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Meteorologists use a variety of scientific techniques to understand, interpret, observe and predict the earth's atmosphere and its phenomena.

Meteorologists study the earth’s atmosphere – particularly climate and weather – in order to forecast weather conditions.

The main duties of meteorologists include:

• recording and analysing data from worldwide weather stations, satellites, radars and remote sensors

• interpreting observations from the land, sea and upper atmosphere

• providing customers (such as civil aviation companies, broadcast companies and military units) with weather reports/forecasts

• employing mathematical and physical formulae and using computer modelling applications to help make long and short range weather predictions

• researching and predicting climate change

• helping to improve weather prediction models

• writing research papers, reports, reviews and summaries

• keeping up to date with relevant scientific and technical developments

Qualifications and training required

You can only become a meteorologist if you have a good degree (a 2.1 or higher) in an appropriate subject such as meteorology, mathematics, physical sciences, computer science or environmental science. A relevant postgraduate qualification (a PhD or research-based MSc) is also beneficial, and may be necessary for research positions.

Key skills for meteorologists

• Analytical skills

• Genuine interest in weather systems

• Teamworking skills

• Interpersonal skills

• Written and oral communication skills

• Problem solving skills

• Computer literacy

• Mathematical abilities

Typical employers of meteorologists

• The Met Office

• BBC

• Environmental consultancies

• Research centres

• The armed forces