Prof Paul Williams

@profpaul.bsky.social

Professor of Atmospheric Science at University of Reading. Studies turbulence, jet streams, aviation, climate change. https://www.met.reading.ac.uk/~williams/

A tale of two press releases. One says the jet stream is slowing down, the other says it is speeding up. How can they both be right? In fact, as I explained in this talk at the Andorra Weather Meeting, there is no contradiction. The jet stream is changing in different ways at different altitudes.

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Our new study published this month finds that climate change will tend to create more noise around airports across Europe. The lift generated by a departing aircraft is less in warmer air, reducing climb angles by up to 7.5%. Study: doi.org/10.3390/aero... www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/...

UK airports are set to get NOISIER due to climate change, experts warn

If you live near an airport, it might be wise to invest in a decent pair of earplugs - because the noise of departing aircraft is set to get even worse.

dailymail.co.uk

I am pleased to share that I have started a new role as Head of Department today. I joined the University of Reading's renowned Department of Meteorology 22 years ago, and I am looking forward to taking over the reins for a while.

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Our new study finds that the upper atmosphere is becoming more sheared and less stratified because of climate change. Both these changes are making the atmosphere less stable and more conducive to turbulence. Covered by the BBC here: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Reading University research shows turbulent flights to increase

University of Reading research shows that clear-air turbulence, which is invisible to aircraft, is set to get worse.

bbc.co.uk

I love meeting face-to-face at in-person conferences. There's something magical about being physically present in the same place as like-minded people. Virtual meetings have their place, and favour a hybrid-first approach to maximise accessibility, but I will always choose to travel if I can.

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I am very lucky to lead a fantastic research group in aviation turbulence at the University of Reading, pictured here having lunch today with a visitor. Thank you all for your contributions to our group's success.

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Did you know that turbulence is the leading cause of weather-related commercial aircraft accidents? It accounts for 71% of them, according to a study we published in 2019, as I discussed at this recent presentation for Airbus in Toulouse.

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