How to become a Meteorologist

Also called: Atmospheric scientist, Climate scientist, Climatologist, Hydrometeorologist, Operational meteorologist, Weather analyst, Weather forecaster, Ÿ Atmospheric scientist, Ÿ Climatologist, Ÿ Weather forecaster

Meteorologist prepares short-term or long-term weather forecasts used in aviation, shipping, agriculture and other areas and for the information of the general public. He/she conducts research related to the composition, structure and dynamics of the atmosphere.

Main tasks

• Investigating direction and speed of air movements, pressures, temperatures, humidity, physical and chemical transformation of pollutants and other phenomena such as cloud formation and precipitation, electrical disturbances or solar radiation
• Studying data collected from meteorological stations, radar and satellite imagery and computer model output to plot and forecast weather conditions
• Preparing and reporting short-term or long-term weather maps, forecasts and warnings relating to atmospheric phenomena such as cyclones, storms and other hazards to life and property and disseminating information about atmospheric conditions through a variety of media including radio, television, print and the Internet
• Conducting experiments in fog dispersal, cloud seeding, rain enhancement and other types of weather modification programmes
• Developing and testing mathematical computer models of weather and climate for experimental or operational use
• Participating in studies of the effect of weather on the environment
• Analysing the impact of industrial projects and human activity on the climate and air quality and working with the social science, engineering and economic communities to develop appropriate mitigation strategies
• Engaging in the design and development of new equipment and procedures for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or for related applications

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Generative AI could change many tasks in this job, which usually reshapes the work more than it replaces it, by the ILO's global estimate.

Related jobs

• Physicist/Astronomer
• Chemist
• Geologist
• Geophysicist

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Questions people ask

Will AI change the work of a Meteorologist?

Generative AI could change many tasks in this job, which usually reshapes the work more than it replaces it, by the ILO's global estimate.

Sources

• International Labour Organization, Generative AI and Jobs: A Refined Global Index of Occupational Exposure (ILO Working Paper 140, Gmyrek et al.) (ILO Working Paper 140, May 2025, Annex Table A1), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 4 October 2026

Updated 4 October 2026