Meteorology is a relatively small field. Just a decade or two ago, not many people would be likely to say they knew someone who worked as a meteorologist. More recently though, the hiring of more honest-to-goodness meteorologists rather than the previous generation of TV "weathercasters" has begun changing things. Still, the questions happen a lot: "What is a meteorologist?" "What do meteorologists do?"
We'll start with answers to Frequently Asked Questions. Keep in mind that the answers reflect my (and only my) perspective. In that regard: I consider my background to be of a broader, more general "Earth system" science ilk. However, I have a graduate degree in atmospheric science, which is similar to meteorology, and certainly encompasses nearly all of the same science topics. (See more on meteorology vs. atmospheric science in the sources below.)
I'll try to keep the answers short and provide links to more info below. Thanks to an 8th grader named Mallory for so eloquently structuring the questions.
Meteorology is essentially the science of the atmosphere -- it includes chemistry, physics, and thermodynamics.
The most challenging (and fun) part is that there are always new things to learn about how things work and how the atmosphere behaves.
There is a lot of diversity in what you can do, from forecasting to television meteorology to research to teaching to working in other disciplines.
Take as much math and science as you can in high school, and realize that you'll take more in college. Coursework in computer science, communication, other sciences, and related fields can also be useful. In college, look for internship and summer job opportunities that will get you practice in the field.
My job involves working with a staff to develop and deliver training to other meteorologists so communication and team work is very important. Meteorologists in a forecast office need to work together to anticipate what is happening weather-wise and get the information to the public. In research, there is a great deal of collaboration and in all cases it is very important to be able to communicate what you are doing to your peers, to the people who fund your work, and to the public.
Yes. Meteorology is a physical science and requires lots of math -- most programs will require calculus and differential equations. A good grounding in physics is essential, and an understanding of other sciences, especially as related to the Earth system, certainly doesn't hurt.
Growing up, I was interested in science and learning about the world around me. I always thought weather, among other things, was pretty cool.
Forecasters have the important job of getting weather warnings out there to save people's lives. Think of what happened with Hurricane Ike and the warnings about where and when the storm would make landfall. Researchers study a range of topics important to people, including how our climate is changing as a result of things we do and how it affects crops, or sea levels, etc.
I have worked in research and am now doing meteorology education. When I was student, I also spent a little bit of time in a forecast office, so I have seen many sides of the field. In all cases, there's a lot of computer work involved, as well as being able to think critically and make good decisions. The great part is that you typically work with other people who really really like what they do, and that makes things fun.
Challenges of Our Changing Atmosphere: Careers in Atmospheric Research and Applied Meteorology, American Meteorological Society, 1993. A classic guide by the AMS--a professional society every aspiring meteorologist should explore.
Chapter Six: Career Information, from Recent Advances and Issues in Meteorology, Amy J. Stevermer, Oryx Press, 2001. A more detailed look at meteorology careers, including interviews with people working in different jobs in the field of meteorology.
UCAR Careers in Atmospheric and Earth-System Science website. More FAQ, interviews with people in the field, information on professional organizations, and links to some excellent webcasts on pursuing a science career.
These are just few sources to get you started. Some simple web searching will help you find many more, including the most recent employment outlooks from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
For more info, or to offer comments: Amy Stevermer
Last updated: July 2009