We've tried to make the weather site as easy to use as possible, but there will always be times when something doesn't do quite what you expect it to do!
To help you find the answer to your query, we've put together a quick list of some of the most common questions we're asked at the BBC Weather Centre. Click on the question that best fits your own problem and the page will scroll to our suggestions.
If you still can't find the answer to your query, then please write to us at weather@bbc.co.uk, and we'll do our best to help.
The page I'm looking at has out of date information on it.
If the pages you are viewing on the BBC Weather Centre site seem out of date, your web browser may not be updating them.
With a site like ours, which is constantly changed throughout the day you need to tell your browser to look for the latest pages on the site, otherwise it will look at the last version you viewed (to speed up connection times).
To show the most recent page, try clearing out your cache by pressing Ctrl and Refresh to ensure the most up-to-date pages appears. You can do this automatically if you set your browser's options to check for a new page every time you visit:
Internet Explorer 4 and above:
- Choose Tools/Options/General/
- Click on the "settings" button in Temporary Internet files and choose the option "Check for new page every visit to page."
Netscape Navigator 4 and above:
- Edit/Preferences/Advanced/Cache
- Choose "Document in cache is compared to document on Network EVERY TIME"
Some work networks and Internet Service Providers also have caches in their system to save bandwidth. These may be set to refresh only every day or few days rather than every time a user accesses a site.
How do I select my home town?
- Select the location you want to set as your home town
- Click on 'make this my home town'
- Press Refresh on your browser
The hometown system relies on cookies to remember your choice of town. If you can't get the system to work properly, it's probably that your browser refuses to accept cookies. You can normally change this in your browser's options.
I can't find my town in the postcode finder
The postcode/postal town database is designed to help you locate the weather information in the UK that is most relevant to you. If you can't find your town by typing it in, then try using the first part of your postcode, which will direct you to the nearest major town. For towns outside the UK, use the location finder for World Weather.
I can't find what I'm looking for
With so much information on the site - it can be difficult to find the information you're after. As a first approach, try the Fastfind menu in the green bar at the top of every page. This lists the main sections of the site. If you have no luck, try typing in a keyword into the search box, which also sits in the green bar (don't forget to double check your spelling). If you still can't find it on our site, then visit the Weather Webguide, which has a list of other resources on the Internet, which might provide what you're looking for.
I can't see the animated weather maps
The satellite, wind and radar maps require that your browser is Java enabled. You can change this in your browser option. This varies from browser to browser, so the simplest way to find instructions is to search on "Java" in your browser's help options.
I can't watch the videos or listen to the audio
Video and audio requires the free plug-in RealPlayer, which is available for download from the Real Networks site.You can also find a free copy on many of the free CDs given away with computer magazines. Alternatively if you would like to visit BBCi WebWise you will find a step-by-step guide to help you install these plug-ins.
I can't see the animations or games in Weatherwise
To view these animation you need the free Shockwave plug-in, which is available for download from the Macromedia site.
You can also find a free copy on many of the free CDs given away with computer magazines. Alternatively if you would like to visit BBCi WebWise you will find a step-by-step guide to help you install these plug-ins.
