Phil Avery started his career in weather with the Royal Navy. After his initial training, he spent time at a Naval Air Station before joining a helicopter squadron embarked in HMS Ark Royal. The next two years saw him forecasting across the world, after which he joined a Search and Rescue squadron, based at Prestwick in Scotland. Within four years, he completed both his time in the Royal Navy and an MBA.
It was at this point that he changed career but not subject. Phil helped to launch The Weather Network, a 24 hour cable channel based in Birmingham, before moving to London to work with The Weather Channel. After a year in this position, Phil joined the BBC TV Weather team. He took a short sabbatical in 2004-5 to sail around the world as part of the Global Challenge yacht race.
FAQ - Philip Avery
Find out the answers to some of your most frequently asked questions to the forecasters in our team. Here we quiz Philip Avery on your behalf...
What did you do before becoming a weather forecaster?
I was a meteorologist and oceanographer in the Royal Navy for 10 years before I left the Service and moved into television.
When did you become a weather forecaster?
I started my television career about three years ago with the launch of a 24 hour cable channel, the Weather Network, in Birmingham. A very small operation but great fun and a great team spirit. Within 6 months we merged with the Weather Channel in London and I came south with the merged company. After a year or so, I moved to the BBC Weather Centre.
Why did you want to be a weather forecaster?
I stayed with weather forecasting on leaving the Royal Navy because so many companies look for experience in a specific field when you apply for a job, and the bulk of my work experience has been in weather. I like the responsibility involved with this job and the fact that it provides a great mix of teamwork and individual responsibility.
Do you get nervous before a broadcast?
Not as much as I should. People always say that some nerves help to lift the performance. I was very nervous before my first ever 'live', but now I feel quite comfortable with the bulletins I'm asked to do. I would love to do more 'live' work.
Have you ever made any mistakes?
Virtually every broadcast doesn't quite come out how I planned it, but hopefully, not too many mistakes show. My biggest problem is remembering the names of colleagues on air and place names.
Is your job hard?
The work is quite intensive once you take over a shift. You have to be able to keep a number of strands of thought going at the same time and be very aware of the time and how to manage your work. 'Live' television won't stop simply because you're a bit behind with your work. Some folk might find standing in front of a camera difficult, others might be distracted by a voice in your ear saying something unrelated to the story you're trying to tell. On the whole, it is a very difficult job to do very well. I'm still working on that bit!
Do you enjoy your job?
Yes, but I hope there will come a day when I don't work shifts and I don't have to work in London.
Could anyone do your job?
A lot of people would be put off by a number of factors in this job e.g. working in London, working under pressure, appearing before a camera, having to speak in public, getting criticised for getting the weather wrong, and so on. A number of the comments I made before in response to the 'is your job hard?' question also apply, so many people wouldn't be interested in this job. There are specific talents one needs for the job. An ability to communicate clearly probably tops the list.
