Weather (Meteorology)

Understanding weather, what causes it, and obtaining and interpreting forecasts will help us plan and enjoy our time on the water.

Learn how to find, read, interpret and monitor weather forecasts.

Approximately 3 hours

View Module details

One of the most significant effects of our time on the water is the weather. Understanding how it will impact our trip and planning accordingly will significantly influence our enjoyment and safety.

This module introduces the core principles of weather, synoptic charts, and sources of forecasts both for planning and real-time while on the water. The better our understanding, the greater our ability to consider the impact of the elements in our plans and, importantly, remain safe.

Join now for free!

Get immediate access to this and our other free member resources and help us build a vibrant, like-minded community.

Join Now

Skills covered

The module discusses finding, interpreting, using and monitoring weather forecasts. From the language used to its impact on your time on the water, you’ll learn where you can get forecasts and how to use them to help plan passages.

On completing this module, you’ll earn the meteorology insignia!

Meteorology

I can interpret and plan based on a weather forecast.

For this module, you will need the following:
RYA Training Charts 3 & 4 RYA Training Almanac Portland Course Plotter Dividers Pencil Notepad
The Day Skipper course pack includes the RYA Almanac and charts required to complete this module. Enrol for access, and your course pack will be dispatched within 24 hours.

Everything needed to complete this module is included in your course pack.

Downloadable resources:
Many of our downloads are available FREE! You don't have to be enrolled in one of our courses; you can study with any sailing school and still get access! Sign up for immediate access.

Downloadable resources are to support learning, not a pre-requisite for the sessions. You only need to download or print something if it helps your understanding of a topic.
Module downloads:
Cloud & Weather Front Spotter Just observing the clouds can indicate weather fronts and expected conditions.... Join for FREE Inshore Waters Forecast - Sea Areas The 19 inshore water sea areas covered by the inshore waters weather forecasts... Join for FREE Inshore Waters Forecast - Dumbarton to Farlow A fictional inshore waters forecast for the sea area Dunbarton to Farlow, part... Join for FREE Shipping Forecast Worksheet This worksheet contains details regarding the UK shipping forecast. It's used... Join for FREE Weather Forecasting Terminology This worksheet contains the terms used in the weather forecast and their definitions. ... Join for FREE Synoptic Chart An example synoptic chart used in the How to read a synoptic chart in the Weather... Join for FREE Barometric Pressure Change Meanings A list containing the common weather scenarios that can be interpreted from... Join for FREE Weather Broadcasts and Maritime Safety Information Her Majesty’s Coastguard is responsible in the UK for broadcasting marine... Join for FREE Weather Forecast Capture Sheet A worksheet for capturing weather forecast information to help interpret and... Join for FREE Beaufort Scale Details of the wind strength and other expected conditions for each Beaufort... Join for FREE

Students enrolled on a course have direct access to a briefing room where they can get instructor support. If you are enrolled on a course, log in to access your briefing room.