Meteorologist
Meteorologists collect and study data from the atmosphere and oceans to make weather forecasts and carry out research.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a forecaster you’ll:
- collect data from satellite images, radar, remote sensors and weather stations
- measure air pressure, wind, temperature and humidity
- forecast the weather by analysing information and using computer models
- give weather information and reports to customers
As a researcher you’ll:
- study weather patterns and climate change
- refine computer forecasting models
- use research to predict floods and droughts
- study how the weather affects the spread of pollution or disease
Working environment
You could work in an office or at a client's business.
Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.
Career path and progression
With experience you could manage a team of meteorologists, weather forecasters or research scientists.
You could also work towards Registered Meteorologist (RMet) or Chartered Meteorologist (CMet) status. Professional registration can help your career development and is recognition of your expertise.
There are lots of opportunities to specialise in this career, for example:
- working on climate modelling
- carrying out polar research
- forecasting risks posed by storm systems and flooding
You might also move into teaching and train future forecasters and scientists, or work in scientific publishing.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- maths knowledge
- knowledge of geography
- knowledge of physics
- analytical thinking skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent written communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- training with a professional body
You'll usually need a degree in meteorology or a related subject like:
- physical sciences
- maths
- geography
- computer science
- environmental science
You might need a postgraduate qualification in meteorology or climatology if you want to do research.
You can find out more about relevant degree subjects from the Royal Meteorological Society.
Getting experience of computer modelling during your degree or postgraduate course can be useful in this role.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
You can get experience with the Met Office 10 week summer internship schemes. There are schemes for different groups, including graduates and A level students who are thinking about meteorology as a career.
You can apply to the Met Office for a place as a trainee on their forecasting and observations course.
You'll need a degree or equivalent qualification in science, maths or a related subject like geography. Other subjects may be accepted if you have the right qualities.
Career tips
You can do a short work placement to find out more about meteorology as a career, if you're aged between 13 and 18.
Further information
You can learn more about becoming a meteorologist from the Met Office and the Royal Meteorological Society.
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External links
This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.