Reading experiences its earliest 25 °C day on record

Reading recorded its earliest 25 degree day on record on Wednesday, 8 April 2026. 

Atmospheric Observatory data showed the maximum screen temperature reached 25.0 °C at the University of Reading. 

Dr Stephen Burt, Department of Meteorology at the University of Reading, said: “Our records began in 1908, and this is the earliest such date on which 25 °C has been attained, by more than a week. 

“The previous earliest date to reach or exceed 25 °C was 16 April, which coincidentally was attained in four previous years, namely in 1943, 1945, 1949, and 2003. We don't normally see a day reaching 25 °C until the second half of May.

“This follows overnight air frost (-0.4 °C) on Tuesday morning, and grass temperature below -5 °C on both Monday and Tuesday mornings.”

Unfortunately, the warm weather won't last: temperatures will see a sharp drop in the coming days, with daytime maximum temperatures on Saturday and Sunday struggling to reach 12 or 13 degrees.