How to use the online alarm clock
Waking at 9:23 pm for the Shipping Forecast means finding your bearings before BBC Radio 4 begins, rather than rushing straight into the evening. The alarm gives you a clear cue to sit up, switch on the radio and let your attention settle on the broadcast. There is still time before 10:00 pm to hear the forecast and note any details that matter for tomorrow.
A quiet room may only need a gentle tone at 9:23 pm, especially if someone nearby is already asleep. A firmer, repeating sound suits a deeper sleeper or a radio placed farther from the bed. The selected tone should be tested at the same volume intended for the alarm, so it is distinct without being needlessly jarring. The alarm cannot wake you for the Shipping Forecast if you leave this page or allow the phone or computer to fall asleep.
After waking late in the evening, check how the outdoor air feels before opening a window or stepping outside. High humidity can make a mild British evening feel close, while cooler, drier air may freshen the room quickly. Keeping a light layer beside the radio is practical if you plan to go outdoors after the broadcast, as conditions can feel different once you are fully awake.
Common questions
What happens if my laptop goes to sleep before 9:23 pm?
The tab sleeps along with it and the alarm will not sound on time, if at all. If you are relying on it, change the power settings so the machine stays awake, or keep a phone alarm running as well.
Do I need an account or an app?
Neither. Choose a time and a sound, press Start, and it runs in this browser tab. Nothing is downloaded, nothing is registered, and closing the page leaves nothing behind on the device.
Can I change the sound?
Yes, there is a short list of tones to pick from before you press Start. Softer sounds are easy to sleep through, so a firmer bell tends to be the safer choice for anything early in the morning.
Will it still be right when the clocks change?
Yes. It reads your device's local clock, so the move between GMT and BST at the end of March and October is picked up automatically, as long as the computer's date, time and time zone are set correctly.
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