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REJOICE! First dry day recorded in Reading for 37 days

18 February 2026

Expert comment from the University of Reading
Meteorologists are celebrating the end of a run of rainy days lasting 37 days at the University of Reading.
According to provisional measurements from the University’s Atmospheric Observatory, which has been recording data every day since 1908, Tuesday 17 February was the first day without measurable rainfall in a sequence that started back on 11 January.
Dr Rob Thompson, who studies rainclouds at the University’s Department of Meteorology, said: “Even people who love rain, like me, have been getting pretty sick of it to be honest. It has just felt relentless.
“I have dedicated my entire career to trying to understand the exquisite beauty of the physics that exists in every raincloud and the forces in each raindrop. Nevertheless, give us a break. So it was great to see some sunshine yesterday, and from 9am on Tuesday to 9am on Wednesday, no rain has fallen at our observatory. Hallelujah.”
However, the University’s meteorologists and flood experts are warning that the local area around Berkshire, and other regions across England and Wales, are not out of the woods yet. With some heavy rainfall in the forecast, and many river levels very high and soils saturated, there is still a risk of flooding.
With more rain expected, a yellow weather warning for rain remains in place for large parts of southern England until Thursday morning.
People should continue to check the Met Office for official weather warnings, and the government’s Check for flooding service, provided by the Environment Agency and Met Office, for flood warnings and information about flood risk.
As of 17 February 2026, the University of Reading had recorded 188.5mm of rain this year – which is more than double (206%) of expected rainfall for the period.
The date reached before this amount of precipitation is recorded is on average 26 April.

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