We receive many weather observations from Met Office staff at various locations, such as airfields. We also benefit from UK weather stations run voluntarily by private individuals, local authorities, water companies, agricultural bodies, industrial concerns, universities, and other educational and research establishments.

Weather observations must be made regularly at fixed times each day throughout the year by a trained observer, using accurate instruments of standard design. Only then can we compare reports from stations in the UK and overseas.

This is why a number of conditions must be met for us to recognise you as a voluntary station, and especially that there is a requirement for observations in your area. Only then can your observations be entered into the National Meteorological Archive.

More information on making weather observations
(PDF, 165 kb)

More information on manual weather measurements
(PDF, 233 kb)

More information on automatic weather measurements
(PDF, 3.18 Mb)

Rules for rainfall observers
(PDF, 557 kb)

Rules for rainfall observers - easy reference pages
(PDF, 74 kb)

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