Meteorologists at the University of Reading have recorded the longest uninterrupted stretch of rainy days in the English town since weather measurements began in 1908, highlighting increasingly volatile weather patterns.
According to the university’s Atmospheric Observatory, rain has fallen on 25 consecutive days since January 6, breaking a previous record of 23 days that was set in 1934 and matched in 1970. Only one day in January passed without rainfall.
The observatory said January ranked as the fourth-wettest on record in Reading, with total rainfall far exceeding long-term averages. The only wetter Januarys were recorded in 1939, 1995 and 2014.
“With further rainfall expected over the coming week, the spell of consecutive rainy days may stretch to a full month,” said Stephen Burt, a meteorologist at the university. “Roll on spring.”
The prolonged wet spell has followed a sharp contrast in weather conditions last year. Burt noted that 2025 was among the sunniest and warmest years on record in Reading and also the driest in two decades.
“It is becoming harder to remember how dry and warm last year was after weeks of unbroken rainfall,” he said.
Hydrology experts say the extreme swing from drought to persistent rain reflects broader climate trends.
Dr Jess Neumann, an associate professor of hydrology at the University of Reading, said the current conditions illustrate the growing importance of climate research.
“Just last year there were serious concerns about water availability after one of the hottest and driest summers on record,” Neumann said. “Now we are experiencing weeks of relentless rainfall.”
She added that the rapid shift between extreme dry and wet conditions is consistent with climate projections that warn of more frequent and intense weather variability.
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