Some people believe that meteorologists only report weather on TV. A closer look at this profession reveals that meteorologists do a variety of tasks. Those who work as meteorologists study the earth’s atmosphere. They investigate how the atmosphere influences different aspects of the environment.
Meteorologists’ jobs entail forecasting the weather using sensitive computer equipment. Meteorologists use computers, satellites, radar, and aircraft equipment with instruments that monitor the atmosphere to make weather predictions. For meteorologists to create their forecasts, this arsenal of equipment measures air pressure, temperature, and water vapor.
Not all meteorologist jobs entail weather forecasting. Job duties for synoptic meteorologists include developing new instruments for measuring atmospheric conditions. Another type of meteorologist is a climatologist, who studies historical data on rainfall, sunshine, wind, and temperature in specific geographic locations. This information is used to help plan buildings and heating and cooling systems. It’s also employed in the agricultural sector.
A physical meteorologist is a type of meteorologist who does not work for the local news and does not report weather. These meteorologists investigate how sound, radio waves, and light travel through the atmosphere. They also investigate how the atmosphere influences the formation of various types of weather, such as tornadoes and hurricanes.
Those interested in pursuing a career in meteorology must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or a related field. Prediction of weather systems is one of the courses in a meteorology program. Courses in advanced mathematics, such as calculus, are also required. Future meteorologists will also need to pass physics, chemistry, computer science, and statistics classes. A master’s degree opens up more career opportunities for a future meteorologist. Job opportunities in meteorological research are available to candidates with a doctorate degree.
The majority of meteorologists in the United States work for the government. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employs the majority of these government employees (NOAA). The National Weather Service is affiliated with the NOAA. Others work for the military, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Energy, or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Meteorologists work days, nights, weekends, and holidays as part of their jobs. Weather monitoring stations are open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Meteorologists work long hours during severe storms or other types of bad weather. Meteorologists who work for radio and television stations are examples of those who work a lot of overtime during weather emergencies.