Michael Fish Day!

Michael Fish gave his infamous weather forecast on Thursday, 15 October 1987, exactly 38 years ago this week.

That broadcast, delivered with calm assurance, famously dismissed concerns about an incoming hurricane: “Earlier on today, apparently, a woman rang the BBC and said she’d heard there was a hurricane on the way. Well, if you’re watching, don’t worry—there isn’t.” Hours later, the Great Storm of 1987 tore through southern England, and the Channel Islands causing widespread devastation and becoming one of the most memorable meteorological events in British history

Michael Fish Day!

Like a mighty wind, end of the world,
Beyond the Fringe said was heard;
But 38 years ago this very week,
A mighty wind did come, to seek,
And destroy so many, many trees;
We should have listed to the bees,
Who kept in their hives, felt change,
In the weather, far across the range
Of our lovely Island. But then we had
Michael Fish, doyen forecaster, glad
To tell us there would be no hurricane:
We should have watched a weather vane;
As in it blew, trees fell, roofs torn apart,
Overnight such great gusts at its heart;
We should mark such a big mistake:
So after 38 years, rather like a wake,
I propose fill glasses for a toast to say,
Cheers! Rejoice! To Michael Fish Day!