Simon King

Simon grew up in Royston, Hertfordshire where his interest in the weather grew from an early age whilst at school.

His mother constantly reminds him of his 'first weather project' when he was 12 years old.

His enthusiasm for the weather led him to study for a BSc in Environmental Science of the Earth and Atmosphere and then an MSc in Applied Meteorology, both at the University of Reading.

Simon joined the Met Office in July 2005 as a forecaster in the Mobile Met Unit. This is a specialist unit of forecasters who are also sponsored reserve officers in the RAF.

After his training with the Met Office and specialist RAF Officer training, he was posted to RAF Benson, to provide weather forecasts for the Joint Helicopter Force.

Soon after, he was deployed on his first tour of duty to the Middle East. Here he provided weather forecasts for many elements of the RAF and Army - a very challenging and rewarding experience.

When Simon joined the BBC Weather Centre in August 2008, he had to swap from conducting formal military briefings to a much more informal style for broadcasting.

In November 2011 Simon moved to Salford Quays to present the Radio 5 live weather bulletins. He can also be heard in the mornings on the Radio 6 Music Early Breakfast show

Away from work, Simon enjoys the odd round of golf and having being inspired by the London Olympics he has taken up road cycling. During winter, one his greatest loves is hurling himself down a mountain on a snowboard.