THE WEATHER? Firstaway has an enviable reputation for the quality of its yachts, equipment and high level of maintenance and reliability.

However we have no control over the weather but we can help you with access to websites that forecast the weather as well as the important contributing factors, for the next 5 to 7 days.

JET STREAMS The weather in the UK is largely governed by the position and intensity of the Atlantic Jet Streams high above us in the atmosphere. They flow west to east and are similar to the Gulf Stream that flows across the Atlantic from the USA to Europe.
The weather as we know it forms under these jet streams.
So you can use the jet stream maps below to see not just how intense the jet streams are, but also whether the weather systems underneath them are likely to intensify or not.

Jet Stream Website - Atlantic Jet Stream Forecast METCHECK

SYNOPTIC CHARTS The Jet streams drive the atmospheric pressure distribution, in turn creating warm and cold fronts, which in turn determine the winds and precipitation that we experience and which we know as 'The Weather'.
As sailors, we have all learnt to read these 'Synoptic Charts' and interpret / forecast the likely weather. The Website below contains Synoptic forecasts for the next 84 hours.

Synoptic Chart Website - Atlantic Surface Pressure Forecast MET OFFICE


LOCAL WEATHER AND TIDES Mostly you will wish to know the forecasts for Southampton and the Solent. The websites below provide data on the weather expected in Southampton (you can add up to 5 to 10 knots windspeed for the western Solent) and the current weather / tidal situation on the Brambles Bank (mid Solent).

Southampton Forecast - Southampton - 5 day forecast BBC


Current Weather (Brambles Bank) - Current Weather & Tide mid Solent BRAMBLEMET

Your comments on the weather are welcome.
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