The Met Office Space Weather Centre, based at the Met Office’s headquarters in Exeter, is the culmination of more than three years work to combine the space weather resources and scientific expertise of the UK and USA and was made possible by £4.6 million funding from Government.
It is operational 24/7 providing space weather forecasts and developing an early warning system aimed at protecting critical infrastructure from the impacts of space weather.
Laura Furgione, deputy director, NOAA's National Weather Service, said: "Accurately predicting and preparing for the impacts from space weather requires a commitment similar to terrestrial weather forecasting and preparedness. Our countries' collaborative efforts will help to promote preparedness and resilience to protect critical infrastructure against the growing and evolving global impacts from space weather."
Space weather is the identified as the 4th most important risk listed on the UK National Risk Register. The centre will be pivotal in protecting the UK economy and infrastructure.