Course: Come Rain or Shine: Understanding the Weather

In this Step we explore two case studies that provide further insight into conveyor belts. October 28 2013 The animation above, provided by the Met Office, is from the St. …

Please note you may find some of this material challenging. If you find yourself getting stuck don’t worry – help is on hand. Raise your questions in the comments area …

In this video Sylvia demonstrates how changes in pressure result in cloud formation, using a plastic bottle and a bicycle pump. The bike pump increases the pressure, and therefore the …

In this video Pete demonstrates how changes in pressure result in cloud formation, using a demijohn bottle, a bicycle pump and ethanol. Pete pumps air into the sealed jar, increasing …

The animation above, provided by the Met Office, shows a progression of waves on the polar front (where the yellow/green tropical air meets the blue polar air) over the course …

Many weather systems, including land and sea breeze and hurricanes, are the result of hot air rising. To illustrate, Sylvia shows you a simple practical demonstration using a teabag, matches …

Mid-latitude depressions, extra-tropical storms, cyclones (at mid-latitudes) or low pressure systems are all different names for the same thing. They all refer to the storms which bring the UK most …

In this Step we’ve provided some basic pointers to help you get to grips with some of the terminology and concepts you will be encountering throughout the course. Some of …

The difference between weather and climate is neatly summed up in the saying “the climate is what you expect; the weather is what you get”, frequently attributed to Mark Twain. …

Congratulations on completing Week 3! We hope you’ve enjoyed the course and we’ve encouraged you to continue to learn more about the weather. Want to study further? Are you considering …

Congratulations on completing Week 1! Are you considering applying to study meteorology or climate science at university? The University of Reading offers a  BSc in Meteorology and Climate. At Reading, …