BBC weather forecaster Penny Tranter was born in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, Scotland. She became interested in the weather as a teenager and, after attending South Wilts Grammar School in Salisbury, went on to obtain a BSc (Hons) in Environmental Sciences from the University of East Anglia.
Penny joined the Met Office as a trainee forecaster in 1983 and worked at the Norwich, Glasgow and Southampton Weather Centres before transferring to the Commercial Division in 1990 as an Account Manager.
She joined the BBC's weather team in June 1992, making her first television appearance on November the 7th of that year. She now broadcasts across all BBC channels and also appeared on BBC TV's Breakfast News in 1993 and 1998.
Penny lives near Bath with her husband, Martyn, a university lecturer and glaciologist, son Ieuan and daughter Isabelle. A Chartered Meteorologist and a Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society, her hobbies include sailing, walking and tennis.
FAQ - Penny Tranter
Find out the answers to some of your most frequently asked questions to the forecasters in our team. Here we quiz Penny Tranter on your behalf...
What did you do before becoming a weather forecaster?
After completing an Environmental Sciences degree at the University of East Anglia in 1982, I then became a duty weather forecaster for the Met Office working in various weather centres and RAF stations up and down the country. In 1990, I became an account manager for the commercial arm of the Met Office, before moving to the BBC Weather Centre.
When did you become a weather forecaster?
I joined the BBC Weather Centre in June 1992, with my first live BBC1 broadcast taking place on 7th November 1992.
Why did you want to be a weather forecaster?
I am passionate about the weather, and the challenge of presenting weather information to the public, especially in times of severe weather, in a coherent and pleasant style, was the principle motivation.
Do you get nervous before a broadcast?
I do but not as much as in the early days! If the forecast is complicated, then I do get nervous about whether I will present it well and effectively, as I want to do a good job. If I think there is a lot to say, I sometimes speak too fast, which makes me nervous and my breathing becomes erratic, so I do exercises to calm it down.
Have you ever made any mistakes?
Yes, plenty! Varying from mispronunciation of words, especially place names, to very occasionally setting the computer graphics incorrectly.
Is your job hard?
Talking to a camera or into a microphone on your own for a set amount of time, shows a certain amount of easy egotism. Getting the forecast correct - now that is hard!
Do you enjoy your job?
Yes, it is very challenging. Getting the forecast right for many parts of the world is difficult. But when a forecast is right, it is very rewarding, as is knowing that we are providing a useful and informative service to the public, especially during times of severe weather.
Could anyone do your job?
Yes, if they enjoy and have a knowledge of weather and presenting.
