Actually, when I lived in Lancaster the shipping forecast was the only reliable weather forecast -- whatever it said for Irish Sea, we'd get tomorrow, whereas whatever they said for "the North West" was sheer fantasy.

But you're absolutely right. I can't think how many nights with dying relatives, small babies, crises, insomnia, I have heard that liturgy and felt reassured that Rockall, Hebrides and German Bight are still out there somewhere, westerly, moderate.