Probability of Hail, Probability of Lightning, Probability of Mist, Probability of Fog, Probability of Sun / Clear Skies, Probability of LVP

The Postcode Sector Data product also includes our archive of "best estimate" observations that stretches back to 2011, is updated monthly and is sourced from our Nowcast Analysis. These data combine our station, satellite and radar observations onto a 2km grid, with terrain adjustment to interpolate between station locations, giving a best estimate of actual weather conditions in population centres.

<p><br/></p>

# What is the Postcode Sector data set?

Postcode Sector Data includes model-generated hourly forecasts for up to 14 days, available for postcode sectors (e.g. EX1 1) within the UK and Northern Ireland and larger cities in the Republic of Ireland. Postcode Sector Data includes information for over 80 parameters such as temperature, wind, rain, snow, solar, cloud and more. The dataset is created by blending eight supercomputer Weather Prediction Models and incorporates real-life surface, satellite cloud and radar rainfall observations. By combining models, we can eliminate errors and produce more accurate forecasts. Postcode Sector Data also includes a probabilistic forecast for several parameters, allowing us to better express uncertainty around forecast conditions. Understanding the probability of certain weather events occurring will allow you to better assess risk and make informed decisions.

<p><br/></p>

# Further guidance

- [Weather forecast parameters and locations](https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/binaries/content/assets/metofficegovuk/pdf/data/postcode-sector-data-parameters-and-locations.pdf)
- [Weather forecast by sector postcode key benefits](https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/binaries/content/assets/metofficegovuk/pdf/data/postcode-sector-data-key-benefits.pdf)
- [Weather forecast FAQs](https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/binaries/content/assets/metofficegovuk/pdf/data/postcode-sector-data-faqs.pdf)

<p><br/></p>

# Iterative Service Development

We are committed to continuous improvement and iteration based on user feedback and usage patterns. Your input is invaluable for shaping the future of the Postcode Sector Weather Forecasts listing and we welcome any feedback that you may have.

<p><br/></p>

# Terms and Conditions

https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/binaries/content/assets/metofficegovuk/pdf/data/met-office-data-licence-terms16082024.pdf

Thank you for being part of our journey!