SCIENTISTS meeting here in Reading this week are looking at ways to improve forecasts for impactful weather and climate events, including El Niño, weeks to years ahead.
The University of Reading is welcoming researchers from around the globe to the S2S2D Conference at its Whiteknights campus this week.
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 brings together scientists working on improving forecasting of extreme weather, including making advances in understanding of causes of high impact weather, new methods for forecasting risks, and how artificial intelligence can make forecasts more efficiently and more accurately.
Others are working on how to forecasts into practical tools, for example for farmers, health services, energy providers and water suppliers, and how scientists can build trust in predictions so people act on the warnings they receive.
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 is running at the University of Reading’s Whiteknights Campus from September 7-11.
More information about the S2S2D Conference is available via: wcrp-esmo.org/activities/s2s2d-conference-2026
