The Met Office is the UK’s national meteorological service. It is responsible for public weather services so people can make plans with confidence. Since its foundation, it has pioneered meteorological research and prepares its forecasts with scientific, technological and operational expertise. It also contributes to international research on climate change and supports both communities and the government in building resilience against climate change. It was founded in 1854 by Vice-Admiral Robert Fitzroy, initially to research marine climates, and started delivering weather forecasts in 1861. It became an Executive Agency of the Ministry of Defence in 1990. In 2011 it moved to the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills. Following various departmental restructurings, it is now part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). It still has strong links with the military dating back to the need for weather information in World War One.
