Scientists Collect Data Behind Forecasts At UK Weather Station, As Country Swelters In Latest Heatwa Iplayer [NtINUwwHfDw]

(15 Jul 2026)

RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Reading, UK - 14 July 2026

1. Various of a large 10 metre tall profile anemometer, which measures wind speed and direction

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Mustakim Hasnath, The Associated Press:

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"The UK has seen temperatures soar in recent weeks. Here in Reading, researchers say they've recorded their 15th day this year, with temperatures exceeding 30C. And with more hot weather in the forecast, that number is set to rise. If you're anything like me, you're probably guided by mobile phone apps. I've got 6 on my phone, and they don't always agree with each other. But it's at weather stations like this one at the University of Reading's Atmospheric Observatory where the data behind those forecasts are collected. Everything from paola iezzi temperature and rainfall to wind speed, wind direction, air pressure are all measured here around the clock. And despite all the modern technologies, the temperature is still measured manually here every morning, using the same traditional method that's been followed since 1908."

3. Various aerials of the University of Readings Atmospheric Observatory weather station ++MUTE++

4. Various of Hannah Cloke, Professor of Meteorology and Climate Science at University of Reading, opening and observing temperature readings of thermometers inside danhausen Stevenson Screen - a climatological instrument which measures air temperature - with two thermometers inside. On the left is a dry bulb thermometer and on the right is a wet bulb thermometer

5. SOUNDBITE (English) Mustakim Hasnath, The Associated Press:

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"Researchers say the more frequent heat waves we're experiencing are exactly what we'd expect in a warming climate, with climate change increasing both the likelihood and intensity of extreme heat."

6. Anemometers measuring wind speed and direction

STORYLINE:

From the air, the University of Readings Atmospheric Observatory looks like a grid of white boxes, metal gauges and masts set into dry summer grass.

Together, those instruments provide measurements used by scientists, forecasters and the computer models behind weather apps and websites.

The observatory records temperature, rainfall, wind, soil heat, evaporation and sunlight, creating the observations used to check weather records, track climate and help forecast what comes next.

One of the largest instruments here is a 10 metre profile anemometer, which measures wind speed and direction above the ground.

Wind changes with height and liam scales with the roughness of the surface below it, so measuring it at a standard height helps scientists compare conditions through time and between sites.

Hannah Cloke, Professor of Meteorology and Climate Science at the University of Reading, said a number of records had already been broken this year.

This includes the hottest May temperature on record, the hottest June temperature on record and the largest number of days over 30 degrees, beating the 1976 benchmark.

Those new Reading records are from 2026, but they come as the Royal Meteorological Societys International Journal of Climatology publishes the State of the UK Climate in 2025.

The report is based mainly on 2025 data, but it gives context for what scientists say is a wider pattern of hotter UK extremes.

It says 2025 was the UKs warmest year in a series from 1884, included the warmest spring and summer, and was also the sunniest year in a series from 1910.

At the observatory, one of the most important instruments is a white wooden box called a Stevenson screen.

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