Meteorologist

Meteorologists collect and study data from the atmosphere and oceans to make weather forecasts and carry out research.

In this guide

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

Most relevant

  • Physics - Meteorologists need a deep understanding of how the atmosphere behaves, including air pressure, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and radiation from the sun. These physics principles are what drive weather systems like storms, fronts, and wind patterns, and they underpin the computer models used to make forecasts.
  • Mathematics - Meteorologists use advanced maths constantly – from statistics to analyse weather data, to calculus and differential equations that power forecasting models. Calculating probabilities, interpreting trends, and working with large numerical datasets are all core parts of the job.
  • Geography - Meteorologists study how weather systems interact with landscapes, oceans, and human populations. Understanding topics like climate zones, ocean currents, flood risk, and how geography influences local weather patterns is central to making accurate and useful forecasts.
  • Computer Science - Meteorologists rely heavily on computer modelling to simulate the atmosphere and predict future weather. They build, refine, and run complex numerical models, which requires understanding of programming, algorithms, and how to work with large-scale data processing systems.
  • Environmental Science - Meteorologists study climate change, pollution dispersal, and the environmental impact of extreme weather events like floods and droughts. Understanding how the atmosphere, oceans, and ecosystems interact helps them carry out meaningful research and communicate risks to the public.

Also relevant

  • Chemistry - Meteorologists need to understand atmospheric chemistry, including how greenhouse gases trap heat, how pollutants interact in the air, and how aerosols affect cloud formation. This knowledge is especially important for those researching climate change or air quality.
  • Geology - Meteorologists working on climate research benefit from understanding Earth's geological history, including past ice ages and how the planet's climate has changed over millions of years. This context helps them interpret current climate trends and model future scenarios.
  • English Language - Meteorologists write detailed reports, research papers, and public-facing weather summaries that need to be clear and precise. Whether briefing emergency services about a storm or explaining climate data to non-specialists, strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.

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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