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/
https://www.met.reading.ac.uk/~williams/
Pinned
Prof Paul Williams
@profpaul.bsky.social
· Nov 19
Let me fix that for you.
Professor who discovered that climate change is causing increased turbulence teaches youngsters that climate change is causing increased turbulence.
That's what happens in universities and it's why we're no longer living in the Dark Ages. Be thankful!
Professor who discovered that climate change is causing increased turbulence teaches youngsters that climate change is causing increased turbulence.
That's what happens in universities and it's why we're no longer living in the Dark Ages. Be thankful!
Exciting visit to Lazarski University in Warsaw this week, to discuss how climate change is affecting aviation.
November 12, 2025 at 9:11 PM
Exciting visit to Lazarski University in Warsaw this week, to discuss how climate change is affecting aviation.
I am excited to be in Warsaw this week to speak at the 13th European Aviation Conference. Exciting discussions about the future of aviation!
November 11, 2025 at 9:32 PM
I am excited to be in Warsaw this week to speak at the 13th European Aviation Conference. Exciting discussions about the future of aviation!
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 air less stable and more conducive to turbulence.
Published in the November issue of Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences.
doi.org/10.1175/JAS-...
Published in the November issue of Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences.
doi.org/10.1175/JAS-...
October 14, 2025 at 5:05 PM
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 air less stable and more conducive to turbulence.
Published in the November issue of Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences.
doi.org/10.1175/JAS-...
Published in the November issue of Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences.
doi.org/10.1175/JAS-...
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/...
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.
www.dailymail.co.uk
September 30, 2025 at 5:38 PM
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/...
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/...
I was interviewed on the BBC World Service's "Focus on Africa" show earlier this month, to discuss turbulence on flights from an African angle.
Listen to the discussion here (starting at around 22:40).
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Listen to the discussion here (starting at around 22:40).
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Focus on Africa - South Africa building fire: What happened to survivors? - BBC Sounds
More than 70 people died in the Usindiso building in central Johannesburg in 2023
www.bbc.co.uk
September 25, 2025 at 6:58 PM
I was interviewed on the BBC World Service's "Focus on Africa" show earlier this month, to discuss turbulence on flights from an African angle.
Listen to the discussion here (starting at around 22:40).
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Listen to the discussion here (starting at around 22:40).
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Atmospheric scientists: submit your paper to our special issue on "Wind-Speed Variability from Tropopause to Surface" in the journal Meteorology.
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026.
Further details and submission link: www.mdpi.com/journal/mete...
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026.
Further details and submission link: www.mdpi.com/journal/mete...
www.mdpi.com
September 24, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Atmospheric scientists: submit your paper to our special issue on "Wind-Speed Variability from Tropopause to Surface" in the journal Meteorology.
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026.
Further details and submission link: www.mdpi.com/journal/mete...
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026.
Further details and submission link: www.mdpi.com/journal/mete...
Reposted by Prof Paul Williams
It's not just that airport expansion will make climate change worse.
Climate change will also make airports worse.
New study of 30 European airports projects warming will increase the number of people exposed to noise pollution by mid-century
www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/12...
Climate change will also make airports worse.
New study of 30 European airports projects warming will increase the number of people exposed to noise pollution by mid-century
www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/12...
www.mdpi.com
September 23, 2025 at 1:19 PM
It's not just that airport expansion will make climate change worse.
Climate change will also make airports worse.
New study of 30 European airports projects warming will increase the number of people exposed to noise pollution by mid-century
www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/12...
Climate change will also make airports worse.
New study of 30 European airports projects warming will increase the number of people exposed to noise pollution by mid-century
www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/12...
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.
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.
September 1, 2025 at 5:53 PM
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.
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.
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...
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.
www.bbc.co.uk
August 29, 2025 at 12:58 PM
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...
Covered by the BBC here: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
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.
August 19, 2025 at 7:18 PM
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.
Taking my son to Brazil for a much-needed holiday!
August 5, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Taking my son to Brazil for a much-needed holiday!
Guess what was the top most-read article on the BBC News website today?
And also the most engaged with, achieving well over 1,000 comments so far!
I am happy to be quoted in it, explaining why servere turbulence is becoming more frequent.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
And also the most engaged with, achieving well over 1,000 comments so far!
I am happy to be quoted in it, explaining why servere turbulence is becoming more frequent.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
July 30, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Guess what was the top most-read article on the BBC News website today?
And also the most engaged with, achieving well over 1,000 comments so far!
I am happy to be quoted in it, explaining why servere turbulence is becoming more frequent.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
And also the most engaged with, achieving well over 1,000 comments so far!
I am happy to be quoted in it, explaining why servere turbulence is becoming more frequent.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I am very happy to be featured in this BBC article on how the aviation sector is responding to increased turbulence.
www.bbc.co.uk/future/artic...
www.bbc.co.uk/future/artic...
Turbulence is increasing. Here's how the aviation industry is trying to smooth things out
Climate change is creating stronger turbulence. Aircraft designers hope innovative new techniques will reduce its effects.
www.bbc.co.uk
July 28, 2025 at 7:45 PM
I am very happy to be featured in this BBC article on how the aviation sector is responding to increased turbulence.
www.bbc.co.uk/future/artic...
www.bbc.co.uk/future/artic...
Congratulations to my PhD student Isabel Smith, who officially became Dr Smith today!
July 22, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Congratulations to my PhD student Isabel Smith, who officially became Dr Smith today!
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.
July 17, 2025 at 6:27 PM
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.
How is climate change affecting aviation? And how can the sector adapt? We had a stimulating Q&A session on these topics at an Airbus conference in Toulouse recently.
July 16, 2025 at 7:01 PM
How is climate change affecting aviation? And how can the sector adapt? We had a stimulating Q&A session on these topics at an Airbus conference in Toulouse recently.
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.
July 10, 2025 at 5:55 PM
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.
Is the jet stream speeding up because of climate change, helping eastbound flights reach record-breaking ground speeds? I discussed the evidence in this recent presentation at the Airbus Leadership University in Toulouse.
July 8, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Is the jet stream speeding up because of climate change, helping eastbound flights reach record-breaking ground speeds? I discussed the evidence in this recent presentation at the Airbus Leadership University in Toulouse.
It was a pleasure to share the stage with Camille Sagues and Veronique Roca at this recent Airbus event, discussing the crucial topic of adaptation of the aviation sector to climate change.
July 7, 2025 at 4:57 PM
It was a pleasure to share the stage with Camille Sagues and Veronique Roca at this recent Airbus event, discussing the crucial topic of adaptation of the aviation sector to climate change.
Here are my thoughts on what air travellers should know about turbulence before heading to the airport this summer.
www.usatoday.com/story/travel...
www.usatoday.com/story/travel...
Turbulence is getting worse. Here's what passengers should know before summer flights.
Some kinds of turbulence are less common in summer, but storms can bring bumpy rides for airplane passengers. Here's how to stay safe.
www.usatoday.com
July 1, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Here are my thoughts on what air travellers should know about turbulence before heading to the airport this summer.
www.usatoday.com/story/travel...
www.usatoday.com/story/travel...
I have been in Peru this week, to speak at an ICAO workshop on severe meteorological phenomena and aviation. It is great to see that the international aviation community is taking seriously the increasing risks of severe weather associated with climate change.
June 26, 2025 at 6:39 PM
I have been in Peru this week, to speak at an ICAO workshop on severe meteorological phenomena and aviation. It is great to see that the international aviation community is taking seriously the increasing risks of severe weather associated with climate change.
Today I'm getting naked to talk about wind shear!
A listener of The Naked Scientists asked why clouds sometimes move in a different direction from the surface wind.
I got my clothes off (don't worry, it's audio only!) to answer the question.
Listen here: www.thenakedscientists.com/podcasts/que...
A listener of The Naked Scientists asked why clouds sometimes move in a different direction from the surface wind.
I got my clothes off (don't worry, it's audio only!) to answer the question.
Listen here: www.thenakedscientists.com/podcasts/que...
Why do clouds move in a different direction to the wind?
Shear-ly not...
www.thenakedscientists.com
June 20, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Today I'm getting naked to talk about wind shear!
A listener of The Naked Scientists asked why clouds sometimes move in a different direction from the surface wind.
I got my clothes off (don't worry, it's audio only!) to answer the question.
Listen here: www.thenakedscientists.com/podcasts/que...
A listener of The Naked Scientists asked why clouds sometimes move in a different direction from the surface wind.
I got my clothes off (don't worry, it's audio only!) to answer the question.
Listen here: www.thenakedscientists.com/podcasts/que...
I had the pleasure of speaking at a conference in Rimini this week about how aviation will need to adapt to climate change, covering the latest science on topics such as airport flooding, degraded take-off performance, more lightning, modified hail patterns, and stronger turbulence.
June 19, 2025 at 5:50 PM
I had the pleasure of speaking at a conference in Rimini this week about how aviation will need to adapt to climate change, covering the latest science on topics such as airport flooding, degraded take-off performance, more lightning, modified hail patterns, and stronger turbulence.
We had a great aviation session at the European Climate Change Adaptation conference in Rimini this week.
Thanks to fellow panellists Ian Elston, Davide Bassano, Marc Wetterwald, Robert Brons and moderator Rachel Burbidge for the stimulating discussions.
Thanks to fellow panellists Ian Elston, Davide Bassano, Marc Wetterwald, Robert Brons and moderator Rachel Burbidge for the stimulating discussions.
June 18, 2025 at 5:52 PM
We had a great aviation session at the European Climate Change Adaptation conference in Rimini this week.
Thanks to fellow panellists Ian Elston, Davide Bassano, Marc Wetterwald, Robert Brons and moderator Rachel Burbidge for the stimulating discussions.
Thanks to fellow panellists Ian Elston, Davide Bassano, Marc Wetterwald, Robert Brons and moderator Rachel Burbidge for the stimulating discussions.
I am honoured to learn that our recent study on turbulence increases has been recognised by the publisher as one of the most-viewed articles in Geophysical Research Letters!
June 12, 2025 at 4:19 PM
I am honoured to learn that our recent study on turbulence increases has been recognised by the publisher as one of the most-viewed articles in Geophysical Research Letters!