University of Reading

What would happen if the legendary summer of 1976 happened again today?

Yesterday, a collaboration involving researchers from University of Reading and partners including the Met Office and Royal Meteorological Society showed that temperatures of 45°C could be plausible in parts of the UK by 2056 under continued high greenhouse gas emissions.

Today, Professor Ed Hawkins has provided further explanation, in an article for The Conversation UK, published during London Climate Action Week.

Professor Hawkins explains why a repeat of the famous 1976 heatwave would now be around 3°C hotter, and what that means for our homes, infrastructure, health and future generations.

The comparison is striking.

In 1976, northwest Europe was a lone hotspot in a largely cooler world. By 2025, record-breaking heat was being experienced across much of the planet at the same time.

Read the full article: https://rdg.ac/4eZnXnI

The University of Reading has been recognised among the world's top 100 universities for sustainable development for the fourth consecutive year. 🌍

Ranked 91st globally and 14th in the UK in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, University of Reading is recognised for embedding sustainability across our research, teaching, campus operations and partnerships around the world.

These rankings assess how universities are contributing to the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals, addressing challenges including climate change, inequality and food security.

As we celebrate our Centenary year, we're proud to be recognised globally for our commitment to shaping the future of people and the planet through research, education and collaboration that delivers meaningful impact.

Read more 🔗 https://rdg.ac/4wrIRSH

From 34°C at our 50th anniversary to 45°C by our 130th. 🌡️

When the University of Reading celebrated its half-centenary in 1976, the town experienced one of the UK's most iconic heatwaves. Temperatures reached 34°C during a prolonged period of exceptional heat and drought - that is talked about even today.

Now, as we mark our Centenary in 2026, the UK is experiencing another significant heatwave.

This week, researchers from the University including Professor Ed Hawkins, and partners including the Met Office and Royal Meteorological Society, have released a scientifically plausible scenario showing that, under continued high greenhouse gas emissions, parts of the UK could reach temperatures of 45°C by 2056.

It is a stark reminder of how rapidly our climate is changing. What previous generations remember as an extraordinary summer could become increasingly normal for future generations.

Read more: https://rdg.ac/4gl3afN

🥵 Hydration breaks.
🌡️ Dangerous heat.
⚡ Severe storms.
💸 Rising travel costs and disruption

Climate change is already changing the game.

While the match lasts 90 minutes, the climate challenge facing both nations lasts much longer. As England and Ghana face the same challenges, what is the sport doing about it?

Did you know?
🏴 The FA has pledged £35 million towards reaching net zero by 2040.
🇬🇭 Ghana's Green Football League rewards clubs that cut emissions and adopt greener practices.

But soccer’s climate challenge isn't just happening on the pitch. Because as temperatures rise and extreme weather becomes more common, the future of the game as we know it will depend on how quickly we respond to our changing climate.

Ahead of tonight’s match, Environmental Law expert, Professor Chris Hilson gave us his expert view on how each nation is responding to the challenge.

But who will come out on top?

For The Real Scoreline, see 🔗 https://rdg.ac/3SXFNPp

The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for extreme heat, affecting parts of central and southern England and Wales on Wednesday and Thursday.

But what does this mean?
What's causing this extreme heat?
Should we be worried?

Regius Professor in Meteorology and Climate Science, Professor Hannah Cloke and Associate Professor Dr Jess Neumann have added their expert insight into the latest heatwave affecting the UK as temperatures are predicted to reach 40°C on Wednesday.

This is important, as red warnings are issued when there is a real risk to life.

Please read: https://rdg.ac/3Smk2bY

Today's resignation of Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister marks a significant moment in British politics.

Pictured during his visit to campus to receive an honorary degree from the University of Reading in 2014, Sir Keir's departure comes as our experts in the Department of Politics and International Relations share their analysis on what could happen next, and the wider forces reshaping politics in the UK and around the world.

Read our expert comment: 🔗 https://rdg.ac/3SijVhD

Prestigious Stonehenge exhibition reimagined for global digital audiences

As thousands celebrated the summer solstice in the South of England, a brand new virtual exhibition: The World of Stonehenge was unveiled. Co-created by University of Reading Archaeologist, Professor Duncan Garrow, it transforms an acclaimed 2022 exhibition at The British Museum into a free online experience that can now be enjoyed by people all over the world.

The project demonstrates the power of collaboration between universities and cultural institutions.

It combines world-leading archaeological research, internationally significant collections and digital innovation to bring prehistoric Britain to life, while showing how collections are not simply records of the past but living resources that help us understand people, landscapes and long-term change.

As one of the UK's leading centres for archaeology research and teaching, Archaeology at the University of Reading is proud to be helping reimagine how research can be shared, experienced and made accessible beyond museum walls.

Discover the research and partnership behind The Virtual World of Stonehenge 🔗https://rdg.ac/4uNIyjC

Last week, a sold-out Reading Concert Hall welcomed newly appointed Regius Professor in Meteorology and Climate Science, Professor Hannah Cloke OBE, for her inaugural public keynote address, The Climate Futures We Dare To Imagine.

Delivered as part of Reading Climate Festival 2026, the lecture brought together an exceptional panel of voices from across climate science, communication and public engagement, including Professor Kathryn Brown OBE, Dr Jolene Cook OBE, Laura Tobin and Professor Keith Shine FRS.

Together, they explored how science can help us imagine more hopeful, resilient futures at a time when conversations around climate change can often feel dominated by uncertainty and division.

The evening also marked an important moment in the University's history, as the first Regius Professor in Meteorology and Climate Science. Professor Keith Shine FRS, joined Professor Cloke on stage in a symbolic handover between two internationally recognised scientists whose work has shaped our understanding of weather, climate and environmental risk.

For those unable to join us in person, the full lecture and panel discussion are now available to watch online.

Watch again 📺 https://rdg.ac/4xCNmuN