In the first event of its kind, the Met Office yesterday met with leaders and officials from business and central government to brief them on the prospects for the coming winter.

The conference, held at the Royal Institution in London, was a chance to explain in detail the science behind the Met Office long-range forecast.

In a very successful meeting, the feeling was that it was well worthwhile, with all parties gaining useful information which would help them plan to combat the severe weather this winter. Decision makers working across a broad range of industry and government were able to question scientists about the detail and potential impacts of the forecast.

It is hoped that similar events can be held in the future, bringing the weather and climate to the heart of the long-term planning and contingency process.

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