Celebrating Weather 's 80th anniversary

This month we are marking 80 years of Weather. Oak is the traditional gift for an 80th anniversary, and this feels more than appropriate for a journal that has consistently published monthly issues since May 1946, witnessing significant changes in the science, such as the emergence and evolution of climate change research, and weathering such external events as the COVID-19 pandemic. To celebrate this milestone, we have compiled articles which look towards the future of weather and climate in the UK, analysing the pronounced changes already observed in May temperatures, and in the longevity of our mountain snow patches. The issue considers how such changes can be communicated, and provides an Insight considering the role of artifical intelligence in writing forecasts. We also feature a unique ‘Weather memories’ piece in this issue, with contributions from those who have been, or are currently, on the Weather editorial board. We hope that this piece in particular demonstrates the diversity of perspectives that make Weather what it is. We also hope it serves as a reminder for us to continue diversifying and developing, in order to remain an important part of not only the Royal Meteorological Society, but also the evolving field of weather and climate science more generally. We have certainly not stayed still! Since our 75th anniversary, we have published 9 Special Issues, including 4 for the Early Career and Student Conference, 13 Insights, and 16 Spotlights. This is amidst almost uncountable numbers of research articles from authors across the globe, as well as Book Reviews, Meeting Reports and Weather in My Lifes. Our editorial board has also undergone a number of exciting changes, now with representation from the UK, Europe and the USA, spanning weather and climate enthusiasts, academics and professionals. The look of the monthly issue has also been changing lately, thanks to the support of the production team at Wiley. Indeed, there are many people to thank: the Royal Meteorological Society, particularly Alison Brown; our publisher, Wiley; those at the UK Met Office's National Climate Information Centre, who provide us with data as well as the excellent summaries of the UK's weather and climate conditions; everyone who has served on our board and our vast pool of reviewers, both of whose voluntary service we are undoubtedly dependent on; and finally you, our readers. We are excited to see how Weather will change, along with its ever-changing readership and authorship, as we head into somewhat uncharted, climate change-driven territory. But for now, we wish Weather a very happy birthday, and offer the journal the best possible birthday card: the wonderful cover of its first issue! The cover of Weather's first issue, published in May 1946