Scoring

How scoring works

The BBQ score starts at 100 and applies recent rain, forecast rain, garden comfort, feels-like temperature, wind, heat, sun, daylight, and your BBQ mode into one practical answer.

What goes into the score

Rain in the last 48 hours and rain in the next few hours both matter. Wet patios and damp gardens drag the score down quickly.

Feels-like temperature, wind, gusts, sunlight, daylight and a short usable window decide whether standing outside feels sensible. Family BBQ mode and big cookout mode tighten the rules.

Pollen is advisory rather than scored, but high pollen is still flagged for hay-fever sufferers. Wind direction is also shown so you can keep smoke away from guests and neighbours.

See it on the forecast

The live forecast page shows the hourly cards, reasons list, and BBQ score ring for your place.

Want the full breakdown while you are checking a garden? Open the forecast and scroll to the science panel after you search a place.

Open the forecast science panel