Scientists aiming to spot weather risks week to years ahead

Scientists meeting in Reading next week will work on ways to improve forecasts for impactful weather and climate events, including El Niño, weeks to years ahead.

The University of Reading will host the S2S2D Conference from 7 to 11 September 2026 at its Whiteknights campus. S2S2D stands for subseasonal to seasonal to decadal prediction, encompassing a range of forecasts stretching from a few weeks to ten or so years ahead.

The conference comes as forecast models predict the currently developing El Niño, the pattern of ocean currents and heat transfer in the equatorial Pacific, is likely to become the strongest ever recorded. A strong El Niño event can bring dry conditions to some parts of the world and heavy rain and flooding to others, putting lives and livelihoods at risk.

Professor Steve Woolnough, climate scientist from the University of Reading and a member of the conference organising committee, said: "While we're able to predict El Niño events several months in advance, predicting their weather impacts around the world still remains a challenge. Getting these forecasts right further in advance means resources can be moved to where they are needed before a crisis begins.

“El Niño is just one example of the phenomena that can increase the risk of high impact weather. But floods and droughts, cold spells and heat waves can occur for many reasons, and can be predicted months or years ahead if we get the science right. The better we get at predicting these events, whatever form they take, the more we can help people stay safe."

The conference will bring together researchers working on the challenge of improving forecasts of extreme weather further into the future. Topics set to be discussed include:

• advances in understanding of causes of high impact weather
• new methods for forecasting risks of extreme weather weeks to years before it happens
• how artificial intelligence can make forecasts more efficiently and more accurate
• turning forecasts into practical tools, for example for farmers, health services, energy providers and water suppliers
• how scientists can build trust in predictions so people act on the warnings they receive

The conference will bring together experts from around the world, including researchers from regions often hardest hit by extreme weather.

Read more: S2S2D Conference 2026: Advancing climate predictions from weeks to decades to benefit society