From 15th October 2005 'Weather7' will be using the following criteria for issuing UK severe weather products.

Severe Weather Warning

Weather7 will issue a Severe Weather Warning whenever a severe weather event that falls within our criteria is expected within the next 24 hours. This product highlights areas under the Warning, as well as likely impacts and any preparedness actions that should be taken.

Severe Weather Watch

Weather7 will issue a Severe Weather Watch whenever a severe weather events that meets our criteria is possible within the next 48 to 72 hours, or is possible within 24 hours but at low confidence.

Special Weather Statement

This product is issued when a significant or hazardous weather event is expected, but is not likely to reach severe levels. It normally details hazardous weather expected within the next 48 hours. If conditions worsen, this product will be discontinued in favour of a Severe Weather Watch or Severe Weather Warning.

Highland Weather Warning

This product is issued whenever severe weather is expected only over highland and mountainous areas, generally above 500m / 1500 feet, within the next 24 hours.

Highland Weather Watch

This product is issued whenever severe weather is possible only over highland and mountainous areas, generally above 500m / 1500 feet, within the next 48 to 72 hours, or within the next 24 hours but at low confidence.

Severe Weather Criteria

Weather7 issues watches and warnings as required, and as a supplement to official information and alerts. Our watches and warnings are intended as a guide only. We issue watches and warnings whenever the following criteria is met:

Severe Gales - widespread mean wind speeds of at least 50 mph, or widespread gusts in excess of 70 mph

Heavy Snow - widespread snowfall giving depths of at least 5 cm within 6 hours, or 15 cm within 24 hours

Heavy Rain - widespread heavy rainfall giving total accumulations of 30 mm within 6 hours, or 60 mm within 24 hours