New analysis from the University of Reading shows that 2025 was an exceptional year for local weather, continuing longer-term climate trends seen across southern England.
Using the University’s long-running Observatory records, which extend back more than a century, the data paints a clear picture of how unusual last year was for temperature, rainfall, and sunshine in the Reading area.
Temperature
The annual mean temperature in 2025 was 11.79 °C, around 0.9 °C above the 1991–2020 average. This makes 2025 the second-warmest year on record in Reading, based on observations dating back to 1908, narrowly behind 2022.
All five of the warmest years in the Reading record have now occurred since 2006, with four since 2020. By contrast, the most recent year in the “top five” coldest occurred more than 60 years ago, in 1963.
Rainfall
Total rainfall in 2025 was 518 mm, approximately 21% below the long-term average. This makes it the driest year locally for around 20 years, just outside the top ten driest years on record.
This dryness followed an extraordinary reversal from the very wet years of 2023–24. In fact, the 12 months ending in early March 2024 recorded 1005 mm of rain, the wettest 12-month period since records began in 1901.
Sunshine
Sunshine levels in 2025 were also striking. The year recorded 1828 hours of sunshine, about 17% above average, making it the third sunniest year on record (records date from 1956).
Two notable points stand out:
Average annual sunshine had already been exceeded by 18 September, meaning every sunny hour in autumn and early winter was effectively a bonus.
Compared with 2024, which was notably dull, 2025 enjoyed almost one extra hour of sunshine per day on average.
Why this matters
These figures highlight both the long-term warming trend and the increasing variability of our local climate. Warmer temperatures, prolonged dry periods, and sharp contrasts between wet and dry years have important implications for water resources, river health, biodiversity, agriculture, and community resilience in Pangbourne and Whitchurch.
As we look ahead to 2026, understanding these local trends helps inform community action on sustainability, river protection, and climate adaptation.
Acknowledgement
This analysis is based on data and commentary provided by Stephen Burt, University of Reading Meteorology Department, who has kindly given permission for PAWSG to share his work.
Stephen has also noted that his new book on Reading’s weather history will be published next month by the University of Reading as part of its centenary celebrations.