About NotOnlyWeather

Weather data and forecast methods

Live forecasts use MET Norway’s Locationforecast API. The temperature, rain, humidity and wind values are model forecasts rather than readings from a weather station at your exact address. Hourly and daily summaries are calculated and rounded for display; daily temperature ranges and rainfall totals are derived from the available forecast periods. Sunrise and sunset times are calculated from the date and location.

Weather data: MET Norway, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. NotOnlyWeather transforms the data into readable forecasts, condition labels and summaries. MET Norway does not endorse this service.

Forecast requests are normally cached for ten minutes. Hourly forecasts show when each period applies. Retrieval time does not mean the underlying forecast has changed. Weather can change quickly and forecasts become less certain further ahead.

Measured rainfall and rain maps

Observed rainfall uses Environment Agency rainfall data from the real-time data API (Beta), under the Open Government Licence. This feed covers England. Where a suitable nearby gauge is available, we show its distance and measured totals separately from forecast rain.

The optional rain map combines OpenStreetMap mapping and RainViewer radar imagery. Radar is an estimate of precipitation and may be delayed or unavailable; it is separate from the local forecast.

Local news, events and travel information

Local stories and events are published from approved sources and link to the original publisher or organiser. Sources must have recorded reuse rights; images require separate permission. Imported items normally enter editorial review, with automatic publication limited to explicitly approved sources that meet the configured evidence and confidence requirements. Check the linked source for the latest details.

Sample stories, events and travel notices are labelled as previews. They are not reports of real events or live transport conditions.

Advice and important decisions

Our planning tips use fixed rules applied to forecast values and, where available, observed rainfall history. They are general suggestions. For severe weather, travel disruption or other safety decisions, check official Met Office warnings and the relevant local authority or transport operator.

Household suggestions are seasonal editorial ideas for UK homes, selected by the current month in the UK. They cover everyday organising and home routines; choose the jobs that suit your household.

Moon data and gardening

Moon phase, illuminated fraction and upcoming new and full moons are calculated using Astronomy Engine by Don Cross (MIT licence). Phase and illumination describe the Moon as seen from Earth; they are shared across UK locations. Moonrise and moonset use the selected location’s coordinates and an unobstructed horizon at sea level. Times are shown in UK local time, including daylight saving where applicable. Terrain and atmospheric conditions can affect what you see.

Our planting check uses today’s and tomorrow’s live forecast: a minimum air temperature of 2°C or lower, at least 10 mm daily rain, or winds of at least 25 mph trigger caution. These are general editorial thresholds, not crop-specific growing advice. We do not measure soil temperature or drainage. A forecast without these triggers does not guarantee that planting is suitable. Check the crop’s season, soil conditions and seed packet; see the RHS guide to outdoor sowing.

We show lunar planting ideas as a cultural gardening tradition, separately from the weather check. The association of a waxing moon with above-ground crops and a waning moon with roots and bulbs is described by The Old Farmer’s Almanac. It is not a proven way to improve growing results; Illinois Extension reviews the limited scientific support. Soil, season, frost risk and the needs of the plant take priority.

Horoscopes: a daily reflection

Our horoscopes are original, zodiac-inspired entertainment. Each sign has a reflection paired with a rotating daily prompt, selected using the UK calendar date. They are not calculated from planetary positions and do not predict events. Your selected sign can be remembered in this browser’s local storage; no birth date or account is needed.