Weatherfax and Weather Satellite Information

Weatherfax broadcasts synoptic charts and related meteorological products by radio or internet download. For a Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster candidate, the value is that a weatherfax chart gives the big-picture layout of highs, lows, fronts, troughs, and pressure gradients, often when voice forecasts are too compressed for detailed passage planning.

Weather satellite imagery shows observed cloud patterns. Visible and infrared images can reveal frontal cloud bands, developing depressions, shower lines, and fog or low cloud areas. Satellite images are particularly useful for checking whether the real atmosphere matches the forecast chart.

Both sources need interpretation. Check the issue time, valid time, area covered, and whether the product is observed, analysed, or forecast. Satellite imagery and weatherfax should complement the Shipping Forecast, Inshore Waters Forecast, NAVTEX, Coastguard MSI, and barometer observations; they do not remove the need for a conservative skipper's judgement.