Does the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas? The so-called “butterfly effect” explains why chaotic systems like the weather cannot be predicted more than a few days in advance. As weather scientists, Meteorologists focus on current conditions, briefly acknowledge significant... Continue Reading
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Explore Career Does the flap of a butterfly’s wings in Brazil set off a tornado in Texas? The so-called “butterfly effect” explains why chaotic systems like the weather cannot be predicted more than a few days in advance. As weather scientists, Meteorologists focus on current conditions, briefly acknowledge significant past events, and keep an eye on the near future.
What are the typical responsibilities of a Meteorologist?
Meteorologists generally work in a comfortable and spacious environment. However, your role may send you to work in remote areas or on military operations where conditions may not be the same. Instrument and measurement scientists often work in the field. As an employee of your country’s Met Office, you may need to move around regional weather centres. If you take up research or a job with other organisations, be prepared to move within and outside your country.
There is seldom a need to travel within a working day. Your post may require overnight absences from home and international travel, for example, to attend a conference.
Meteorologists employed by the Met Office or its equivalent will need to work 12-hour shifts to provide round-the-clock forecasts. If you are into research, you will have a standard work schedule from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with some overtime. Work in the field involves an irregular work schedule dependent on the weather and your plan.
Finding a new job might seem challenging. You can boost your job search by asking your network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.
Meteorologists are generally employed by:
Professional associations and organisations like the World Meteorological Organization and the International Association of Broadcast Meteorology are crucial resources for those interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more looks excellent on your resume to bolster your credentials and qualifications.
Relevant internships and project work are a great way to gain experience in the field and to make connections that could lead to a job at a later date. Check with your local Met Office for summer placement schemes in science and forecasting. Some locations may also offer an industrial placement to students of courses that have significant numeracy, science or IT elements. Do not miss any opportunity to gain computer modelling experience through relevant work experience or complete a degree project with computer modelling as a vital component.
The minimum qualification to qualify as a Meteorologist is a bachelor’s degree in meteorology, atmospheric sciences, environmental science, ocean science, computer science, physics and physical science, physical geography, software engineering, or mathematics. Engineers may need to take a course in meteorology. Masters programs in climate sciences or other subspecialties will open many doors in terms of professional positions. Doctoral degree programs in meteorology or atmospheric/climate sciences are mandatory for academic and research career choices.
Take as many science, math, English and computer courses as you can while in high school.
Certification demonstrates competence in a skill or set of skills, typically through work experience, training, the passage of an examination, or some combination of the three.
Certification in broadcasting, consulting or teaching meteorology from an objective and reputed organisation can help you gain professional credibility and stand out in a competitive job market.
Performance, experience, and acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years.
Your choice of employer may define your career path. Employees of Met Offices may find it in their best interests to broaden their experience and widen their skills and knowledge base by applying for varied positions in research, forecasting, teaching, and personnel.
Forecasting positions may require you to move around the country to regional weather centres to progress. As you gain experience, you may move to a management position, such as project or team leader, or into a training role. You may also be able to collaborate with sister organisations worldwide.
Approach commercial forecasting services in the private sector, environmental consultancies, utility companies, and radio or television broadcasters if you wish to focus on forecasting.
The competition is mild for Meteorologists. Having strong math, science, and research skills will improve your job prospects.
Continuing professional development is the holistic commitment of Meteorologists towards enhancing personal skills and proficiency throughout their active careers through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning.
A certificate or diploma in meteorological briefing, broadcasting or forecasting will add value to your resume. Follow it up with training in programming, mathematical modelling, graphics and presentation skills. Make the most of any training programs offered by your employer in broadcasting, forecasting for particular transport sectors and climate change. Look up free online meteorological courses. Join organisations that provide members with CPD courses, seminars, and workshops to reach and continue to maintain a high level of knowledge and experience.
Meteorologists keen on academic research can expect support and additional training from Vitae, a non-profit global leader with over 50 years of experience in enhancing researchers’ skills. In partnership with governments, funders of research, academies, professional bodies, trusts & foundations, universities, and research institutes, Vitae offers training, resources, events, consultancy, and membership. You can keep up with advances in meteorology by reading appropriate literature, attending and presenting at conferences, and networking with colleagues
Meteorologists generally tend to focus on a specific area of specialisation.
Climate Meteorologist/Climatologists
They study long-term weather data and patterns from hundreds to millions of years ago to predict future climate trends. They contribute to more efficient agricultural production through better use of land.
Atmospheric Meteorologists
They analyse the motions and physical characteristics of the atmosphere to determine their potential and actual effect on the environment. Their research findings help solve forestry, agriculture, air & sea transport, defence, global warming, severe weather events and air pollution control.
Operational Meteorologists
They work in a specialised division of atmospheric meteorology, where they research wind direction, wind speed, temperature, humidity, and air pressure. They use computers to process data and create weather models.
Forensic Meteorologists
They investigate claims for insurance companies and research current or past weather conditions to solve legal cases.
Broadcast Meteorologists
They collate, interpret, and report the weather and weather conditions for television and radio.
Consulting Meteorologists
They offer pertinent advice on how weather conditions and climatic trends may affect the business of large companies.
Synoptic Meteorologists
They focus on developing state-of-the-art instruments and tools with computers and mathematical methods to predict severe weather conditions more accurately.
Physical Meteorologists
They examine the physical and chemical properties of the atmosphere and the transmission of sound, light, and radio waves through the air. They study energy transfer in the atmosphere and the processes by which water vapour becomes rain, snow, or hail.
Environmental Meteorologists
Research, review and report on ways to reduce air pollution, global warming, and ozone depletion.
Research Meteorologists
They work for government agencies, the military, NASA, or the country’s national weather service or bureau.
Archive Meteorologists
Conduct extensive research and compile exhaustive reports on storms of the past.
Meteorologists as Teachers or Professors
They choose to educate students at a high school, college, or university level.
Do you love math and science? Are you fascinated by the idea of predicting some of the world’s craziest and wildest weather? Then you might make the perfect meteorologist!
A dedicated scientist is always willing to listen to a different viewpoint, and if they accept it, they will acknowledge their mistake and change their mind; you will never hear the old view from them again.
Most artists depict a raindrop like a teardrop. But rain doesn’t fall this way. Air pressure and surface tension tend to make a raindrop form into more of a hamburger-bun-like-shape.
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