Meteorologist

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A meteorologist could...

Overview Listen to this section

The atmosphere is a blanket of gases, surrounding Earth, that creates our weather. Meteorologists study the measurements and motion of the atmosphere, and changing events within it, so that they can predict the weather. This weather forecasting helps the general public and people who work in industries such as shipping, air transportation, agriculture, fishing, forestry, and water and power better plan for the weather, and reduce human and economic losses.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Meteorologist?

1. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
2. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
3. Active Listening: ? Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
4. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
5. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

6. Science: ? Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
7. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
8. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
9. Active Learning: ? Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
10. Systems Analysis: ? Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Meteorologist might do:

• Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.
• Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
• Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
• Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.
• Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
• Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
• Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
• Analyze historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.
• Analyze climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.
• Conduct numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global or regional weather patterns.
• Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
• Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.
• Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts.
• Speak to the public to discuss weather topics or answer questions.
• Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.
• Develop and deliver training on weather topics.
• Apply meteorological knowledge to issues such as global warming, pollution control, or ozone depletion.
• Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices.
• Design or develop new equipment or methods for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or related applications.