National Centre for Atmospheric Science

Happy International Women's Day!

To celebrate the 115th Women's Day this Sunday, we asked our colleagues: What would you like to say to your younger self? They shared some words of reflection, guidance and love 💙

#IWD2026

Closure of the FAAM Airborne Laboratory - NCAS The National Centre for Atmospheric Science can confirm that the FAAM Airborne Laboratory will cease operations at the end of this financial year, following the withdrawal of funding by UKRI-NERC.

FAAM Airborne Laboratory Closure FAQs

We've published a set of FAQs addressing the recent decision by UKRI‑NERC to withdraw funding for the FAAM Airborne Laboratory. Full FAQs are available alongside our statement, and we'll continue to share updates on NCAS channels.

ncas.ac.uk/closure-of-t...

What does Saharan dust mean for UK weather and air quality? - NCAS Find out why Saharan dust is drifting over the UK and what it means for our weather and air quality, and how scientists measure it.

Vibrant sunsets, dirty windows, and increased particulate matter - it must be Saharan dust.

Hugo Ricketts explains the what, where, and how of airborne dust in the UK: ncas.ac.uk/why-is-there...

Atmospheric Science Training Courses - NCAS Build your place within the atmospheric science community by developing skills and knowledge with the National Centre for Atmospheric Science.

Want to join our next course? Check out our training programme: ncas.ac.uk/study-with-us/

Hello from Leeds 👋

We've just hosted our Introduction to Atmospheric Science course. Thank you to everyone who came to learn and network with our experts and with like-minded peers!

Closure of the FAAM Airborne Laboratory - NCAS The National Centre for Atmospheric Science can confirm that the FAAM Airborne Laboratory will cease operations at the end of this financial year, following the withdrawal of funding by UKRI-NERC.

Following the withdrawal of funding by UKRI-NERC, we can confirm that the FAAM Airborne Laboratory will cease operations at the end of this financial year. Our immediate priority is supporting affected staff and the wider UK atmospheric science community.

ncas.ac.uk/closure-of-t...

Summery fieldwork memories to brighten your day ☀️

Photos from TEAMx fieldwork in Italy last July, where we used radiosondes (and radar, research aircraft, and bespoke instruments) to improve weather forecasts around mountains.

NCAS carbon footprint 2024-2025 - NCAS Learn about NCAS’s latest carbon footprint and our commitment to taking action on reducing our environmental impacts.

We've just published our latest carbon footprint report ➡️ Find out our priority areas and how we're taking action to minimise our environmental impact.

ncas.ac.uk/ncas-carbon-...

Why climate education matters for social justice - NCAS On World Day of Social Justice, we are reminded that climate education matters more now than ever - find out why.

Every learner today will live their entire life in a climate different from the one their parents and grandparents grew up in. Find out why climate education matters more now than ever, on World Day of Social Justice:

ncas.ac.uk/turning-know...

#SocialJusticeDay #WorldDayofSocialJustice

The other week, we hosted more than 20 participants from around the UK for this year's Introduction to Unified Model training course.

Thank you to everyone who came along and who made this course happen, including the teaching staff!

Man with short grey hair and wearing brown rimmed glasses, a navy jumper, a blue tie and shirt.

We're saddened to learn of the death of Stuart Penkett, Emeritus Professor of Environmental Sciences @uniofeastanglia.bsky.social, who passed away at the start of 2026.

Prof Penkett leaves an extraordinary atmospheric scientific legacy and will be remembered with deep respect by our community.

With @unirdg-met.bsky.social! 🌡️

The impact of atmospheric extremes on the North Atlantic subpolar oceanic circulation at University of Reading on FindAPhD.com PhD Project - The impact of atmospheric extremes on the North Atlantic subpolar oceanic circulation at University of Reading, listed on FindAPhD.com

Interested in mathematical, statistical, and modelling techniques? Want to better understand the risk of crossing climate tipping points? Join our team!

Closing date: Friday 27 March 2026

Full PhD project details and application info: www.findaphd.com/phds/project...

In conversation with 10 women in atmospheric science - NCAS We’re celebrating the diverse career paths across NCAS, with a focus on 10 women in atmospheric science.

We’re celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in (Atmospheric) Science!

Read 10 inspiring diverse career path stories from women at NCAS:
ncas.ac.uk/in-conversat...

#February11 #WomenInScience

Atmospheric Science Training Courses - NCAS Build your place within the atmospheric science community by developing skills and knowledge with the National Centre for Atmospheric Science.

Want to join our next course?

Check out our training programme:
ncas.ac.uk/study-with-us/

Hello from Leeds 👋

We've just hosted our Introduction to Unified Model course, which provides practical support for setting up and running experiments on this weather and climate model.

Thank you to everyone who came to learn and network with our experts and with like-minded peers!

Job Opportunity at University of Leeds: Scientific Software Engineer in Earth System Modelling Scientific Software Engineer in Earth System ModellingSalary: Grade 7 (£41,064 – £48,822 p.a. depending on experience)Location: Met Office, Exeter (with scope for hybrid working)Are you keen to apply ...

Job: Scientific Software Engineer

Work on high‑resolution modelling, HPC performance, and climate‑tipping‑point research with @ukesm.bsky.social

£41k–£48k
Full time for 3 years
Based at the Met Office
Apply by Thursday 26 February 2026

jobs.leeds.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx...

Job: Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Earth System Modelling

Join @ukesm.bsky.social to investigate tipping points in the Greenland ice sheet and N. Atlantic circulation.

£41,064–£48,822
Full time, 3 years
Based at the Met Office
Apply by Thursday 26 February 2026

jobs.leeds.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx...

Study weather and cloud radar fundamentals and applications with @ncas.bsky.social:

Why global south voices are crucial in the fight against climate change - NCAS Not only are people in the global south most impacted by climate change, their voices are also under-represented in academia and media.

Not only are people in the global south most impacted by climate change, their voices are also under-represented in academia and media.

Read more in our article for Race Equality Week, featuring @ayeshatandon.carbonbrief.org from @carbonbrief.org.

ncas.ac.uk/why-global-s...

#ChangeNeedsAllofUs

It takes a lot of people and expertise to develop and deliver training for the next generation of atmospheric scientists, and it was so rewarding to see attendees gain valuable skills and knowledge, and make meaningful connections for life.

Thanks to everyone who came along!

Our Introduction to the UKCA course provides practical experience of running a community chemistry-aerosol climate model.

The other week, we hosted more than 20 participants from around the UK and beyond for this year's UKCA course.

Research placements - building skills that last - NCAS Find out how STEM research placements help to build skills for young people, with a focus on using Python for coding in atmospheric science.

Eager to explore their Python coding skills, Year 12 student Oliver worked with Sadie Bartholomew as part of a fortnight-long STEM Learning UK research placement.

Well done Sadie for hosting your third @unirdg-met.bsky.social student - mentoring matters!
#MentoringMonth

ncas.ac.uk/research-pla...

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER

Do you consider to be in the Earth system science community? Are you in the early stages of your career?

Then check out our Harmony In The Skies Symposium - two days of knowledge sharing, networking, and skill development!

Learn more:
sites.google.com/ncas.ac.uk/h...

Our first newsletter of the year is coming out on Friday ✍️

Subscribe today for a monthly dose of atmospheric news and opportunities:
ncas.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=...

When it rains, it now rains more.

For those experiencing the flooding in south-west England, it is worth remembering that rainfall in winter has increased by about 25% overall.

And, the rainfall has also become more intense: when it rains, it now rains more, increasing the risk of flooding.

Starting out in atmospheric science or changing roles? Our Introduction to Atmospheric Science course is a great place to get going. And, we've just extended the application deadline to the end of the month (31 Jan).

ncas.ac.uk/study-with-u...

🌍 Starting 2026 by looking ahead to UK Earth Observation Conference 2026!

💡 We’re inviting themes & workshop ideas to help shape the programme 👉https://tinyurl.com/ye29echa

Also looking forward to seeing colleagues at our Staff Meeting on 28 Jan 👋

#EarthObservation #UKEOC2026 #ResearchCommunity

What does climate change mean for cold weather? - NCAS We asked climate and weather scientists about “coldwaves”, the role of climate change, and what the UK’s winters will be like in the future.

Isn’t climate change supposed to make the weather warmer? The cold conditions in early January prompted questions about the impact of climate change.

We spoke to Ed and Weronika about “coldwaves” and global warming: ncas.ac.uk/what-does-cl...