Derek Brockway facts for kids

Derek Clifford Brockway (born 29 October 1967) is a famous Welsh meteorologist. A meteorologist is a scientist who studies the weather and forecasts it. Derek joined the BBC in 1995. He works at BBC Cymru Wales in Cardiff, Wales. He presents weather forecasts on radio, television, and online. He also appears in other popular TV shows.

About Derek Brockway

Derek Brockway is well-known for his friendly way of explaining the weather. He has become a familiar face and voice across Wales. He even received the British Empire Medal (BEM) in 2022 for his work in broadcasting and for charity in Wales.

Early Life and Education

Derek was born in Barry, Wales. He went to Holton Road Primary School. His interest in weather started when he was a boy. This was during the very long and hot summer of 1976.

He attended Barry Boys Comprehensive school from 1979 to 1986. There, he studied important subjects like mathematics, physics, and geology. After school, he worked briefly for a government department. Then, he joined the Met Office as an observer. The Met Office is the UK's national weather service. He helped make weather reports for places like Cardiff Airport. He even spent eight months in the Falkland Islands in 1993/94, working with the Royal Air Force.

Derek continued his education at Coleg Morgannwg and Reading College of Technology. In 1993, he earned a special certificate in mathematics, statistics, and physics.

Becoming a Weather Forecaster

Derek became a qualified weather forecaster in 1995. His first job as a forecaster was in Birmingham. He broadcasted on several BBC Radio stations in the English Midlands.

On Radio and TV

In December 1995, Derek moved to London. He worked behind the scenes, preparing weather forecasts for channels like ITV and Channel 4. He also appeared on The Sunday Programme on GMTV.

After a year, Derek worked as an Environmental Consultant at the Met Office headquarters. In September 1997, he returned to Wales. He joined BBC Wales Today as the main weather forecaster. He presents the lunchtime, evening, and late forecasts. He also gives weather updates for BBC Radio Wales during the week.

Derek has always loved the weather. He even had his own TV show called Derek’s Welsh Weather. He also had a radio show called Derek's Lightning Guide to Weather. In 2008, the BBC Wales weather team grew. Derek was joined by other presenters who cover breakfast and weekend forecasts. Derek makes about 11 live broadcasts every day!

Beyond Weather Forecasting

Derek is not just a weather expert. He is also a very keen walker. He had a radio series called Weatherman Walking. This show was so popular that it became a TV series in 2011. The TV show features Derek exploring different walking routes across Wales.

Fun Facts About Derek

Learning Welsh

Derek took part in The Big Welsh Challenge. This was a TV show where Welsh celebrities tried to learn the Welsh language. He described himself as knowing "quite a bit of Welsh." He even appeared in a Welsh language exam, introducing himself with his famous greeting, 'Shwmae!' (which means 'Hello!' in Welsh).

Other TV Appearances

Derek has appeared on other TV shows too. In 2009, he played himself in an episode of the popular comedy show Gavin & Stacey. He has also been on the Welsh consumer programme X-Ray. He co-hosted Jamie and Derek's Welsh Weekends with Jamie Owen. He has also been a guest on the Radio Wales show What's The Story?.