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Will it rain today? A useful rainfall rain radar map for the UK. You can easily pan and zoom on the map to view the exact local rainfall.

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May 82026RMetS celebrates Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday Aminat.Olasunk… 08 May 2026 The Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS) is proud to join the global community in celebrating the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenboroughone of the world’s most respected natural historians and communicators of science. As a Honorary Fellow of RMetSSir David has long embodied the values that underpin RMetS’s mission: advancing the understanding of weather and climateand promoting the vital role of science in society. Sir David’s extraordinary career has brought the natural world into the homes of millionsilluminating the complexitybeautyand fragility of Earth’s systems. His work has consistently highlighted the importance of careful observationrigorous evidenceand clear communication – principles that are central to meteorology and climate science. RMetS extends its warmest congratulations to Sir David on this remarkable milestone. His voice has been instrumental in fostering public engagement with environmental issues and in encouraging informed discussion grounded in scientific evidence. The Society also recognises the strong alignment between Sir David’s approach and its own commitment to evidence-based understanding. At a time when clearreliable information about weather and climate is more important than everthis shared emphasis on science as the foundation for public discourse remains essential. To mark this momentous occasionthe RMetS Education Team – Professor Sylvia Knight and Ellie Pinches – have selected some of their favourite curriculum-linked weather and climate moments from Sir David’s many acclaimed documentariesshowcasing the enduring educational value of his work: MetLink – Royal Meteorological Society Celebrating David Attenborough  8 May 2026 RMetS – General [...] Read more...
May 72026New research suggests air pollution and high-rise buildings alter air flow and heat absorptioncreating more rain Houston receives an average of 12cm more rain a year than its surrounding rural hinterland. And Houston isn’t alone. As well as being urban heat islandsrainfall data shows that the world’s largest cities tend also to be “urban wet islands”. Now new research shows much of this extra rain falls as light drizzle and that the urban wet island effect has strengthened over the last two decades. From air pollution to high-rise buildings and miles of roadsurban landscapes alter the air flow and heat absorptioncreating their own warmer and wetter local climate. Mingze Dingfrom the Ocean University of China in Qingdaoand colleagues studied satellite weather observations to understand whether extra urban rain tended to spread itself out over the year or arrive in a deluge. Continue reading… [...] Read more...
May 12026The scorching heat means parts of the UK could also be warmer than SydneyBuenos Aires or Tunis You might expect sunshine in AustraliaTunisia or Argentinabut those staying in the UK are likely to see hotter weatherwith some parts of the country expected to reach the high 20s before the bank holiday weekend. Temperatures in London and East Anglia could reach 27C on Fridaythe Met Office saidmarking the warmest day of the year so far. The scorching heat means parts of the UK could be warmer than SydneyBuenos Aires or Tuniswhere highs of between 24C to 22C are forecast. Temperatures could also exceed those in Honoluluthe capital of Hawaiiwhere highs of 26C are predicted. Continue reading… [...] Read more...
April 292026Remembering Professor Julian Hunt HonFRMetS Aminat.Olasunk… 29 April 2026 The Royal Meteorological Society is saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Julian Hunt HonFRMetSBaron Hunt of Chestertona distinguished atmospheric scientist and valued member of our community. Julian joined the RMetS in 1974 and was awarded Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Meteorological Society in 2011 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to meteorology and the wider environmental sciences. He also served as a member of the RMetS History Group between 2015 and 2020reflecting his deep interest in the development and legacy of our field. A former Director General and Chief Executive of the Met Office (1992–1997)Julian played a pivotal role in guiding the organisation through a period of transformationwhile championing the importance of research-led operational meteorology and international collaboration. His work helped strengthen the global exchange of meteorological dataa principle that remains fundamental today. Julian’s academic career at the University of Cambridgewhere he was Professor of Fluid Dynamicswas marked by influential research on turbulence and atmospheric dispersion. He had a rare ability to connect mathematical insight with real-world applicationsinspiring generations of scientists. Many remember his charismatic and engaging both as a lecturer and speakerand his enthusiasm for advancing numerical weather prediction and climate science. He is remembered as a remarkable scientistmentor and public servantwhose vision and energy left a lasting impact on meteorology. The Society is grateful for his longstanding support and contributionsand our thoughts are with his familyfriends and colleagues.   29 April 2026 RMetS – General [...] Read more...
April 272026Experts say counterfeits lack UV filtersincreasing the risk of eye damageand urge shoppers to check for safety marks While many will be enjoying the spring sunshineexperts have cautioned against wearing fake designer sunglasseswarning they could do more harm than good. As the College of Optometrists notessunglasses not only protect the eyes against glare on sunny daysbut can also shield them from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light. Continue reading… [...] Read more...
April 242026Gales stir up seabed and wash ashore jet and amber on North Yorkshire and Suffolk coasts respectively Storms can be good news for beachcombersbringing not just driftwood and weed to shore butoccasionallysemiprecious stones. Amber is fossilised tree sap dating back more than 35m years. It is common in the Baltic and rare in Britain – though sometimes pieces do reach our shores. Continue reading… [...] Read more...
April 212026Strengthening climate understanding in a complex media landscape Aminat.Olasunk… 21 April 2026 In an age of rapidly evolving digital mediahelping young people to understand climate change requires more than just teaching the science. It is also about equipping them with the skills to navigateinterpret and critically assess the information they encounter every day. From social media feeds to news headlinesclimate-related content is now a constant presence in young people’s lives. Yet the ability to distinguish robustevidence-based information from misleading or low-quality claims is far from straightforward. It is in this context that the Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS) has developed a new set of climate media literacy teaching resourcesdesigned to sit at the intersection of climate education and critical thinking. These resources form part of the Society’s wider education mission: to improve climate literacysupport teachersand ensure that young people are better equipped to engage with one of the defining challenges of our time. Why climate media literacy matters Findings from the RMetS Climate Literacy Survey continue to highlight both encouraging trends and emerging risks in how young people engage with climate information. On the one handthere are clear signs that students are able to identify and place trust in authoritative sources. Science (82%)geography teachers (73%)the BBC (77%) and organisations such as the Met Office (67%) are regarded as trustworthy. At the same timesources often associated with lower evidential standards – including social mediaYouTube and tabloid newspapers – are treated with greater scepticism. Howeverthe picture is more nuanced than it first appears. Despite relatively low levels of familiarity with organisations such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)many respondents still report trusting them. This suggests that while students may recognise authoritythey do not always have a clear understanding of who these organisations are or how they produce knowledge. In other wordstrust does not always rest on fully developed evaluative skills. Moreoverthe survey points to a gradual increase in trust in social mediaalongside a broader media environment in which misinformation remains pervasive. Only 39% of respondents report trusting social media “a lot” or “a little”but this figure is creeping upwards. Even small shifts in this direction matter when considered against the scale and speed at which information spreads online. Evidence from across the UK reinforces this concern. Research from Ofcom shows that around four in ten UK adults report encountering misinformation onlinehighlighting how widespread the issue has become. Meanwhilethe Alan Turing Institute has found that more than 90% of the UK population have come across misinformation in digital spaces. This sits within a wider global context in which trust in online information is increasingly fragile. According to Statistaaround 70% of people report struggling to determine whether content has been generated by artificial intelligencewhile 64% express concern about its potential influence on elections. At the same timemisinformation relating to climate and extreme weather continues to circulate widely across major platformsoften without clear labelling or verification. Taken togetherthese findings point to a clear conclusion: while foundational climate literacy remains essentialwe must do more. Students must also be able to interrogate the sourcesframing and evidence behind the climate stories they encounter – a vital skill that paves the way for negotiating future challengesas well as prospering in the green economy. New climate media literacy resources for teachers. In a fast-changing digital worldunderstanding climate change means more than science – students also need skills to navigateinterpret and critically assess the information they encounter every day                      A new approach: combining climate and media literacy The new RMetS resources have been developed in response to this challenge. Bringing together climate education and media literacythey are designed to help students apply critical thinking and evaluation skills to real-world climate content. Structured as two lessonsthe resources can be delivered flexibly across a range of subjects or as part of a cross-curricular themed day. They are available at both foundational and advanced levelsenabling teachers to tailor delivery to the needs and abilities of their students. At their core are three key learning objectives: to support students in analysing climate information carefullyincluding datagraphslanguage and sources. to enable students to use evidence and critical thinking to judge whether information is accurate or misleading. to help students recognise how misunderstandings and poor-quality evidence can lead to inaccurate climate claimsand to question such claims in a careful and responsible way. The materials are supported by a curriculum mapping documentwhich links directly to Progression Step 4 (Key Stage 3 in England and Walesand S3/S4 in Scotland)while also demonstrating how the resource can contribute to interdisciplinary teaching across subjects. In this waythe resources are not simply an “add-on” to existing contentbut a practical tool for embedding critical engagement within climate education. A resource for Primary teachers will be available soon.  Supporting teachersstrengthening impact A consistent theme emerging from both research and engagement with educators is the need for high-qualityclassroom-ready resources that align with curriculum requirements while addressing contemporary challenges. Teachers are already among the most trusted sources of climate information for young people. The Climate Literacy Survey shows that geography teachersin particularare held in high regard. Supporting them with robustevidence-informed materials therefore represents one of the most effective ways to improve climate understanding at scale. By focusing on media literacythese new resources also respond directly to the realities of the modern information environment. Rather than treating misinformation as a peripheral issuethey place it at the centre of the learning experienceencouraging students to engage actively and critically with the content they encounter. A collective effort As with all of the Society’s education workthis initiative has been made possible through the support of our members. RMetS’ ability to develop and deliver resources such as thesewhich are freely available to teachers and schoolsis underpinned by the continued commitment of our community. Member support enables the Society to invest in improving climate literacyadvancing educationand helping to build a more informed and resilient society. At a time when both climate change and the information landscape are becoming more complexthis work is more important than ever.    21 April 2026 Education [...] Read more...
April 212026Planned website maintenance April 24 at 19:00 BST Anonymous (not verified) 21 April 2026 From 7pm on Friday 24 April 2026 our website will be under the weather for a bit of maintenance. We have forecast it will only take 30mins – 1 hour for all our pages to shine again. If you have any enquiriesplease contact us via [email protected] or call (0)118 2080 142. 21 April 2026 RMetS – General [...] Read more...
April 202026State of the Climate for the UK Agri-Food Sector Aminat.Olasunk… 20 April 2026 The Royal Meteorological Societyin partnership with the Met Office and the Department for EnvironmentFood & Rural Affairsis conducting a comprehensive annual assessment of recent climate impacts on UK agriculture and food supply chainswhile identifying transformative solutions. Climate change is already affecting the UK agri-food sectorwith well-documented impacts across parts of the supply chain. Evidence shows that extreme rainfalldrought and heat events can reduce yields in cropswhile heat exposure has been linked to reduced milk production in dairy cows. Howeverimportant gaps remain in our understanding of how climate change is affecting food productionqualityand supply chains in the UK. In 2026several major UK policy processes relating to climate riskadaptationand food security are due to report. These developments highlight the need for improved evidence on how climate change is affecting the agri-food sector. In particularthere is currently a lack of clear impact indicators that can help quantify climate-related risks and support future monitoring and policy development. State of the Climate for the UK Agri-Food Sector will: Develop quantitative impact indicators with stakeholders across the UK agri-food industrypolicyand academic sectorscovering the past five years. Investigate and highlight existing solutions addressing climate change impacts within the UK agri-food sector. Define a process for monitoring impact indicators and integrating them into future UK agri-food policy developmentwith particular reference to National Adaptation Programme actions N6N9 and ID1and food security reporting. Stakeholders across the agri-foodresearchand policy communities are invited to follow the progress of this work. Updates will be shared throughout the project lifecycleincluding opportunities to engage with the work and early insights as they emerge. Sign up to receive project updates and announcements via the Royal Meteorological Society website: https://www.rmets.org/publications/reports-and-briefing-papers/agri-food/state-climate-uk-agri-food-sector 23 April 2026 RMetS – General [...] Read more...
April 162026Lessons for the Future – Ensuring that a future grid is resilient in the face of climate change nathan.reece@r… 16 April 2026 The push towards Net Zero and decarbonisation of the energy system is already marching forward as action on climate change and greenhouse emissions step upbut how do we ensure that this new grid remains resilient as it changes? And how do we make sure that these future projections consider the increased risk from the shifts in weather that come with climate change? On the 10th of Marchthe RMetS Energy Insight series kicked off. This insight event assembled academics and professionals from the energy sector to discuss the questions aboveand outline some of the ways in which we can assess resiliencehelp plan the future grid to account for Net Zero demandsand incorporate changes in weather and climate into these future scenarios. Issues relating to increased dependence on weather for our electricity generationthe future electrification of areas like heating and transport adding to the demandand the changes to hazards linked to climate change were all up for discussionwith the 4 speakers discussing work they had been involved with before a Q&A session. The recording is available now to watch on the RMetS youtube channel.  How can we produce and assess future resilience strategies? To start withColin Manning from Newcastle University discussed some of the work him and his team had been doing on helping to produce and assess climate resilience strategies. This included an overview of some of the different methods and data that can be used to assess potential changes to the risk faced by the electricity network. Using the UK Climate Projectionshigh resolution datasets produced by the Met Office specifically designed for groups to use when assessing future climate and the uncertainty in future projectionsColin spoke about how they could identify occurrences of strong wind events in the datasetand then calculate an estimated number of faults from a statistical model based on historical data. This output can then be used to aid decision makingeither by assessing the cost-benefit of potential resilience strategiesor by quantifying the expected robustness of the network. How do we assess the risks of climate change? We followed with Dr Daniel Donaldson from the University of Birminghamwho presented work that is helping form the currently underway 4th Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA4) reportoutlining the different risks that climate change is bringingand how reporting of future climate adaptation is progressing. Daniel outlined how the energy system has changed historicallyfrom gas booms to current plans for increased electrification and jumps in storage and weather-dependant generationwith mandated reporting from energy sector groups on their future plans to cope with climate change. He then talked us through how the CCRA reports identify and group different riskscollecting knowledge through literature reviewscalls for evidenceand workshops with stakeholders. He gave a great example of the changing of the specific risk of wildfires to infrastructurebased on the work his team had been doing at Birmingham.  How does this all work in practice? Dr Gruffudd Edwards then followed with another real-world example of how this is put into practice through his consultancy work at TNEI. He explained the concept of using fragility curves for high impactlow probability eventswhich give a probability of an event (in this casefailure) based on a specific condition (for examplemaximum wind speed).  He explained how these can be used for simulating probabilities of future failures through using methods such as Monte Carlo simulations with time series of weather variables. He also explained their potential uses for calculating accumulation effects such as wear and agingwhich themselves make failure more likely. In particularhe spoke about how using a binary state for energy systems (working or not working) doesn’t account for how the state system may change how it responds to further future weather events and so needs to be accounted for with fragilities curves that can change with time. Combining it allhow do we get from Climate Science to Energy Resilience? Finallywe heard from Dr James Fallon at the UK Met Officewho outlined the approach that they were taking in helping turn climate data into energy resilience metrics that can be used by the industry. In his talkhe spoke through the different datasets available to themwith different temporal and spatial resolutionswhich can help identify different hazards. For exampleflash flooding from intense convective rainfall requires data at shorter time steps and on a smaller spatial scalewhereas impacts from North Atlantic weather patterns can be accounted for just as well at a coarser resolution. He also spoke about the different ways of approaching the questionswhether it is better to identify a hazard and assess the changes to the frequency of thoseor better to identify an impact metric and work backwards to identify the hazard that causes that. We were lucky to be joined by both Professor Sean Wilkinson and Dr Paula Gonzelezwho had also worked on projects with Dr Manning and Dr Fallonalongside our speakers for the Q&Aadding their expertise. There were several questions on a wide range of topicsincluding discussions on verification and monitoring of both energy and weather datawhat different impacts we might see across different parts of the UKand even a question on how AI may help with future resilience assessments.  The next Energy Insight Event This all leads neatly into our second Energy Insight talk this yearwhich is on 23rd April at 2pmwhere we will be looking back in timerather than forwardand hearing how the energy sector has responded to past weather eventsand what lessons have been learned for the next time. We have talks from Dr Laiz Souto (University of Bath)Dr Anouk Honore (Oxford Institute for Energy Studies)and Dr Claire Turle and Dr Gwen Palmer (Frazer-Nash Consultancy).  It promises to be another great eventregistration is FREE TO ALLand you can sign up here. 16 April 2026 Industry Insight [...] Read more...
April 162026The birds usually fly to SpainPortugal or Africa for winter but some no longer do so – largely owing to the climate crisis For many birdersthe first proper sign of spring comes when they hear the cheery two-note song of the chiffchaffa smallmigratory warbler whichlike the kittiwake and the cuckoois named after the sound it makes. Chiffchaffs spend the winter far closer to home than most other members of their family: the majority heading to SpainPortugal or north-west Africa. This is in sharp contrast to their close relative the willow warblerwhich heads all the way across the Saharato southern Africaand usually arrives back here from early Apriltwo or three weeks later than the chiffchaff. Continue reading… [...] Read more...
April 132026Colourful tulipshyacinthswisteria and daffodils appear across country as gardeners prepare for shows Colourful tulipshyacinthswisteria and daffodils have made a remarkable display across England after a short period of hot weather followed by a cold snap created excellent conditions for spring blooms. There were record temperatures last week in many parts of the UK as the country recorded one of the hottest April days in the last 80 years. Continue reading… [...] Read more...
April 102026The hottest day of the year so far was this weekobliging everyone to lose their minds Easter Monday and we’re out in Camdenobserving the tween girls’ stations of the cross: namelyPop Mart and MinisoChinese retailers selling toyscollectibles and “blind boxes”for which the devotional parent is invited to pay 15 quid for their child to unwrap a surprise. (The surprise – can you guess? – is that it’s not worth 15 quid.) Other purchasing options include the “Action Figure Squid Game Set”which retails for – adjusts glasses – £250. A range of DC Comics collectible figures starting at £32 a pop. And something called a “Cinnamoroll figurine”which isinexplicably£95. Continue reading… [...] Read more...
April 102026Fifty years ago this month people were enjoying highs of 21C but stifling heat and water rationing were on the way The weather in April 1976 was unusually pleasant. The Easter weekendwhich fell in the middle of the monthcoincided with a warm spell as an area of high pressure drifted towards the UK. Conditions in Scotland were unsettled but the rest of the country enjoyed sunshine and highs of 21C. There was very little rainfall in what is traditionally a showery monthwith Plymouth receiving a record low of just 4mm. The 12-month period to April 1976 was the driest ever recorded. Continue reading… [...] Read more...
April 92026RMetS and Time for Geography recognised with Geographical Association Publishers’ Award nathan.reece@r… 09 April 2026 The Royal Meteorological Society has been recognised with the Highly Commended Geographical Association Publishers Award through its collaboration with Time for Geography. The work forms part of RMetS’ broader mission to support education and skills development across the weather and climate sector. By working collaboratively with partnersthe Society seeks to strengthen the pipeline of future talentensuring that young people are better equipped to engage with – and contribute to – the challenges and opportunities presented by a changing climate. Eleanor PinchesRMetS Education Officerwas also shortlisted for the Geographical Association’s Journal Award for her article in Teaching Geographywhich addresses eight of the most common weather and climate misconceptions we have identified in teaching resources and assessment materialsand which are evidenced in responses to the Royal Meteorological Society’s annual climate literacy survey. The GA Journal Award is presented to articles that have made the greatest contribution to the development of good practice among geography teachers. Read more about the Society’s work over on MetLinkour website for the education sector. 8 April 2026 Education [...] Read more...
April 92026Improved short-term forecasts could be a lifesaver for Nasa and important for organisers of events such as Wimbledon Meteorologists are working on ever longer-range predictionsbut they have not neglected ultra localultra short-term forecasts for specific purposes. This monthmeteorologists at Nasa’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia announced trials with a high-resolution weather model called US1k developed by Meteomatics. The developers claim that this model has a resolution nine times finer that other solutionsallowing planners to get a clear zoomed-in view of the launch conditions. It predicts weather on a 1km grid in 15-minute increments. The MetX interface is designed to convey crucial information clearly in stressful situations. Continue reading… [...] Read more...
April 82026High of 26.5C recorded in Kew Gardens in south-west Londonbut rain and cooler conditions are on the way Many across the UK witnessed soaring temperatures as the country recorded its warmest day of the year so far – and one of the hottest April days in the last 80 years. Temperatures reached a high of 26.5C (79.7F) in Kew Gardenssouth-west Londonon Wednesdaythe Met Office said. It was the hottest day recorded in the first half of April since 1946according to the forecaster. Continue reading… [...] Read more...
April 62026South-east England could reach 24C as short period of settled weather replaces rain and 70mph winds Parts of the UK are set to enjoy the warmest temperatures of the year so far in the wake of Storm Davewhich caused widespread damage and disruption over the Easter weekend. London and south-east England could reach temperatures of 21C or 22C on Tuesdayrising to 24C on Wednesdaywhile Manchester could hit 20Csay forecastersas a short period of settled weather replaces the rain and 70mph winds that battered parts of northern EnglandScotlandWales and Northern Ireland. Continue reading… [...] Read more...
April 52026Road and rail travel also disrupted across the UK before weather warnings lifted on Sunday Storm Dave left thousands of homes across Wales and Northern Ireland without power and disrupted road and rail travel across the UK before high wind and snow warnings were lifted on Sunday morning. Winds of up to 93mph were recorded in Capel Curig in north Wales – 20mph higher than forecast – while the Met Office issued a yellow severe weather warning for heavy snow and blizzards across the Scottish HighlandsArgyll and the Western Isles on Saturday. Continue reading… [...] Read more...
April 42026Storm expected to cause Easter weekend travel disruptionthough warm weather could return next week Storm Dave is expected to cause travel disruption this Easter weekendwith warnings for heavy snow and gale-force winds issued across northern parts of the UKbut a reprieve from the cold snap could be on the waywith temperatures forecast to reach the mid-20s next week. The Met Office has issued a yellow severe weather warning in Scotland for heavy snow and blizzards causing some travel and power disruption. Up to 30 centimetres of snow could fall. An amber weather warning for wind has been issued for parts of northern EnglandScotland and Wales on Saturday evening. Continue reading… [...] Read more...
April 42026Citizen science data reveals early floweringnesting and insect activity as global heating accelerate seasonal change Bluebells are floweringswallows are returning and orange-tip butterflies are flying in what could become Britain’s earliest recorded spring. Records for early spring occurrences are being smashed as 2026 looks to be the earliest this century for frogspawn layingblackbirds nestingbrimstone butterflies emerging and hazel floweringaccording to Nature’s Calendarwhich has logged citizen science records of seasonal change since 2000. Continue reading… [...] Read more...
April 32026St Michael’s Mount and the people who live near it are still healing from the scars left by storm’s 100mph winds Three months after Storm Goretti battered St Michael’s Mount in Cornwallthe signs of the storm’s power are still evident in the scars left by uprooted treespiles of logs and the shaking of heads from islanders who have lived there for decades and never seen the like. “It really was something,” said Jack Beesleya senior gardener. “We were shocked the morning after when we saw what had happened. We had been caring for these trees for years and to see so many of them down was very sad. We’ve worked hard to get the place ready for the Easter visitors but it will still be a month or more until we’re back straight.” Continue reading… [...] Read more...
April 22026Met Office names fourth storm of the yearwith weather warnings for parts of ScotlandNorthern IrelandWales and north of England The Met Office has named its fourth storm of the yearwhich will bring very strong winds in the north of the UK on Saturday evening into Easter Sunday. Storm Dave will bring wind gusts of 60 to 70mph in parts of ScotlandNorthern Irelandnorth Wales and parts of Northern Englandwith a possibility of gusts of up to 90mph in some areas. Continue reading… [...] Read more...
April 12026Meteorologists issue yellow weather warningwith gusts of up to 90mph expected in some areas The northern half of the UK is expected to face gale force winds over the Easter weekendwith forecasters warning of possible travel disruption and power cutsstemming from a “significant cold plunge from Canada into the North Atlantic”. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for very strong winds in ScotlandNorthern Ireland and parts of north Wales and northern England from 6pm on Saturday until midday on Sunday. Continue reading… [...] Read more...
March 192026Puffinsguillemots and razorbills are being washed up dead or dying on Europe’s Atlantic coast in what scientists call a ‘wreck’ Thousands of seabirds – mostly puffinsbut also many guillemots and razorbills – are being washed up dead or dying on the Atlantic coasts of western Europein what scientists call a “wreck”. This year’s eventsthe consequence of a series of severe storms during the late autumn and winterare the worst since 2014when as many as 54,000 birds were found stranded. Of thesewell over half – between 30,000 and 34,000 – were puffins. Continue reading… [...] Read more...
March 62026Robert HowardMary Fitzpatrick and Martin Brown on the delights of dusking Rachel Dixon’s piece about “dusking” (‘All you need is a chair and a view’: could daily ‘dusking’ make us healthier and happier?1 March) gave a lovely name to something I having been doing all my lifebeginning as a child in the company of my Nannain a gas-lit kitchen in Wembley in the 1940swith no view to speak of – just a back yard. I can see Nanna clearlysitting on a chair wedged between the dresser and a tablethe gas mantle yet to be lit by a taper that stood in a clay pot on top of the range. “Let the night take you and you will sleep all the better for it,” she used to say. And I was always a night-long sleeper – still am as I approach my 82nd birthday. Now the view is a back garden in Beeston; I sit and watchas the night draws inin an Ikea chair bought for £9 in 1996and warm thanks to central heating. If only my Nanna had known such comforts. She died when I was 15a year after we got electric lightand I had been at work six monthsnever having the chance to look after her come the timeas I would have done. Continue reading… [...] Read more...
March 42026Saharan dust will transform sunsets and might leave deposits on cars and windows A vast plume of Saharan dust is expected to light up the skies over much of the UK this week. The fine sand lifted from the deserts of North Africa will travel thousands of miles on warm southerly air currents and is set to coat cars and other outdoor surfacesforecasters said. Continue reading… [...] Read more...
March 42026Ten-point plan to deliver climate education kathy123 04 March 2026 Capitalising on greater climate changenature and sustainability education in the national curriculum in England will need a detailed programme of support to make the changes a realityaccording to a new report published today (Wednesday4 March).   The reportproduced following discussions with more than 40 professional bodies and teaching organisationssets out ten priority areas for improving climate education following the government’s Curriculum and Assessment Review. The experts argue that while the curriculum review is a welcome stepreal change will require coordinated support across the whole education system. It also urges Ofsted to incorporate schools’ sustainability actions and climate changenature and sustainability education into their inspection framework.   Professor Sylvia KnightHead of Education at the Royal Meteorological Society and a Visiting Professor at the University of Readingsaid: “The curriculum review has created real momentum for change. We want to make sure that translates into effective climate education in every classroom. Having identified these ten priority areas we can now work together towards achieving them.”   The ten priority areas are: Quality-controlling classroom resources — making sure materials from major publishers are accurateup to date and adaptable for local use Reforming exam specifications — ensuring climate and nature are examined across multiple subjectswith specifications that can be updated as the science develops Expanding enrichment opportunities — ensuring all students have equal access to climate-related activities outside the classroom Supporting teachers — better training and resources across all subjectsincluding guidance on handling controversial issues in the classroom Defining essential content — making the basics of climate change causesconsequences and solutions compulsory for every student Keeping the focus on solutions — more emphasis on renewable energynature restoration and green careers in lessonstraining and exams Improving coherence and sequencing — clearer links between subjects and year groups to avoid repetition and build on prior learning Embedding green skills — weaving datadigital and critical thinking skills into climate and nature teaching across all subjects Strengthening the wider community — closer working between publisherssubject expertsindustry and young people Applying a climate lens to every subject — bringing climate and nature into subjects beyond the obvious onesand ensuring it is covered in teacher training from the start  The report ends by setting out a vision for what successful reform of the education system would look like by 2031. Contributors include the Royal Meteorological Societythe University of ReadingUniversity College Londonthe National Association for Environmental EducationGlobal Action Planthe Council for Subject Associationsthe Royal Geographical Society and Cambridge University Press & Assessment.   Notes to editors:   Read: Delivering High Quality Climate ChangeNature and Sustainability Education for All – Beyond the Curriculum and Assessment Review  Professor Sylvia Knight is available for interview. Contact the RMetS Press Office on 0118 208 0142 or [email protected].   Additional quotes: Professor Andrew Charlton-Perezclimate scientist at the University of Reading and chair of the National Climate Education Action Plansaid: “Climate change touches every part of our livesso it makes sense that it should touch every part of the education young people receive. The reforms to the ScienceGeography and Design and Technology curriculum are really welcomebut what our workshop highlighted is the distance still left to travel to ensure that the education system can deliver on these reforms. We highlighted ten priority areas we think need attention to make a real difference.”    Dr Alison KitsonProgramme DirectorUCL Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability Education at University College Londonsaid: “Any reform to the education system needs to think clearly about what its end goals are. Our report highlights a collective vision for how they could improve the educational experience not just for young people but for teachersschool leaders and many others.”   Dr Morgan PhillipsAssociate DirectorGlobal Action Plansaid: “Our report highlights the careful thoughtplanningand flexibility that is needed to weave climate changenature and sustainability education into both the national curriculum and the education system more broadly. This requires collaboration and cooperation across subject disciplines and by curriculum makers at every level of the education system. It has never been more important to facilitate conversations between the departmentthe curriculum draftersresource providersexam boards andof courseteachers and learners. This report highlights that these conversations are happeningthey need to continue throughout the months and years to come.”     Liz MoorseChief Executive of the Association of Citizenship Teaching and co-chair of the Council for Subject Associations said: “We must seize this unique moment in education policy to unite education leaders and subject teachers behind a shared mission: to teach environmental changeits impacts and the possible solutions for a more sustainable future. Our report sets out a vision to create a whole system approach so that no child is left without this essential education.”   Christine Ozdenthe first Global Director for Climate Educationat Cambridge University Press & Assessmentsaid: “Today’s young people will inherit the most consequential impacts of climate change and the responsibility to respond to them. We want to support schools to empower them from reception upso they have the expertise and ability to evaluate evidenceto think critically and to take on jobs in new industries shaped by a green economy. “The UK Government’s recent Curriculum and Assessment Review made positive changes to integrating climate into education. Like the report authorswe see the opportunity and need to embed it right across the curriculum. “This is an excellent report that shares and builds on the expertise and hard work of many people and organisations. Cambridge is proud to have contributed. We are already embedding climate education in our qualifications to ensure that this generation is equipped to contribute to local and global responses to the environmental changes that happen in their lifetimes. Climate change is the defining challenge of our ageand climate education is essential across the curriculum.”    Myles McGinleyManaging Director of Cambridge OCRsaid: “This timely report echoes what teachers and students tell us: they want to see more about climate change and sustainability in the curriculum. “Just as climate change touches on every aspect of our livesit should be present across a student’s education. This is more than just adding a worthy topic to the curriculum. Student engagement and attendance are increasingly challenging for many schools. Part of the solution is providing a curriculum that is engaging and relevant to young people and provides them with the knowledge and skills they need for life and work in a rapidly changing world. “Today’s report notes that there will also be an important place for more climate-relevant qualifications. This is something we have found in the positive response to our certificate in sustainabilityaimed at young people who are interested in the green economy. The curriculumand qualifications available to young peoplemust never stand still.”  Read the full report here 4 March 2026 Education [...] Read more...
March 22026Statement from the Royal Meteorological Society on the Future of FAAM nathan.reece@r… 02 March 2026 The Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS)as the UK’s learned and professional society for weather and climaterecognises the strategic pressures facing public research investment. We note the Natural Environment Research Council’s (NERC) recent announcement outlining a pivot towards new technologies in atmospheric research and the cessation of funding for the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM). As an independentevidence-based voice for the meteorological communitywe believe it is essential that this decision is carefully scrutinisednot only in terms of scientific impactbut in terms of whether it is in the United Kingdom’s long-term strategic interest. For 25 years FAAM has been a cornerstone of UK atmospheric scienceand together with its predecessorthe C-130 Hercules aircraft (1972-2001)has enabled UK scientists to carry out world-leading research into cloud processesatmospheric chemistryair–sea interactionsevere weather systemsnatural hazardsand climate dynamics. Aircraft-based observations provide uniqueaccuratehigh resolutionmulti-variatein situ measurements of the atmosphere that are impossible to obtain by remote sensingwhether from land-based platforms or satellitesor most uncrewed aerial vehicles. These measurements are foundational to the science that underpins weather forecastingclimate projectionsair quality managementand environmental policy. FAAM has delivered clear operational and resilience benefits. During the Eyjafjallajökull eruption in 2010flights provided critical evidence to support the UK’s role in the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre. The aircraft also made flights at the request of the Home Office in response to the Buncefield oil depot fire and the Elgin gas platform releaseamong others. These missions illustrate that airborne measurement is not solely a research tool; it is a national contingency asset. Decisions about its future should therefore be viewed through a resilience and security lensnot purely a budgetary one. This capability directly serves the national interest. The atmosphere does not respect borders. Many of the processes that shape UK weatherincluding rapidly intensifying cyclonesatmospheric riversevolving convective systemsocean–atmosphere heat exchangeoccur over the oceans or within dynamic systems beyond the reach of fixed instrumentation. Aircraft provide the flexibility to deploy into developing high-impact eventssampling within clouds and hazardous environments. That flexibility cannot be substituted by land-based assets. Without itthe UK risks weakening its ability to understand and anticipate the very extremes that increasingly threaten livesinfrastructure and economic stability. As one RMetS Fellow reflected: “Scientific aircraft are often seen as glamorous and expensivebut underpinning science is impossible to do without actually getting out there and making the measurements.” Aircraft measurements are also essential for calibrating and validating satellitestesting instrumentationand improving numerical weather prediction and climate models. In an era of rapid advances in artificial intelligence and machine learningthe strategic importance of high-quality observational data only increases. Data-driven systems are entirely dependent on the integrity and representativeness of the measurements used to train and evaluate them.  RMetS strongly supports innovation in autonomous systemsadvanced remote sensing and new observational technologies. These developments are welcome and necessary. Howeverthey should be regarded as complementary to airborne capabilitynot replacements for it. Uncrewed systems typically carry smaller payloadshave range and regulatory limitationsand cannot yet deliver the breadth of simultaneoushigh-precision measurements required to understand complex atmospheric processes. Criticallywithout aircraft-based observationsthe UK would lose its ability to properly calibrate and validate the very drone and satellite systems intended to replace it. A transition that removes airborne capability before alternatives are demonstrably equivalent risks creating a long-term capability gap. We are also concerned by widespread reports that this decision followed limited consultation and came as a shock to much of the atmospheric science community. Major changes to national research infrastructureparticularly those involving assets with decades-long lifetimeswarrant transparent processbroad engagement and clear articulation of the strategic rationale. Abrupt withdrawal risks not only scientific loss but erosion of trust between funders and the communities they support. Finallythere is the question of skills and national capacity. FAAM sustains a highly specialised community of scientistsengineerstechnicians and aircrew whose expertise has been built over decades. Once dispersedsuch capability is extraordinarily difficultand costlyto recreate. Strategic interest must include consideration of whether the UK wishes to retain sovereign capability in airborne atmospheric measurementor become reliant on others. The United Kingdom has long been recognised as a global leader in atmospheric science. That leadership rests on a balanced ecosystem: satellitessurface networksmodellingautonomous systems and airborne platforms working together. As weather and climate risks intensifynot diminishthe case for comprehensive observational capability strengthens. RMetS therefore urges continued dialogue between fundersgovernment and the scientific community to reassess the long-term implications of this decision. Investment in new technology is essentialbut it should build on proven strengthsnot prematurely dismantle them. The question is not simply whether FAAM is affordable in the short termbut whether its loss serves the country’s strategic scientificeconomic and resilience interests in the decades ahead.  2 March 2026 RMetS – General [...] Read more...
February 242026Andrew Hiscock says the Netherlands’ handling of flooding in 1953 has stood it in good stead. Plus letters from John Sergeant and Michael Heaton In the Netherlandsmuch of which is below sea levelwe have not had a single square metre of flooding since 1953 (‘Homes may have to be abandoned’: how climate crisis has reshaped Britain’s flood risk31 January). In that yeara storm surge erupted in the North Seaengulfing much of East Anglia as well as the Dutch province of Zeeland. The Dutch built the Delta Works to fix this; the English did nothing. Years of investment in land reclamation and flood-defence experience were brought into play. The Netherlands handles the delta/distributaries of two of Europe’s greatest rivers – the Rhine (Rijn) and the Meuse (Maas). I live five metres from a major inland waterway and the level does not change. My cousin lives in Somerset (twinned with Atlantis) and is already on his third flooding of 2026. Continue reading… [...] Read more...