19/02/2009
Insurers Can Ease Burden Of Weather-Related Claims
A new service from the Met Office, designed to help insurance companies improve their service regarding weather-related claims, has been launched.
Traditionally, insurers have had to rely on a limited number of weather observations and then estimate the weather in between.
ClaimCheck, backed by innovative use of computer modelling, builds a detailed picture of weather for any given hour right across the country at a resolution of 2km, mapped to individual postcode sectors.
Commenting on the developments, Met Office senior scientist, Simon Jackson said: "We use a wide variety of observing instruments such as satellites and rainfall radar, as well as physical models of these 'modelled weather analyses' are used each day to supplement the traditional observing network."
Impacts from severe weather are expected to increase as our climate changes with a coincidental increase in weather-related property damage and claims. ClaimCheck allows insurers to manage their claims, and is designed around a database requiring only a postcode and date to provide all the relevant weather information needed to assess a claim.
Cathy Durston, head of Met Office Consulting, says the scientific capability gives Met Office customers an edge, stating: "We have for some time recognised the problem caused by the limitations of traditional observing networks.
"The practice of interpolating conditions based on limited observations is unsound because of influences such as mountains and other geographic features on the weather.
"ClaimCheck plugs the gaps in weather reports providing insurers with the same quality information as used by our forecasters."
(JM/BMcC)
Traditionally, insurers have had to rely on a limited number of weather observations and then estimate the weather in between.
ClaimCheck, backed by innovative use of computer modelling, builds a detailed picture of weather for any given hour right across the country at a resolution of 2km, mapped to individual postcode sectors.
Commenting on the developments, Met Office senior scientist, Simon Jackson said: "We use a wide variety of observing instruments such as satellites and rainfall radar, as well as physical models of these 'modelled weather analyses' are used each day to supplement the traditional observing network."
Impacts from severe weather are expected to increase as our climate changes with a coincidental increase in weather-related property damage and claims. ClaimCheck allows insurers to manage their claims, and is designed around a database requiring only a postcode and date to provide all the relevant weather information needed to assess a claim.
Cathy Durston, head of Met Office Consulting, says the scientific capability gives Met Office customers an edge, stating: "We have for some time recognised the problem caused by the limitations of traditional observing networks.
"The practice of interpolating conditions based on limited observations is unsound because of influences such as mountains and other geographic features on the weather.
"ClaimCheck plugs the gaps in weather reports providing insurers with the same quality information as used by our forecasters."
(JM/BMcC)
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17 December 2010
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All part of the UK and the Irish Republic are today heading for a blanket of heavy show as the Met Office predicted night-time temperatures will drop to -5C in some parts of the country.
Big Freeze Returns To British Isles
All part of the UK and the Irish Republic are today heading for a blanket of heavy show as the Met Office predicted night-time temperatures will drop to -5C in some parts of the country.
08 August 2014
Yellow Severe Weather Warning Issued
A severe weather warning has been issued for Wales. The Met Office has issued the yellow warning, saying that heavy rain, strong winds and large waves along the coast, could affect transport and cause disruptions. The weather is being created by the remains of Atlantic hurricane Bertha, which is making its way towards the UK, the Met Office said.
Yellow Severe Weather Warning Issued
A severe weather warning has been issued for Wales. The Met Office has issued the yellow warning, saying that heavy rain, strong winds and large waves along the coast, could affect transport and cause disruptions. The weather is being created by the remains of Atlantic hurricane Bertha, which is making its way towards the UK, the Met Office said.
27 January 2014
Met Office Issues Severe Weather Warning
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning, covering most of the country. It is expected to be in place until 22:00 on Monday night. The forecaster has warned of falling temperatures, which could lead to icy, frozen surfaces in untreated areas. Some 14 flood warnings also remain in place, which have been issued by the Environment Agency.
Met Office Issues Severe Weather Warning
The Met Office has issued a severe weather warning, covering most of the country. It is expected to be in place until 22:00 on Monday night. The forecaster has warned of falling temperatures, which could lead to icy, frozen surfaces in untreated areas. Some 14 flood warnings also remain in place, which have been issued by the Environment Agency.
08 November 2011
Roads Minister Urges Drives To 'Take Time'
The Highways Agency, which is responsible for England’s motorways and other strategic roads, is urging road users to make time for winter and prepare for severe weather. The agency said it had a fleet of 500 "state of the art" winter vehicles on stand-by, supported by tried and tested winter resilience plans.
Roads Minister Urges Drives To 'Take Time'
The Highways Agency, which is responsible for England’s motorways and other strategic roads, is urging road users to make time for winter and prepare for severe weather. The agency said it had a fleet of 500 "state of the art" winter vehicles on stand-by, supported by tried and tested winter resilience plans.
01 February 2011
Weather Forecasts To Launch In Welsh And Gaelic
The Met Office has launched Gaelic and Welsh language forecasts on its website, providing the latest weather forecasts and warnings to the 600,000 Welsh speakers and 58,000 Gaelic speakers, along with thousands of learners across the UK.
Weather Forecasts To Launch In Welsh And Gaelic
The Met Office has launched Gaelic and Welsh language forecasts on its website, providing the latest weather forecasts and warnings to the 600,000 Welsh speakers and 58,000 Gaelic speakers, along with thousands of learners across the UK.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.