Microburst

On the subject of timings, I should point out that most if not all of BBC1s output is broadcast pre-programmed by computer where all timings are to the second. You may have noticed the weather broadcast is faded sometimes before the presenter has finished. This is due to overrun and a computer fades and cuts into the next item. The whole process should be watched over by the network director and his team who oversee smooth segways into items. Oh digital technology!!! It is most unlikely that extra time will be added to weather bulletins after the news in the near future. It is possible weather broadcasts maybe at different times tomorrow because of the BBC industrial action.

Thought you might like a link to a questions and answer session Helen Willetts did last Friday morning on BBC Breakfast on the BBC weather graphics. You will need a media player to watch the interview. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/breakfast/4563935.stm MB

There is a big difference between the sources of confusion. The complaints the BBC allegedly received relating to use of pressure charts etc. will have been about confusion caused by the forecast presentation being too technical and advanced for their tastes, and/or geared towards people with more of an interest in weather than them. The current confusion is completely different: it is caused by very simple layman weather stuff (sunshine, rain, temperatures) being presented in a manner such that many people find it difficult to interpret what is happening where. Again, I'm not trying to have a go at the BBC here, I just think that while some of the complaints have been unfair and attacking the BBC, many perfectly valid constructive points are being completely ignored, whether through being fobbed off by points that don't stand up to scrutiny, or being tarred with the same brush as various non-constructive whinging. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> How do you know the constructive points made are being ignored??? You don't! So lets just wait and see how things develop. MB

Yes, Jackone, I think you and everyone interested in the new 3D graphics will find Countryfile interesting this week. For your information: New Countryfile Weather John Craven visits the BBC Weather Centre in London to find out how new, cutting-edge graphics are being used to put together the Countryfile forecast. He speaks to weather centre manager Andrew Lane about the controversy surrounding the move to the 3D graphics and to meteorologist Peter Gibb as he prepares the first new-look Countryfile weather forecast. 1130 until 1200 BBC 1 Enjoy MB

I don't understand why you feel so surprised you get an automated response e mail. At least it is an acknowledement which is more than some companies bother to do. As I have said before the BBC does not have the resources the sit someone down and reply to every letter and e mail received. BBC Information is a good port of call the number I gave in this thread a few postings back. MB

Touche!! ballybabe. I totally agree with what you say. Nice to see someone else sticking up for the Beeb for a change - although it is not easy at times! MB

BBC personnel are a lot more understanding than people realise Jackone. Incidentally does this website have the facility to do a live webchat? Perhaps someone could say.

Last time I looked I wasn't automated!

UPDATE FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION - (press release) 1530 19/05/05 The BBC has been forced onto the defensive over its new £1m weather forecasts after an avalanche of complaints from viewers, politicians, disability groups and even its own former weather presenters. Hundreds of people have complained about the 3D bulletins, in which "virtual reality" clouds and rain are animated over a beige-coloured British Isles. Viewers complained the new forecasts were confusing, induced motion sickness, and under-represented Scotland and the north of England. Bill Giles, the BBC's former chief weatherman, branded them "very confusing". Andrew Lane, the manager of the BBC Weather Centre, admitted it would "take a little time for people to get used to the new system". But he said the 3D forecasts, which have even been the subject of an early day motion in parliament, will give viewers "the extra clarity and detail they have told us they want from our forecasts". "We have introduced a new system because our old graphics were criticised as 'staid', 'flat' and 'boring' in the audience research we carried out. Central to the new look, therefore, is a 3D perspective of the UK," he said in a lengthy statement published on the BBC's website. "This change enables us to take viewers on 'tours' of the nations and regions, and to show in clearer detail than before what the weather is doing. Scotland, for instance, is actually no smaller than on the old 2D maps, but with the new 3D forecast, the bottom part of the map is closer to the viewer." But the Scottish National party, whose MP Angus MacNeil tabled an early day motion in the Commons in protest at the new forecasts, today stood by its claim that Scotland had been shrunk by the BBC's weather map. Mr MacNeil called on viewers to "flood the BBC with complaints". "There would be outcry in London if the map was angled from the north, because it would have Barra bigger than London and Lewis twice the size of the south-west," he said. "We are well used to changeable weather, but this map is a change too far." An SNP party official said today it was "just not true" that Scotland had not shrunk in the new forecasts. "It is quite clear that if the map was viewed from the other way round then you would have to squint to see London. It is all about perspective." The new weather forecasts were unveiled on Monday. Although the BBC's in-house magazine, Ariel, claimed it had "gone down a storm with all but the most nostalgic of viewers", hundreds of complaints have poured in. The BBC's former weather chief, Bill Giles, who retired five years ago, said the new forecasts were "too much, too quickly. The new technology is very clever, but I don't think they've thought it through carefully enough." His comments were echoed by the Daily Telegraph's Philip Eden, who said the BBC had "got too excited about its new box of tricks. I judge a forecast on three criteria: is it simple? Is it clear? And does it provide information? The first two certainly aren't ticked, and there seems to be less information about the temperature and wind." But the BBC said viewers were often confused by the amount of information given to them. "Many people do not understand pressure charts and feel disenfranchised when they are shown," said Mr Lane. "However, we will continue to use them when they help to tell the weather story. "We decided to use a plain background for the maps and the colour chosen was the one that enables us to show the weather details over it in greatest clarity." The Disability Rights Commission and the Royal National Institute for the Blind warned that visually impaired people may struggle to decipher the symbols. ITV revealed this week it had been offered the same graphics software but turned it down because they thought the "excessive use of 3D graphics would just leave the viewer confused".

Worcester Park strange? never!..... quickest way to the A3 I know! Spent many a daily half hour queueing in traffic at the numerous sets of traffic lights in Central Road and yes, sometimes in Sizzling Heat! if we get a Summer this year!

Hi John, I am pleased that the pleasant Scots lady was able to help. Most Scots ladies are as I am married to one!! As and when I find any further information about the trials and tribulations of these graphics and the ongoing drama unfolding around them, I will let everyone know. Weather forecasts on Monday look like being unaffected by the 24 hour strike at the BBC at this stage. Best wishes to all MB

Stop trying to provoke me John. You do nothing for your cause. There maybe safety in numbers with people here all agreeing with each other and slating the BBC beyond recognition but then people do that all the time. Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown! I suggest you phone BBC Information to obtain an answer from those who schedule programmes 0870 010 0222 as to the timings allocated for weather. BBC Scheduling should help you - failing that write to the new controller of BBC1 Peter Fincham. You say I dont seem willing to engage in constructive discussion. RubbiDoh a dumb swear filter got the better of me It's what I have been trying to do amidst the barrage attack from you lot. However I am told BBC Information is there for you to ask so maybe it would be better if you go down this route as I don't seem to be able to help you. MB

In a word, Yes! but lets not get political there. The politics surrounding the graphics are enough at the moment.

No offence taken Phil. I am sure things do need to be improved and looked at and I have noted what you say too. I will try to find out where the BBC research into this has come from probably out of house as the BBC do employ outside market research agencies to do this sort of stuff. It will also be interesting to see if we get any weather bulletins at all on Monday ne3xt week when most of the BBC staff are on strike for 24 hours.

Hi Snow Raven, I completely understand what you are saying and have noted.Yes, even though it may not appear so, people at the BBC are VERY aware of the unhappiness the new graphics have caused. I can assure you there are teams looking into this now so please be patient and I am sure things will improve. If I learn anything new to pass on I will post it here MB

Hi John, I am sorry but I feel unable to comment any further for the time being, be it timescales or data. Yes, there have been a lot of good points made in the past 3 days but equally a lot of silly sarcastic swipes at the BBC which I feel obliged to defend to a degree. I understand there are a lot of people who do not like the change, but we have to be realistic. I am more than happy to take constructive points made on here to those who matter in the BBC if I can and to give response where I am able, but I see no point in 'point scoring' with people on here. MB

You Sir, are entitled to your opinion. When people have finished throwing all their toys out of the pram then we can have some sensible discussion. No one clains the BBC is perfect. I don't claim to be either but at least I try to be objective and positive.

We (some of my BBC colleagues) and I have just been looking at the posts about the new weather graphics on this website today. Why are you all being so negative? It's very strange. There is plenty on this new system to be positive about although you probably haven't seen it yet. OK then you will just have to be patient. Just because the 'status quo' has been rocked a bit, from the way some of you react it's like the bottom has fallen out of your world! These are weather graphics we are talking about. Expensive weather graphics that need time to bed down like any good rose before it blossoms. Sorry to talk cliches, but I'm sure you will understand. With regard to Andy Lane's letter it is self explanatory and was sent out to many people as a polite reply. The BBC has not the rescources to allow one person write individual letters on this scale. The points that have been made by callers and e-mailers to the BBC have been passed on to the MO and BBC Weather management. They are very aware that a proportion of the general public have a dislike for the change in service. However the new graphics are here to stay and changes will no doubt be made in time as and where necessary. Yes, there are now more live weather inserts in to News 24 daily and yes, sorry but duplication meant the loss of the 1855 national weather bulletin. There is now one weather broadcast at 1827 Mon - Fri, lasting for about 2 minutes. No one ever claims to get things right all of the time and I dare say the same goes for some of the contributors to this board. Lets just give change a chance. The old graphics I'm sorry to say are now history. MB

Intense thunderclap woke everyone in South London at 06.35.

Intense Rain over the BBC in West London - who have we upset now!