What are the steps involved in producing a weather forecast? (a) Collection of meteorological information (b) Processing of this information (c) Preparation of the forecast (d) Distribution of this forecast (All this must be done in a time frame that enables step (d) to be actioned before the forecast period begins.) Advances in each of these four steps have been considerable over the last decade, and are resulting in more accurate and readily available information to assist with decision making in rural affairs. We will now look briefly at some of the progress in each area.