Astounding Science Fiction (British Edition)

This December 1946 British edition of *Astounding Science Fiction* contains three novelettes. "Forecast" by Raymond F. Jones depicts Jim November, a weather ship pilot candidate, who experiences a terrifying nightmare—or is it?—involving confinement in darkness where accusatory voices tell him he's bringing destruction. He awakens to discover he's been declared unfit after missing his examination board, witnesses claiming to have seen him drunk in the hotel lobby. Convinced he was kidnapped, November contacts Samuel Stillman, Chief Forecaster at Weather Central. Meanwhile, a news broadcast reveals mounting public opposition to Weather Central's weather control operations, with various interest groups—fruit growers, wheat farmers, and recreational associations—demanding modifications to six-month forecasts, citing potential millions in losses. The story explores themes of weather manipulation, social conflict, and institutional authority. Also included are "The Bottled Men" by Ross Rocklynne and "The Chromium Helmet" by Theodore Sturgeon, plus an editorial column.