Michael Fish Quotes

Powerful Michael Fish for Daily Growth

About Michael Fish

Michael Fischbein, commonly known as Michael Fish, was a British meteorologist renowned for his work at the BBC Weather Centre and for his memorable forecast on October 15, 1987, which famously stated "Earlier on today, apparently, a woman rang the BBC - she said she stayed in bed yesterday and she was wondering if it was BBC policy that we should all do the same today." This statement was made just before the Great Storm of 1987 hit England. Born on January 5, 1946, in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Fish's interest in meteorology began at an early age. He studied physics and mathematics at Manchester University, where he developed a passion for weather forecasting. After graduating, he joined the BBC Weather Centre in London in 1970. Throughout his career, Fish made significant contributions to meteorological science. He was instrumental in developing new weather presentation techniques and was known for his engaging and informative style. His most famous work, besides the infamous 1987 forecast, includes "The Weather Manual," a comprehensive guide to understanding weather patterns. Despite the criticism that followed his 1987 prediction, Fish continued to work at the BBC until his retirement in 2005. He was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for services to broadcasting and meteorology in 2006. Post-retirement, Fish remained active in the field of weather forecasting, giving talks and lectures, and serving as a consultant. His life and work serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the weather and the importance of accurate forecasting in ensuring public safety.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The trouble with forecasting the weather is that it's incorrect with high certainty."

This quote underscores the inherent uncertainty in predicting weather patterns, emphasizing that even the most accurate forecasts can be wrong due to the intricate and complex nature of atmospheric conditions. It serves as a humble reminder that despite our technological advancements, we still grapple with the unpredictability of natural phenomena.


"If you watch our weather forecasts long enough, you will eventually see something you don't believe, and then you will stop watching."

This quote suggests that over time, people may become skeptical or disengage from meteorological forecasts due to their perceived inaccuracy or inconsistency. It implies a frustration or disappointment felt when the predictions do not align with observed weather conditions, leading individuals to question the reliability and trustworthiness of such forecasts.


"There's no such thing as a mild hurricane."

The quote by Michael Fish, "There's no such thing as a mild hurricane," suggests that every hurricane, regardless of its strength or perceived intensity, carries the potential for devastating effects. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and potentially dangerous nature of hurricanes, urging caution and preparation when dealing with them.


"There is absolutely no basis for any suggestion that a tropical storm or cyclone is imminent." (October 15, 1987 - the day before the Great Storm hit England)

This quote emphasizes the fallacy of absolute certainty in meteorology. Despite Michael Fish's professional prediction denying an approaching tropical storm or cyclone, it underscores that such events can still occur unexpectedly, as demonstrated by the Great Storm that hit England the next day. It serves as a cautionary reminder for humility in weather forecasting and highlights the inherent uncertainty in predicting natural phenomena.


"It's cold out there in the car park." (A tongue-in-cheek comment during a severe winter storm, often misattributed to Michael Fish)

The quote, though often incorrectly attributed to Michael Fish, is actually a humorous reference to an infamous event in meteorology history. On October 15, 1987, during a live BBC broadcast, Michael Fish dismissed concerns about an approaching storm as a "wives' tale." The storm turned out to be one of the worst in UK history, known as the Great Storm of 1987. Here, Fish humorously acknowledges that he had underestimated the severity of the weather, warning people to be careful when going outside into the cold and potentially treacherous conditions in a car park.


The jet stream is the controlling influence over the world's weather systems.

- Michael Fish

World, Stream, Over, Jet

Reports of a hurricane are unfounded.

- Michael Fish

Reports, Hurricane

I am sure that if you plant the trees back again, it will do nothing but good.

- Michael Fish

Gardening, Will, Sure, Plant

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