A Symbolic Change

Symbols have been featured on BBC weather charts since the earliest days of television in 1936.

The first weathermen had to hand-draw their charts with wax crayons. This method was used for a long period after George Cowling's first broadcast in January 1954.

Weatherman in 1975 sticking magnetic symbol on to map

With the introduction of colour television in 1967, the BBC brought in a new range of symbols based on international standards - with triangles for showers, and round dots for rain. Magnetic rubber was employed for the symbols and isobars, which could be stuck to steel wall charts. They could also fall off again!

On Saturday August 16 1975 a new set of weather symbols were introduced. They were designed to give viewers a clearer and quicker understanding of essential forecast details. They were the creation of Mark Allen, a 22 year old graphic designer, who first submitted his ideas to the BBC and the Met Office in 1974 while a student at the Norwich School of Art.

Carol Kirkward in 2005 with new weather icons

Magnetic rubber symbols were replaced by computerised symbols in 1985. These images were used until the launch of the 3D graphics system in 2005.

With the introduction of the 3D weather graphics system in May 2005, the BBC refreshed the symbols to match the updated style of weather visualisation on the maps. The icons animated and gave a real sense of the weather conditions.