Understanding the Weather Symbols |
| The 'Today's Weather' box on the home page and the local 5-Day weather forecasts use the following set of symbols to determine each different type of weather condition. Whilst the symbols used on the home page are selected by our forecasters, the data contained within the 5-day forecasts is provided by World Weather Online and KNMI / ESA, and is updated 4 times each day. All data is used with permission. |
|
Sunshine |
|
Sunny spells and heavy snow showers |
|
Sunny spells / intervals |
|
Sunny spells and sleet / wintry showers |
|
Cloudy (medium level) |
|
Thundery showers |
|
Cloudy (low level) |
|
Cloudy with light rain |
|
Mist |
|
Cloudy with heavy rain |
|
Fog |
|
Cloudy with light snow |
|
Sunny spells and light showers |
|
Cloudy with heavy snow |
|
Sunny spells and heavy showers |
|
Cloudy with sleet |
|
Sunny spells and light snow showers |
|
Cloudy with thunderstorms or thundery rain |
| Temperature, in °C, is displayed in colour-coded squares, depending on how high or low the values are. |
| Wind speed, in mph, and direction, based on a 16-point compass, are displayed in white circles with a blue background, and associated white arrow connected to the circle pointing in the direction the predominant wind is travelling from. |
|
Understanding the UV Forecast |
The strength of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation is expressed as a 'Solar UV Index', a system developed by the World Health Organization. These forecasts include the effects of the position of the sun in the sky and the ozone amounts in the stratosphere.
The solar index does not exceed 8 in the UK (8 is rare; 7 may occur on exceptional days, mostly in the two weeks around the summer solstice). Indices of 9 and 10 are common in the Mediterranean area.
The guidelines set by the WHO are as follows:
UV Index |
Risk |
What you should do |
1, 2 |
Low |
- Wear sunglasses on bright days
- Use suncream if there is snow on the ground
|
3, 4, 5 |
Medium |
- Wear sunglasses and suncream.
- Cover body with clothing and a hat.
- Seek shade around midday when sun is at it's strongest
|
6, 7 |
High |
- All previous measures, including:
- Use suncream of factor 15 or higher.
- Reduce time spent in sun during middle part of the day
|
8 |
Very High |
- As before, but:
- Stay inside 10am to 4pm
|
|
| Understanding the Pollen Forecast |
| The Pollen forecast is exclusive to Weald of Kent Weather and has been designed by our forecasters. It's purpose is to highlight the levels of pollen in the air on each day, and is based on a Low, Moderate, High and Very High scale. Hayfever sufferers are advised to adjust their medication (stock) accordingly to fully prepare themselves for any forthcoming periods of elevated pollen levels. |
|
