Come Rain or Shine: Understanding the Weather

Uncover the forces behind the UK’s forecasts

Weather affects our lives every day—from what we wear to how we travel and what we eat. But why is it so often rainy, changeable, or surprisingly sunny in the UK?

On this course, you’ll explore the physical processes behind the UK’s distinctive weather patterns, through practical activities, weather experiments, and outdoor investigations.

Watch course experts carry out engaging demonstrations—from creating clouds and simulating rising air to illustrating the Coriolis effect. Then, get hands-on with weather map interpretation before understanding the difference between weekly and seasonal weather forecasts.

Learn the basics of weather and British weather maps

Begin by exploring key weather concepts, including the difference between weather and climate, and how pressure systems shape UK conditions. Learn to read weather maps as used by the Met Office, identifying features like depressions, cold fronts, and jet streams — and develop your ability to interpret UK forecasts.

Understand air masses, precipitation, and Earth’s energy balance

As you progress, you’ll learn about the formation of air masses and how they impact British weather, from Saharan heat to Arctic chills, and explore how precipitation forms in our varied regional climates.

With hands-on activities, you’ll gain the skills to understand physical processes and climate trends.

Explore tropical weather systems and global impacts

You’ll wrap things up by examining the fascinating world of tropical weather systems, including El Niño, monsoons and tropical cyclones, and their impact on weather in the UK.

By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid grasp of weather fundamentals, improved map-reading skills, and a sharper insight into the systems that shape Britain’s ever-changing skies.

This course is for anyone interested in learning about the weather, whether you’re a beginner or have some prior knowledge.

It’s ideal for Met Matters or Weather Watchers members, geography teachers in the UK, or anyone looking to deepen their understanding of weather forecasts.

This course is for anyone interested in learning about the weather, whether you’re a beginner or have some prior knowledge.

It’s ideal for Met Matters or Weather Watchers members, geography teachers in the UK, or anyone looking to deepen their understanding of weather forecasts.

• Interpret synoptic charts and use them to describe weather details such as wind speed and direction, precipitation and cloud cover.
• Explore depressions and discover why they are so significant in mid-latitude locations such as the UK.
• Investigate the physical processes behind weather, such as warm air rising, cloud formation and the Coriolis effect with experiments you can do at home.
• Record your local weather conditions and share your findings.
• Reflect on the processes that affect the Earth’s atmosphere and therefore climate, both natural (volcanoes, orbit) and man-made (greenhouse gases).
• Apply your understanding of mid-latitude weather systems to analyse weather data and images.