Oscar Martínez-Alvarado

Dr Oscar Martínez-Alvarado is a Senior Research Scientist at the UK’s National Centre for Atmospheric Science and the University of Reading. His research focuses on understanding and predicting high-impact weather events, particularly those that affect the UK and Europe, such as severe windstorms, atmospheric rivers, and large-scale weather patterns that can lead to prolonged extreme conditions.

Oscar is internationally recognised for his work on powerful storm systems, including research on the “sting jet” phenomenon – a feature of some intense windstorms that can cause sudden and damaging surface winds. This research has improved scientific understanding of storm behaviour and helped reshape how windstorm risks are communicated to the public and decision-makers. He has also developed advanced methods to identify sting jets in high-resolution weather models, enabling more detailed analysis of these dangerous events.

His work has had a direct impact on weather forecasting in the UK. Techniques developed by Oscar and colleagues at the University of Reading are now used by the UK Met Office to help forecasters assess the risk of extreme winds during storms.

Currently, Oscar is developing high-resolution simulations of extreme weather, including strong winds and heavy rainfall, as part of the CANARI project, which examines climate change in the Arctic – North Atlantic region and its impacts on the UK. Through the Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water, he works closely with Professor Ed Hawkins to simulate and better understand historic severe storms, helping to improve future risk assessment and preparedness.