In autumn and winter, we can expect wetter conditions, strong winds and snow, all of which can cause problems with your television reception. We’ve brought together some guidance on the different types of weather conditions, the problems they can cause and what you can do.
Before we start, remember to use our transmitter checker tool first to see if there is a known problem.
Rain
Water can get into the aerial system. This is usually caused by cracked, split or damaged cables. It can cause a break-up or loss of channels until the system dries out, which could be a while after the weather changes. Wet leaves on nearby trees can also cause problems.
Freesat and Sky users could also experience problems when very heavy rain interrupts the signal to and from the satellite. The rain maybe locally or where the services are uplinked to the satellite. Whichever the case, it is usually short lived, and services will return to normal afterwards.
It might be worth getting the aerial or satellite system checked by an aerial engineer.
You can read more on what to look for in our help guide How to check your cables for water damage.
Wind
Aerials can be moved or damaged by strong winds. Old aerials may become brittle and parts of the aerial can be damaged by the wind and reduce the capability of the aerial. This is also true of the cables from the aerial, especially if it is not securely attached to building. A lose cable is more likely to become cracked or split. This can cause reception to break-up or be lost completely.
Satellite dishes can be moved out of alignment by the wind. With satellite reception, even a small amount of movement can affect the signal.
If you are experiencing reception issues after strong winds, consider getting your aerial or satellite system checked by an aerial engineer.
Snow
We mostly hear of snow causing problems to satellite reception, rather than Freeview. A build-up of snow on the dish and LNB (the unit in the centre of the dish that receives the signal) can affect reception. If the dish is at a low level and safe to access, carefully try clearing the snow off (without moving the dish). Otherwise, reception will return when the snow starts to melt.
Aerial Engineer/installer
If you continue to have problems once the weather improves, consider the use of an aerial engineer/installer. We cannot recommend individual companies. However, the CAI (Confederation of Aerial Industries) is a recognised trade body that will be able to put you in touch with one of its members in your area.
If you are a tenant or use a communal aerial system, contact your landlord/managing agent.
BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds
If you still have the access to the internet when the weather is causing problems to your reception, consider using BBC iPlayer and Sounds until the weather changes or until the problem is fixed.
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