What Is a Meteorologist?

A Meteorologist is a science professional who studies the atmosphere, weather patterns, climate behavior, and environmental conditions to predict and analyze meteorological events. Meteorologists interpret data from satellites, radar, weather models, and surface observations to forecast weather, warn of hazardous conditions, and support aviation, space operations, military missions, and public safety.

Meteorologists specialize in areas such as aviation forecasting, severe weather analysis, satellite meteorology, tropical systems, climate science, and operational forecasting. Their work requires strong understanding of physics, math, atmospheric dynamics, and advanced computer modeling.

Meteorologists are employed by airlines, airports, the National Weather Service (NWS), NOAA, NASA, Space Force, broadcast networks, research institutions, and private forecasting companies.

How to Start Your Journey as a Meteorologist

1. Meet basic eligibility requirements

• Strong background in mathematics and physics

• Ability to analyze complex datasets

• Strong communication skills for public or operational forecasting

• Curiosity about atmospheric science and environmental systems

2. Choose an academic pathway

Most meteorologists hold degrees in:

• Meteorology

• Atmospheric Science

• Earth Science

• Environmental Science

• Applied Physics / Geoscience

Some roles—especially aviation or space operations—accept related STEM degrees with atmospheric coursework.

3. Take core meteorology coursework

Focus areas typically include:

• Atmospheric dynamics

• Thermodynamics

• Synoptic meteorology

• Radar and satellite meteorology

• Climatology and climate systems

• Numerical weather prediction (NWP)

• Severe weather forecasting

• Remote sensing

• Boundary layer meteorology

Additional courses in coding (Python), GIS, and data analytics are highly recommended.

4. Gain hands-on experience

Valuable experiences include:

• Forecasting internships (NWS, local TV stations, NOAA labs)

• Research assistant roles in weather or climate labs

• Experience with numerical models and data assimilation

• Working with university weather centers or storm-chasing teams

• Aviation or marine forecasting practice

5. Pursue specialized certifications or training (optional)

• FAA aviation weather courses

• Broadcast meteorology programs

• COMET / UCAR training modules

• Space weather courses for satellite operations

• Emergency management coursework

6. Apply to operational or research roles

Entry-level jobs include:

• Meteorology Intern / Technician

• Forecast Assistant

• Weather Analyst

• Research Assistant

• Aviation Forecaster Trainee

• Space Weather Operator

With experience, meteorologists move into more advanced forecasting, management, or science roles.

Career Pathways Within Meteorology

Aviation Meteorologist

Supports flight operations and airline dispatch centers with weather analysis.

Responsibilities include:

• Forecasting turbulence, icing, wind shear, and storms

• Providing weather briefings to dispatchers and pilots

• Monitoring convective activity and flight hazards

• Assisting with alternate routing decisions

• Supporting airline OCC/SOC operations

Critical for operational safety and route planning.

Broadcast Meteorologist

Delivers weather forecasts and severe weather coverage on television or digital platforms.

Responsibilities include:

• Creating visual forecasts with radar and model data

• Communicating weather impacts to the public

• Providing live severe weather coverage

• Coordinating with emergency services during major events

Requires strong communication and presentation skills.

Operational / NWS Meteorologist

Works for the National Weather Service or government agencies.

Responsibilities include:

• Issuing warnings for tornadoes, hurricanes, severe storms, and flooding

• Running forecast models and interpreting atmospheric data

• Supporting aviation, marine, and fire weather operations

• Analyzing climatological data

• Supervising weather service offices

Space Weather Analyst

Monitors solar activity and its effects on satellites, communications, and space missions.

Responsibilities include:

• Tracking solar flares, CMEs, and geomagnetic storms

• Supporting satellite operators and mission control

• Predicting impacts on power grids and communication systems

• Working with NASA, NOAA, or Space Force space weather units

Increasingly important due to reliance on satellites and navigation signals.

Research Meteorologist / Climate Scientist

Works in labs or universities to investigate atmospheric and climate processes.

Responsibilities include:

• Developing new weather and climate models

• Conducting atmospheric research

• Publishing scientific papers

• Working on long-term climate behavior and mitigation strategies

Private Sector Meteorologist

Works for industries affected by weather: energy, transportation, agriculture, marine, insurance, and more.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing tailored weather forecasts for companies

• Supporting logistics and risk mitigation

• Advising on severe weather protocols and safety

Top Schools for Meteorology and How to Get Involved

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Strong aviation-weather focus with access to the ERAU Weather Center and specialized courses in aviation meteorology and forecasting.

• University of Oklahoma (OU)

One of the top meteorology programs in the world, located near the National Weather Center.

• Penn State University

Highly respected meteorology and atmospheric science program with strong forecasting pathways.

• University of Colorado Boulder

Strong in atmospheric research, climate sciences, and space weather.

• Florida State University (FSU)

Renowned meteorology department with strong ties to tropical weather and hurricane forecasting.

• Texas A&M University

Large, well-established atmospheric sciences program with strong research integration.

• Millersville University

Excellent undergraduate meteorology program with strong forecasting emphasis.

Tip: Join forecasting clubs, storm-chasing groups, and research labs early to build experience.

Trends & Opportunities in Meteorology

• Increasing demand for aviation meteorologists due to global traffic growth

• Rising need for space weather forecasting as satellite traffic expands

• Development of next-generation numerical weather prediction models

• Growth in private forecasting companies for finance, energy, and logistics

• Increasing focus on climate analytics and long-term environmental forecasting

• Expanded use of AI and machine learning in model interpretation

• Integration of meteorological data into autonomous aircraft and drone operations

• Continued demand for severe weather experts due to extreme weather trends

Final Thoughts

Meteorologists play a crucial role in aviation safety, space operations, emergency management, and public forecasting. Their ability to analyze atmospheric data, predict hazardous conditions, and communicate impacts makes them essential across many industries. For students fascinated by weather, climate, and the physics of the atmosphere, meteorology offers diverse career paths—from forecasting flights and storms to supporting satellites and space missions.