Editing Shipping Forecast (section)

===Area forecasts===
Each area's 24-hour forecast is then read out. Several areas may be combined into a single forecast where the conditions are expected to be similar. [[Wind direction]] is given first, then strength (on the [[Beaufort scale]]), followed by [[Precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]], if any, and (usually) lastly visibility.

Change in wind direction is indicated by "veering" ([[clockwise]] change) or "backing" (anti-clockwise change). Winds at or above force 8 are also described by name for emphasis, i.e., Gale 8, Severe Gale 9, Storm 10, Violent Storm 11 and [[Hurricane]] force 12. The word "force" is only officially used when announcing force 12 winds.<ref name="format"/> 

Visibility is given in the format "Good", meaning that the visibility is greater than {{convert|5|nmi|lk=in}}; "Moderate", where visibility is between {{convert|2|and|5|nmi|abbr=on}} nautical miles; "Poor", where visibility is between 1,000 metres and two nautical miles and "[[Fog]]", where visibility is less than {{convert|1000|m|abbr=on}}. When severe winter cold combines with strong winds and a cold sea, [[Icing (nautical)|icing]] can occur, normally only in sea area Southeast Iceland; if expected, icing warnings (light, moderate or severe) are given as the last item of each sea area forecast.

[[File:Iced ship.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Icing can be a dangerous problem for ships; accurate forecasting can save lives by ensuring crews are prepared]]
Examples of area forecasts:
:* "Humber, Thames. Southeast veering southwest 4 or 5, occasionally 6 later. Thundery showers. Moderate or good, occasionally poor."
:* "Tyne, Dogger. Northeast 3 or 4. Occasional rain. Moderate or poor."
:* "Rockall, Malin, Hebrides. Southwest gale 8 to storm 10, veering west, severe gale 9 to violent storm 11. Rain, then squally showers. Poor, becoming moderate."
:* "Southeast Iceland. Northerly 7 to severe gale 9. Heavy snow showers. Good, becoming poor in showers. Moderate icing."

On 10 January 1993, during the [[Braer Storm of January 1993|Braer Storm]], a record North Atlantic low pressure of 914 mb was recorded. The shipping forecast was:
:* "Rockall, Malin, Hebrides, Bailey. Southwest hurricane force 12 or more."