Adventure Island has called on the Met Office to change the way it displays weather forecasts, warning that the use of a rain icon to indicate a short overnight shower can cost visitor attractions “thousands.”
Adventure Island has backed BALPPA’s call to amend the way the Met Office displays daily weather icons, noting that with 70 percent of holidaymakers now checking the weather before travelling, one rain symbol can cost outdoor attractions “thousands.”
Owner Philip Miller has urged weather officials to reconsider the use of the icons when referring to a short or overnight shower, which can have a damaging impact on coastal resorts such as Southend, Clacton, and Canvey.
“When a brief spell of rain, sometimes in the early hours, results in a rain icon being shown for the whole of the following day, it can deter people before they have even checked the hourly forecast,” said Miller. “By the time the sun is out, plans may already have changed.”
“Our sunshine city of Southend averages close to 1,900 hours of sunshine each year and welcomes between seven and eight million visitors. Our visitor economy exceeds £400m annually and supports thousands of jobs. For seasonal and outdoor venues, one lost day in peak season makes a real difference.”
BALPPA addressed its concerns to Met Office CEO Professor Penny Endersby last week, requesting a roundtable with forecasters to discuss more effective industry engagement.
“This is not about disputing forecasts,” added Miller. “The Met Office is held in the highest regard. It is about how information is presented. When rainfall is brief or confined to certain hours, daily summaries should reflect that.”
“A constructive dialogue between the Met Office and the industry would be very welcome.”
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Philip Miller said… “When a brief spell of rain, sometimes in the early hours, results in a rain icon being shown for the whole of the following day, it can deter people before they have even checked the hourly forecast,” said Miller. “By the time the sun is out, plans may already have changed…
Originally published on Coinslot on March 16, 2026. Republished with permission.