

Masterclass | Can We Predict Extremes in Summer Weather and Climate - from months to years ahead?
LOCATION
The 2022 European summer was marked by extreme heat and drought leading to widespread wildfires, low river flow and over 60,000 excess deaths. This continued a pattern of worsening extremes in the region, with considerable impacts on society. A relevant question is could such an extreme summer have been predicted in advance, giving crucial warnings to decision makers? Seasonal forecasts attempt to do just that, predicting the weather averaged over several months, relying on the influence of ocean variability and the land-surface on the atmosphere. In this talk I will explain how climate change is affecting our summers. I will also discuss the relative capabilities of seasonal forecast models and why the summer season is particularly hard to forecast.
Speaker
Matt Patterson
Matt Patterson is a postdoctoral research assistant in the Department of Meteorology at the University of Reading. His interests include large-scale atmospheric dynamics, ocean-atmosphere interactions and prediction of weather and climate on timescales from weeks to decades. He completed a PhD at the University of Oxford and British Antarctic Survey in 2020 on the dynamics of the South Pacific split jet stream. He then worked on several projects as a post-doc at the University of Oxford before moving to the University of Reading.
Registration
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN.
Registration for this event is available to attend virtually only.
Members
If you are a member of the Society and have an account already, please log in to your account before your register. If you are a member and don’t have an account set up already, you will need to create an account. Your username is the email address that is linked to your membership.
Non-Members
If you are not a member of the Society you will need to create an account in order to register for events.
Once you have created an account, you will be required to log in each time you would like to register for an event. You will also have access to a Dashboard area that will show which events you have registered for and past events you have attended.
Any information you provide to us will only be used by The Royal Meteorological Society and appointed representatives.
This meeting is part of the Royal Meteorological Society Meetings programme, open to all, from expert to enthusiast, for topical discussions on the latest advances in weather and climate. Free to attend. Non-members are welcome.
A copy of our terms and conditions can be found here.
If you have any queries with regards to this event or require any further information please contact us at meetings@rmets.org.
Notice of audio / video recording of RMetS Meetings and Events - By attending this meeting, you are agreeing to be part of the Society’s broadcast. Please could audience members refrain from giving their name and institution during questions at ALL Society (National, Local and SIG) meetings that are being recorded or streamed. Videoing will be restricted to speakers.
The RMetS strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. If you would like to discuss accessibility or request accommodations please contact conferences@rmets.org.
We take data privacy seriously. Please read the RMetS privacy policy to find out more.
Masterclass Series Abstract
Continuing its online Meteorological Masterclasses in partnership with the University of Reading, the Society is pleased to announce a new series for Spring 2025.
During this series, three leading experts from the University of Reading will discuss the latest scientific advances for understanding and predicting weather, climate, and its impacts.
These masterclasses are intended to provide support for professionals working in Meteorology and Climate Science, and its operational applications who wish to remain up to date on recent scientific developments in the field.
The 2022 European summer was marked by extreme heat and drought leading to widespread wildfires, low river flow and over 60,000 excess deaths. This continued a pattern of worsening extremes in the region, with considerable impacts on society. A relevant question is could such an extreme summer have been predicted in advance, giving crucial warnings to decision makers? Seasonal forecasts attempt to do just that, predicting the weather averaged over several months, relying on the influence of ocean variability and the land-surface on the atmosphere. In this talk I will explain how climate change is affecting our summers. I will also discuss the relative capabilities of seasonal forecast models and why the summer season is particularly hard to forecast.
Speaker
Matt Patterson
Matt Patterson is a postdoctoral research assistant in the Department of Meteorology at the University of Reading. His interests include large-scale atmospheric dynamics, ocean-atmosphere interactions and prediction of weather and climate on timescales from weeks to decades. He completed a PhD at the University of Oxford and British Antarctic Survey in 2020 on the dynamics of the South Pacific split jet stream. He then worked on several projects as a post-doc at the University of Oxford before moving to the University of Reading.
Registration
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN.
Registration for this event is available to attend virtually only.
Members
If you are a member of the Society and have an account already, please log in to your account before your register. If you are a member and don’t have an account set up already, you will need to create an account. Your username is the email address that is linked to your membership.
Non-Members
If you are not a member of the Society you will need to create an account in order to register for events.
Once you have created an account, you will be required to log in each time you would like to register for an event. You will also have access to a Dashboard area that will show which events you have registered for and past events you have attended.
Any information you provide to us will only be used by The Royal Meteorological Society and appointed representatives.
This meeting is part of the Royal Meteorological Society Meetings programme, open to all, from expert to enthusiast, for topical discussions on the latest advances in weather and climate. Free to attend. Non-members are welcome.
A copy of our terms and conditions can be found here.
If you have any queries with regards to this event or require any further information please contact us at meetings@rmets.org.
Notice of audio / video recording of RMetS Meetings and Events - By attending this meeting, you are agreeing to be part of the Society’s broadcast. Please could audience members refrain from giving their name and institution during questions at ALL Society (National, Local and SIG) meetings that are being recorded or streamed. Videoing will be restricted to speakers.
The RMetS strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. If you would like to discuss accessibility or request accommodations please contact conferences@rmets.org.
We take data privacy seriously. Please read the RMetS privacy policy to find out more.
Masterclass Series Abstract
Continuing its online Meteorological Masterclasses in partnership with the University of Reading, the Society is pleased to announce a new series for Spring 2025.
During this series, three leading experts from the University of Reading will discuss the latest scientific advances for understanding and predicting weather, climate, and its impacts.
These masterclasses are intended to provide support for professionals working in Meteorology and Climate Science, and its operational applications who wish to remain up to date on recent scientific developments in the field.