Confusion is forecast over ‘rival’ weather bulletins on BBC

MILLIONS could be confused by “contradictory” BBC weather forecasts after its Met Office deal ends.

The private firm which will produce its forecasts has been told to include the Met Office’s severe weather warnings covering gales, storms and flooding.

MPs fear that the Met Office and the BBC’s new supplier may not agree on the outlook and could issue contradictory messages in the same bulletin.

The broadcaster said earlier this year it is ending its 93-year relationship with the Met Office next autumn. The concerns were raised during a debate in Parliament.

Ben Bradshaw, a former Labour culture secretary, said: “The severe weather warnings from the Met Office could still be broadcast by the BBC but might be inconsistent with or even contradict the BBC’s general weather forecasts.”

The MP said the public might act on information given in BBC forecasts, while emergency services did something different after using the Met Office.

Ed Vaizey, the Tory culture minister, said he expected the corporation “to ensure that those severe weather warnings are consistent with any wider forecast issued at the same time.

“The public weather service is about severe weather warnings ... and it must be incorporated within the routine weather forecast.

“I am confident that that work will ensure that those two effectively separate parts of weather forecasting will be consistent and incorporated, not only by the BBC but by other broadcasters.”

A BBC spokesman said: “We have incredibly skilful weather presenters who will frame our forecasts and the severe weather warnings in the right way so there is no contradiction or confusion.

“We are legally required to go through an open tender process and take forward the strongest bids to make sure we secure both the best possible service and value for money.”

BBC sources said the shipping forecast on BBC Radio 4 – which counts actress Dame Judi Dench among its fans – would not be affected.

The weather bulletins are likely still to be presented by familiar faces, such as BBC Breakfast’s Carol Kirkwood, who are staff at the corporation. The source said: “We expect to take a final decision on the procurement later this year.”