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Thorwald Stein

@thmstein.bsky.social
199 followers 357 following 187 posts

I study (physical) clouds and thunderstorms for a living. 🇳🇱🏳️‍🌈🌦️ 👨🏻‍🏫 University of Reading 🏡 Poole, Dorset, UK These words are my own (and sometimes not) and do not represent my employer or hometown.

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Thorwald Stein @thmstein.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Lots to ridicule about the UK government announcement, for instance that the target will likely be met by the middle of next year if the National Trust’s ambition is anything to go by: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/our-cause/na...
nationaltrust.org.uk
Tree planting to tackle climate change
Find out how you can help us to plant and establish 20 million trees that will absorb carbon and enable nature to thrive across the country.
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Thorwald Stein @thmstein.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
The true failure of UUK in particular is that they spend most of their time fighting their own staff rather than make the case for Universities to *the wider public* (let alone politicians).
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Gareth Davies @garethtbij.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
There's something deeply alarming happening with the local press in Dorset. The Bournemouth Echo appears to have become a mouthpiece, and even a recruiting arm, for the far right
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Scott Bryan @scottygb.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Talked about Heated Rivalry’s depiction of autism on BBC Breakfast. At a time when supposed neurodivergence “overdiagnosis” is debated in the press, we need to talk about more the life changing benefits of being diagnosed.
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John C @badsocialism.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Jesus Fucking Christ
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Thorwald Stein @thmstein.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Side note here that running my first radar based field campaign to study summertime rainfall in 2012 clearly raised my expectations for future campaigns 🙈 (WesCon-WOEST in 2023 started off with an extreme maritime heatwave leading to the sunniest June on record: www.nature.com/articles/s43... )
nature.com
Exceptional atmospheric conditions in June 2023 generated a northwest European marine heatwave which contributed to breaking land temperature records - Communications Earth & Environment
The June 2023 marine heatwave over the northwest shelf of Europe developed rapidly with weak winds, strong insolation and low wave activity, and led to temperature records in northern Europe, accordin...
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Jonathan Portes @jdportes.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
To state the obvious, there two things are not compatible.
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Dr. Aaron Thierry @thierryaaron.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
As someone in this picture I find it a little odd that @natureportfolio.nature.com chose this image to illustrate the point. We were very careful when choosing a slogan for our signs that it be scientificly defenceable. "Science says New Oil & Gas = Death" is a plain statement of fact 🧵
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Thorwald Stein @thmstein.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Plenty of evidence of incoming convection on the south coast in Dorset. I wonder if the frog can sense the change in weather? It just jumped out from under the decking!
A photo of clouds looking southwest towards a distant thunderstorm. Clouds are generally upper level, likely cirrus outflow. Some altocumulus can be spotted in the distance due south, indicative of a second storm brewing in the distance.A snapshot of visible satellite imagery provided by sat24.com with a yellow line indicating the coastline of France and Great Britain. Three large thunderstorms dominate the image, with the largest one having reached Cornwall and the second and third one still over Normandy.A photo of a frog hiding in the vegetable beds. The frog has just snacked on a woodlouse.
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Thorwald Stein @thmstein.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Invest in solar, of course, but on days like this it’s helpful to imagine running your AC “for free” 🌞
Power flow diagram showing 1.249 kilowatts electricity generated from solar while 1.055 kilowatts are used, mostly by an air conditioning unit. Some excess energy is diverted to charging the battery.
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Chairman Moët @chairmanmoet.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Biblical level thunderstorm just now in Glastonbury meaning the road our Airbnb is on is currently a river. Think the gods are angry we got rid of Keir Starmer.
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Met Office - weather and climate @metoffice.gov.uk · 22/06/2026
The Met Office has issued a Red Extreme Heat Warning for Wednesday and Thursday, with June’s all-time daily record temperature forecast to be broken. Find out more in our latest news release 👇
metoffice.gov.uk
Red Extreme Heat Warning issued with June temperature records forecast to break
The Met Office has issued a Red Extreme Heat Warning for Wednesday and Thursday, with June’s all-time daily record temperature forecast to be broken.
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Thorwald Stein @thmstein.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
I know that guy!
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Thorwald Stein @thmstein.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
I’ll see your “lower valued human capital” and raise you “the exhaust gases of the university” … read for yourself Why young academics are leaving academia giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/...
Excerpt from an article in the Financial Times about PhD graduates leaving academia. The excerpt reads: “All the [PhD holders] that don’t become academics are the exhaust gases of the university. They get blown out and go and do something else,” says Ewan Kirk, founder of investment management firm Cantab Capital Partners. He has donated millions to the University of Cambridge and hired 40 PhDs from virology to string theory. “They are the innovators, the entrepreneurs and the powerhouses of all modern industries.”
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Kate Osborne MP @kateosbornemp.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
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Thorwald Stein @thmstein.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Plenty suggestions down this thread where to get your badges from, including places that support LGBTQIA+ charities. 🏳️‍⚧️
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Peter Moore @moorebirdsbybike.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
A very striking male Red-footed Falcon on Holt Heath tonight - well worth the 36-mile round trip on the bike @dorsetbirdclub.bsky.social
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Lee Hurley @hleehurley.com · 10/05/2026
Nigel Farage. Defender of Jews. Graham Linehan. Defender of women.
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Jonathan Portes @jdportes.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
Completely unacceptable from the Board of Deputies. This nakedly partisan hypocrisy does not represent me or many other British Jews. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Michael Wegier, executive director of the Board of Deputies of British Jews, told Haaretz that Reform UK “is a serious party with many supporters, local councillors, and an increasing number of members of Parliament from month to month, which cannot be ignored. They have also expressed very broad support for the fight against antisemitism. There was no way we would not invite them.”

He added: “We did not invite the Greens’ Zack Polanski because we very strongly do not believe he has done enough to root out antisemitism from his party.”
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Doug McNeall @dougmcneall.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
Did … did climate change write this?
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Thorwald Stein @thmstein.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
In case anyone is wondering how things are going down in Bournemouth and Poole, we’ll be having Reform-majority town councils while Reform campaigned against the town councils (and Con did not stand candidates in Poole) 🤷‍♂️
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Thorwald Stein @thmstein.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
This is inspired, a great idea empowering the labless in research and academia.
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University of Sussex @sussex.ac.uk · 29/04/2026
Following our successful judicial review against the Office for Students (OfS) in the High Court, hear more from our Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Sasha Roseneil.
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Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
Hurray for the University of Sussex. Not so hurray for OfS. 'Sussex University has overturned a £585,000 fine by England’s higher education watchdog after the high court rejected claims the university had breached free speech regulations involving its former professor Kathleen Stock.'
theguardian.com
Sussex University overturns £585,000 fine as high court rejects free speech breach claim
Ruling is blow to Office for Students after it issued record fine for allegations over professor’s trans rights views
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Thorwald Stein @thmstein.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
“Trump does not grasp the value of investing in research for the long term; … does not believe in diversifying the national portfolio, and is instead betting heavily on AI; ...” giftarticle.ft.com/giftarticle/... I would quite like to read the follow-up piece critically reviewing UKRI decisions.
giftarticle.ft.com
It’s never a good idea to sack the entire National Science Board
Donald Trump is spurning the research that makes progress possible
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Thorwald Stein @thmstein.bsky.social · 25/04/2026
I was quite dismayed by the recent FT article that there were no modern protest songs and… Do you see the man on the screen Just a puppet but you never see the strings Calling it a war n not a genocide Telling us it isn't what it seems Man that's a different kind of greed Mon Rovia - Heavy Foot …
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Crocus-DLA @crocus-dla.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Altogether the event was a great cohort training experience, preparing Crocus students to become future leaders in environmental research, policy and impact. With thanks to NERC, Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales.
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Crocus-DLA @crocus-dla.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
The event closed with a session hosted by speaking coach Charlotte Lewis, helping students develop confidence in establishing networks with professionals outside academic settings.
The cohort speaking with confidence.
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Crocus-DLA @crocus-dla.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Under time pressure, students put this into practice, using evidence to draft policy recommendations on farm sewage sludge.
In the Temple of Peace
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Crocus-DLA @crocus-dla.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
At Senedd, the cohort learnt about the Welsh Government’s devolved powers in environmental policy and legislation, and heard from the Strategic Evidence Unit and Environment Platform Wales about the policy making cycle and science-policy interface.
Cohort at Senedd
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Crocus-DLA @crocus-dla.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
On a site visit to the River Clyne, Natural Resources Wales explained how they investigate water pollution, and how scientists can have impact in developing environmental solutions.
Cohort at the River Clyne
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Crocus-DLA @crocus-dla.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
In April the first cohort of Crocus students got together in south Wales to learn learn about effective collaboration and careers with environmental regulators and policy makers.
Cohort photo at the Temple of Peace, Cardiff
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Dr Duncan Robertson @duncanrobertson.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
I will report back when I receive a reply to my FoI request
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James Peacock @peacockreports.bsky.social · 18/04/2026
Had a surprisingly sunny mid-afternoon onward here in Verwood today, thanks to some more stable air drawn from the Bristol Channel. This phenomenon requires just the right wind direction & speed. This is the most pronounced I can ever recall seeing it on satellite imagery.
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Simon Hammann @simonhammann.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
Perfect name for something you use for your science and not give any credit
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Musa Okwonga @okwonga.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
In 2008 I met a climate scientist from Mali who was advocating for this so long that he looked exhausted. Absolutely amazing man. He was working so hard on this. And then I see numbers like this and my heart just soars. Youba Sokona, you (and your peers) really did it. www.ipcc.ch/people/youba...
ipcc.ch
Youba Sokona — IPCC
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Thorwald Stein @thmstein.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
This was part of my first skeet. Today, the FAAM aircraft was towed away for failing to be part of the national growth strategy, whatever that means. Would be nice if the next hedge fund billionaire invests in atmospheric science!
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Dr Oleg Kozhura @olegkozhura.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
And it's gone. This is a video of the aircraft as it is being moved to another hangar, where we no longer have access to it. We don't really know what will happen to it: will it be sold or scrapped, and it is an emotional moment for many of us. Goodbye, Atmospheric Research Aircraft ✈️
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Dr Oleg Kozhura @olegkozhura.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
Last few weeks, after we were told that FAAM Airborne Laboratory will be closing down, were pretty sad, but at least we got to say goodbye to the aircraft the other day 💔
Oleg, a person with long hair in a ponytail, a short beart & moustache and an eyepatch is standing next to the BAe 146-301 Aircraft - FAAM Airborne Laboratory's Atmospheric Research Aircraft. Oleg's hand is placed on the nose of the aircraft.
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National Centre for Atmospheric Science @ncas-uk.bsky.social · 30/03/2026
FINAL REMINDER Study weather and cloud radar fundamentals and applications with NCAS! Our Introduction to Atmospheric Radar course will consist of traditional lectures interspersed with data access/analysis sessions. 🗓️ 8-11 June, Leeds Apply today: ncas.ac.uk/study-with-u...
ncas.ac.uk
Introduction to Atmospheric Radar - NCAS
Study weather, cloud, and wind radar fundamentals and applications in June 2024, at the Chilbolton Atmospheric Observatory.
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Thorwald Stein @thmstein.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Unsurprisingly the government response mostly echoes the UKRI statement, partly using the uptake in 2027-2029 as an excuse, ignoring that the aircraft is to be grounded for much of that period.
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Thorwald Stein @thmstein.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Grateful for @yuanfenyang.bsky.social to have tabled a question on the FAAM decision: questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-ques... But not holding my breath for a meaningful response 😔
questions-statements.parliament.uk
Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
Information from UK Parliament on written questions & answers, written statements and daily reports.
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Thorwald Stein @thmstein.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Yes, please specialise. No, not by focusing on aircraft measurements. No, not by investing in infrastructure. Yes, work together and share equipment. No, not on international physics programs. Look, there's these three buckets...
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Thorwald Stein @thmstein.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Let's just say I'm not a happy bunny. But also read this for Chris's surgical dismantling of the statement announcing the FAAM decision.
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Thorwald Stein @thmstein.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Impressive statement from NCAS and FAAM to push back on most of the narrative put out by UKRI without ever losing composure 👏🏻 👏🏻 👏🏻 Leave the swearing to us offline (and potentially in staff meetings 🤫)
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Thorwald Stein @thmstein.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Following hot on the heels of the STFC cuts, the defunding of FAAM by UKRI shows similar "inconsistence" as clearly illustrated by the Royal Meteorological Society in their statement www.rmets.org/news/stateme... (1/3)
rmets.org
Statement from the Royal Meteorological Society on the Future of FAAM
The Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS), as the UK’s learned and professional society for weather and climate, recognises the strategic pressures facing public research investment. We note the Natura...
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Ed Hawkins @edhawkins.org · 02/03/2026
These three contributions alone led to a huge financial benefit to UK plc, outweighing the costs of the aircraft. After spending £50M over the past few years on an mid-life upgrade to the FAAM , the £32M to keep it flying for the next few years seems like a bargain. A short-sighted decision? (4/4)
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Ed Hawkins @edhawkins.org · 02/03/2026
During the Eyjafjallajökull eruption in 2010, FAAM flights provided critical evidence to support the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre. The aircraft also made flights at the request of the Home Office in response to the Buncefield oil depot fire & the Elgin gas platform release, among others. (3/4)
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Robin Hogan @robinjhogan.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
Excellent statement from RMetS questioning the decision to cease funding for the FAAM aircraft: www.rmets.org/news/stateme...
rmets.org
Statement from the Royal Meteorological Society on the Future of FAAM
The Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS), as the UK’s learned and professional society for weather and climate, recognises the strategic pressures facing public research investment. We note the Natura...
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Natacha @natacha.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Starmer: “If you don’t like our policies you can leave.” Voters:
Gorton & Denton by-election, 2026
Source: Britain Elects
SIAIS r EFTIES
Green GAIN from Labour
40.7
28.7
25.4
1.9
1.8
Grn
427.5
Ref
414.6
Lab
725.4
Con
76.0
Lib
72.0
1.4
Oth
78.9
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