Overview
- More than 80 UK outdoor attractions, including the Eden Project, RHS Gardens, Blackpool Pleasure Beach and Colchester Zoo, have signed a letter pressing for changes to how daily forecasts are displayed.
- Operators say single rain icons that summarise a full 24‑hour period deter spontaneous visits even when opening hours are largely dry, with some reporting attendance drops of up to 30%.
- Campaigners cite single‑day revenue losses as high as £137,000 and stress the stakes as spring and Easter trading periods rely heavily on short‑notice family outings.
- The letter proposes practical tweaks such as separate daytime and nighttime icons, short summaries like “showers early, brighter later,” and simple indicators showing expected dry hours.
- The Met Office has acknowledged the concern, says it is developing an engagement plan and has made presentation improvements with further developments planned, though no specific app changes or timelines have been agreed; some venue owners have floated legal options.