How to check actual current weather

[jimg]

Not sure if every one knows about the National Coastwatch Institiution, but it is run by a bunch of volunteers who man watch stations around the coast.
They will give you a reading of their local wind speed, direction, etc if you give them a call.

As some one involved in help set up the latest station at the mouth of the Dart ( Froward Point ) I would be interested to know if you have heard of them.

http://www.nci.org.uk/stations.htm

 

[Joe_Cole]

Re: Do have a look at this

I really am surprised at the low response to this posting and its partner on the Mobo site.

For those of you who don't know the NCI setup, they use the old Coastguard lookout stations and you can call them to get a detailed report on local conditions. If you are heading their way you can call ahead and then decide whether or not to make the trip. If you are in harbour you can find out what conditions are like outside (The new Dartmouth site will be useful for this; conditions in harbour always seem to be so different when we poke our nose out!)

The only small problem seems to be that, at present, they are not allowed to use VHF so it does mean that you need to use a mobile.

The whole thing is run on a voluntary basis and, frankly, their website and publicity does seem a little amateurish BUT the service is very professional. I really think that we should all do whatever we can to support them. Do have a look at their website, ignore the fact that it's basic, but make a note of the phone numbers for future reference. (The numbers are now in Reeds Almanac as well)

Sorry if I sound a little evangelical about this. I have no connection with them but I have been very impressed when I have felt the need to call them.

 

[BrendanS]

Re: Do have a look at this

I guess it's either one of those things you already know about, or don't.

In the case of those that do, there didn't seem much need to respond, though I probably should have, to reinforce the comments. I've spent many a happy hour sitting on the bench next to the St Albans head one, watching boats go through the race. Yes, it's a great service, and much under utilised, so hopefully these threads will let those not in on the secret to discover more about it.

 

[machurley22]

Re: Do have a look at this

I voted YES and NO as did the majority (to date) and since forumites are generally well-informed and since the service is restricted geographically this is perhaps unsurprising.