Philip Avery: The BBC Weatherman You’ve Been Watching for Years

If you’ve ever watched the BBC weather forecast, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Philip Avery. He has one of those calm, friendly voices that makes you stop and listen. For years, he stood in front of that famous weather map, helping millions of people across the UK decide whether to take an umbrella or wear sunglasses.

But did you know Philip Avery wasn’t always on TV? He started in the Royal Navy. And once, he even left the BBC to sail around the world!

In this article, we’ll explore Philip Avery’s full journey — from his early life and Navy career to his time at the BBC and beyond. We’ll talk about his age, family, TV moments, and more. So let’s get started.

Meet Philip Avery

Philip Avery is best known as a long-time weather presenter on the BBC. He became one of the most trusted faces on British television. He didn’t just read the forecast — he explained things in a way people could understand.

What made Philip different was his calm style. He never rushed or used big words. Whether the weather was sunny or stormy, he always stayed steady and clear.

Many viewers say watching Philip felt like listening to a friend. That’s probably why so many people still remember him today.

How Old Is Philip Avery?

Philip Avery was born on 15 November 1959. That means he turned 65 years old in 2025.

He was born in Dunfermline, Scotland, but his family was originally from the West Country in England. His dad was in the Royal Navy and was posted in Scotland at the time — that’s why Philip was born there.

Even though he grew up in a military family, Philip found his own path by turning his love for weather into a full-time career.

Philip Avery’s Life Before TV

Before he ever stepped into a studio, Philip was already working with weather — but in a very different way.

In the 1980s, he joined the Royal Navy. There, he trained as a weather forecaster. His job was to help with naval operations, air traffic, and rescue missions. He worked with a helicopter squadron and at a Search and Rescue base in Prestwick, Scotland.

After many years of service, Philip left the Navy and took the next big step in his life — studying for an MBA (Master of Business Administration). This helped him prepare for a new kind of career.

How Philip Avery Got Into Weather TV

Philip Avery didn’t jump straight to the BBC. He started by helping launch a small cable channel called The Weather Network in 1996. This was one of the UK’s first 24-hour weather channels, based in Birmingham.

After that, he moved to London to work for The Weather Channel. These early jobs helped him get used to being in front of the camera.

His background in the Navy made him a natural fit. He wasn’t just reading off a script — he actually understood weather science. That made viewers trust him even more.

Philip Avery Joins the BBC Weather Team

In April 1998, Philip Avery joined the BBC Weather Centre, and this is where most people got to know him.

He appeared on many BBC platforms:

• BBC News

• BBC World News

• BBC Radio 4 (Today Programme)

• BBC News at One, Six, and Ten

His voice became familiar across TV and radio. Millions of people watched him every day to see what the skies had in store. He stayed on the BBC for many years and became a household name in British weather.

The Time Philip Avery Left to Sail the World

Here’s something surprising — in 2004, Philip took a break from TV to go on an adventure.

He joined the Global Challenge 2004–2005, a round-the-world yacht race. It wasn’t just for fun — it was a tough, risky journey across some of the world’s most dangerous oceans.

He was away from BBC screens for nearly a year. This shocked many viewers who had come to expect him every day. But the race gave him a chance to learn new things, face challenges, and experience the power of nature up close.

When he returned, fans welcomed him warmly.

Philip Avery Returns to BBC After the Race

After finishing the Global Challenge yacht race in 2005, Philip Avery returned to the BBC. Fans were happy to see him back. He slipped right back into his weather role, like he had never left.

His voice, style, and calm presence made people feel at home. Whether it was morning, evening, or late-night news, seeing Philip Avery made viewers feel ready for the day.

He also showed up on other BBC shows, like Gardeners’ World, where he shared weather tips for plants and gardening. It was a fresh side of him that viewers enjoyed.

Is Philip Avery Still on the BBC in 2025?

This is a common question today: Where is Philip Avery now?

As of 2025, Philip Avery doesn’t appear on the BBC every day like he used to. He stepped away from full-time presenting in the 2010s. But he has made guest appearances here and there.

While he may not be on TV regularly, many fans still remember him clearly. Some even say they still hear his voice in their heads when they check the weather!

Even after all these years, Philip Avery remains one of the most loved weather presenters in BBC history.

Philip Avery’s Wife and Family Life

Philip Avery has always kept his personal life very private. He rarely talks about his family or relationships on air or in interviews.

Some online sources say he is married to Helen Willetts, another popular BBC weather presenter. It’s said they got married around 2006 and may have children together. But this has never been officially confirmed.

Philip never posts much on social media, and he rarely shares personal details. He seems to enjoy a quiet life away from the spotlight when he’s not working.

Philip Avery’s Net Worth and Job Income

There is no official number for Philip Avery’s net worth. He never talked about money in public. But based on his long career at the BBC, people believe he did quite well financially.

BBC weather presenters usually earn between £40,000 and £90,000 a year, depending on their experience and airtime. Since Philip worked for many years and was often on big shows, his income was likely on the higher end.

He also spent time in the Royal Navy, where he had a good career before TV. Add that to his long run on BBC, and it’s fair to say Philip Avery enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle.

Why People Loved Philip Avery So Much

Many presenters come and go, but Philip Avery stayed in people’s hearts.

Why? Because he made things simple. His clear voice, calm mood, and easy way of explaining weather updates made people trust him. You never felt rushed or confused when Philip was talking.

He didn’t try to be flashy or dramatic. He just did the job well — every single time. And that’s what viewers loved most.

Even now, years later, people still search for Philip Avery. They wonder what he’s doing and hope he’s well. That shows how much he mattered.

Philip Avery’s Legacy in UK Weather News

Philip Avery is more than just a weather guy. He helped shape the way weather is told on UK TV. Younger presenters often followed his example — speak clearly, stay calm, and respect the viewers.

He also proved that a weatherman could be more than a voice behind the map. He had real skills, real experience, and even took on adventures like a global yacht race.

Today, even though he’s not on TV every day, his name still comes up when people talk about the best BBC weather presenters of all time.

His work helped millions — and he made weather news feel friendly, not boring.

Final Thoughts

Philip Avery may have started as a Navy man, but he became something bigger — a trusted voice in people’s homes.

He was more than a presenter. He was part of our mornings, our evenings, and our decisions about jackets, umbrellas, and sunny walks.

In 2025, people still remember him fondly. And whether he’s relaxing quietly or planning a new adventure, one thing is clear:

Philip Avery will always be remembered as one of the best in BBC weather history.