Meteorologists (weather forecasters) are not just the weather presenters you see on the TV, they also do a lot of the study and research that goes into creating those forecast. They study the causes of weather conditions using information from land, sea and the atmosphere. They use this information alongside mathematical and computerised models to make long and short range forecasts of weather and climate patterns, which are used by industry, government and the public to inform decisions.
Alongside forecasting, meteorologists study the impact of weather and climate on the environment, researching changes in weather patterns, climate change and models of weather prediction.
The daily tasks of a weather forecaster can be split into two categories: forecasting and research:
Forecasting
- collating data from worldwide satellite images, remote sensors and weather stations;
- measuring environmental factors such as air pressure, temperature and humidity
- analysing environmental information and presenting it as weather briefings;
- coding weather reports for transmission over international networks;
- applying physical and mathematical relationships and sophisticated computer models to create short and long-range weather forecasts;
Research
- investigating airflow in the lowest kilometre of the atmosphere; the physics of clouds and precipitation; global climate change; and other scientific concerns
- improving the accuracy of forecasts through developing and improving numerical and computer models
- monitoring climate variability and change;
- researching seasonal forecasting, ocean forecasting and climate prediction;
- monitoring and investigating changes in the stratosphere and ozone layer;
- applying the results of research in order to educate users
Think a career as a meteorologist could be for you?
Qualifications and work experience
Read about student Caroline Fuller's experience of a work placement with the Met Office
Check out University of Southampton alumni working in this field
More information
The prospects website has more information about this career path.
The Careers and Employability Service has more resources to help you in your career search.