Isobel Lang was born in Lincoln. She studied at Exeter University and graduated with a BSc Hons degree in Mathematics. Isobel joined the Meteorological Office in September 1991. She began work as a forecaster based at the London Weather Centre where her duties included preparing forecasts for the press and presenting the weather on local radio. Isobel also worked as a "holiday relief" forecaster for Meridian Television in Kent before joining the BBC Weather Centre team in May 1995 and has been a regular BBC TV forecaster since December of that year. Isobel has presented across the BBC, on the main domestic channels and BBC radio. In October 2000 she was chosen to become a regular face on BBC Breakfast.
Isobel is married with two children and lives in London. Her interests include horse riding in Windsor Great Park, rock climbing, walking, the cinema and she plays the piano. She has recently fulfilled one of her ambitions - to own a sports car - and enjoys visiting local schools and groups to talk about her work.
FAQ - Isobel Lang
Find out the answers to some of your most frequently asked questions to the forecasters in our team. Here we quiz Isobel Lang on your behalf...
What did you do before becoming a weather forecaster?
After University, I worked at London Weather Centre as a forecaster - part of my job was writing the press forecasts and local radio bulletins. I also did some work on regional television in the Meridian TV area - some of my broadcasts involved going 'out and about' in the country, such as the Dover Film Festival and going on a traction engine.
When did you become a weather forecaster?
In May 1995 - it was so exciting when I got the job - I was really over the moon!
Why did you want to be a weather forecaster?
I love telling people about the weather, and I thought it would be good fun, hard work and a challenge.
Do you get nervous before a broadcast?
Not really nervous, but I do get a bit anxious I suppose - my palms get a little sweaty and I rehearse what I'm going to say a few times so I know how to link between my charts.
Have you ever made any mistakes?
I've said 'winter wallies' instead of 'winter woolies' before - that was a bit embarrassing. Also I said 12 centimetres was a foot - which was absolute rubbish - you wouldn't believe I'm a scientist.
Is your job hard?
I think so, but it's also great fun. The live broadcasts and the adrenaline make it worthwhile - and if you get the weather spot-on it's even better. I find the hours hard, we have to get up as early as 4am for a morning shift - and it's also hard working on Christmas Day and over New Year when everyone else is off enjoying themselves.
Do you enjoy your job?
Yes!
Could anyone do your job?
No, you need a scientific mind and you need to love weather. I think you should really be a bit of a cloud spotter! You have to cope with strict deadlines, pressure, long hours, night shifts, limited social life and a lot of responsibility. You also have to cope with seeing yourself on TV. You have to love the weather otherwise you would not be able to cope with the above.