Meteorologist

Also known as:

Weather Forecaster

Introduction

Meteorologists study atmospheric conditions like pressure, wind, temperature, humidity and cloud level. They collect data from observations, ships, radar and satellites, and use their findings to produce short and long term weather forecasts.

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Work Activities

Meteorologists study the Earth's atmosphere and the effect it has on the Earth's surface. They monitor and interpret atmospheric conditions and use their observations to make weather forecasts.

Some meteorologists study and measure global climate change over longer periods, and assess the implications of this for humans and the environment.

Meteorologists are best known as television weather forecasters, but most of their work goes unseen by the public. They compile weather forecasts from measurements and observations of conditions like humidity, cloud level, wind, temperature and pressure.

They collect data at fixed times of the day, and from a variety of sources. These include ground based observation stations, ships, aircraft, satellites, and radar stations, which may be used to measure rainfall.

Meteorologists analyse the collected data using computers, which can make millions of calculations per second. Meteorologists then interpret results, produce computer models, and plot maps and charts.

The UK Meteorological Office (Met Office) has sophisticated telecommunications equipment, and is able to deliver weather forecasts very quickly throughout the world. The weather forecasts provided by the Meteorological Office include gale and storm tide warnings.

Some meteorologists research, design and develop new instruments. Others develop improved mathematical and computer models.

As well as advising the public, meteorologists provide information for government, defence and aviation agencies, industry and agriculture. Farmers need accurate forecasts to decide which crops to grow and when, to avoid frosts and extreme temperatures.

The Meteorological Office sends forecasts quickly and directly to the armed services, for example the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy. Commercial aviation and shipping, power generation companies, and air, sea and mountain rescue services all rely on fast, accurate forecasts.

Some meteorologists study the world's climate change, and global weather systems. They measure changes annually, comparing these to past yearly records, including recorded temperatures dating back to the nineteenth century. Meteorologists' analyses of global trends form the scientific basis of the United Kingdom's policy on the reduction of greenhouse gases.

Meteorologists may use their knowledge to solve practical problems in society and industry. For example, they suggest the best place to put an oil rig, based on their knowledge of gales, wave heights and storm tides, or help local councils to prevent flood damage and deal with coastal erosion.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a meteorologist, you will need good maths skills and a knowledge of physics as well as meteorology. You need to be precise and methodical when recording and analysing data. You need good problem solving skills. Computer skills are essential to analyse results and model meteorological processes.

You must be able to present findings and predictions clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing. You need good teamwork skills and the ability to supervise others.

An interest in environmental issues is increasingly important.

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Pay and Opportunities

Meteorologists at the Meteorological Office (Met Office) are paid on a rising scale from level 5 to 1. Graduates usually start at level 4, which pays around £19,000 - £25,000 a year. Level 3 pays around £25,000 - £38,000 a year. Level 2 pays around £38,000 - £47,500 a year. Those at job level 1 earn around £47,500 - £72,000 a year.

Meteorologists in the Met Office usually work a basic 42-hour week, which may include early starts, late finishes, shift work and work at weekends.

The Met Office headquarters (in Exeter, Devon) is the UK's main forecasting office and employs most weather forecasters.

The Met Office also has more than eighty regional units, including research branches and observation sites. It also provides forecasters to the media.

Apart from the government Meteorological Office, other employers are in industry, agriculture, teaching and research institutions.

There may be research opportunities with government departments, for example, in developing radar for the Royal Navy. Meteorologists working for the Department for International Development (DfID) have the opportunity to travel.

Other employers include offshore oil companies, and private forecasting and consultancy firms.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Science) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

Funding for postgraduate study and research is available through universities from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).

• 9% of people in occupations such as meteorology work part-time.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy, waste management, conservation or countryside management.