Helen Willetts was born in Chester, and shortly afterwards moved to Colwyn Bay on the North Wales coast, where she grew up. She first became interested in meteorology whilst studying A level geography at Eirias High School. In 1993, she graduated from Nottingham University with a First Class Honours degree in Physics.
On joining the Met Office in February 1994, Helen began a five-month forecaster training course at the Met Office college. In July 1994 she moved to Cardiff Weather Centre and from April 1995 she appeared as a forecaster on BBC Television and Radio in Wales.
In October 1997, having successfully completed her final training, Helen transferred to the BBC Weather Centre in London to work on BBC News 24. She now broadcasts across all main BBC domestic channels, and does regular stints on BBC Breakfast.
Helen's main sporting interest is badminton, having played internationally for Wales. She also enjoys walking, cycling and travelling.
FAQ - Helen Willetts
Find out the answers to some of your most frequently asked questions to the forecasters in our team. Here we quiz Helen Willetts on your behalf...
What did you do before becoming a weather forecaster?
After leaving school I read Physics at Nottingham University. On graduating, I joined the Met Office and spent 6 months training to become a forecaster. I was then posted to the Cardiff Weather Centre.
When did you become a weather forecaster?
I spent a year forecasting in Cardiff. When the post became available for a media forecaster in Wales I successfully auditioned. I thoroughly enjoyed this job and spent two and a half years working on BBC Wales today and Radio Wales.
Why did you want to be a weather forecaster?
I grew up in North Wales, where it was difficult not to notice the varying weather. As I have always had a strong interest in science, it was the obvious choice to join the Met Office after university. At Cardiff Weather Centre I was given the opportunity to present weather forecasts on Radio Wales and after that I knew that if an opportunity arose for a TV forecaster, I would be interested.
Do you get nervous before a broadcast?
When I first embarked on television forecasting I was very nervous. The nerves are always there, but you learn to keep them under control.
Have you ever made any mistakes?
Yes, I've made mistakes, meteorology is a complex science. It's important to know what elements of the forecast are subject to error and expressing that doubt without devaluing the forecasts. Often I find making mistakes is a good way to learn... you don't make the same mistake twice.
Is your job hard?
Yes, it's very hard work. The schedule on BBC News 24 demands two and a half minutes every half an hour. BBC1 is just as demanding. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes, we produce all our own charts, put them together into a forecast, and work from a stand alone studio.
Do you enjoy your job?
Yes. It's hard work but exciting and very challenging. The British weather is always changing, and is never the same two days running. I consider myself lucky to have found a job which is enjoyable and utilises my physics degree.
Could anyone do your job?
If you have the right qualifications. It's important to have physics and maths to A-level and a science degree. Good communications skills will help. A lot of enthusiasm and hard work are also a must.
