Careers in MeteorologyIf you enjoy everything from watching clouds to tracking hurricanes, then maybe meteorology or climatology is the career for you. Meteorologists, climatologists, and hydrologists can be found all over the world doing some very interesting things! They may study the ozone layer or air pollution, brief pilots at a busy airfield or take weather observations in Antarctica. They might analyze or develop numerical models, monitor rainfall and issue river stage warnings or fly in aircraft investigating hurricanes. Weather is world-wide and so are weather people!There are numerous areas in which a person interested and qualified in meteorology, hydrology, or the atmospheric sciences may find themselves working. GOVERNMENT/MILITARYWithin the Federal Government are numerous positions as a meteorologist, climatologist, or hydrologist, including some of the following: ObserverAn Observer takes hourly weather observations or who may launch weather balloonsOperational ForecasterAn Operational Forecaster analyzes weather conditions and issues forecasts or alerts the public of severe weatherResearch MeteorologistA Research Meteorologist studies effects like global warming, climate change analysis, or the atmospheric causes of severe weatherMilitaryIn the military, your career may take you from space to the ocean's depths, providing observations and forecasts for air, sea, and land operational missions in the U.S. and around the globe.| Career Terms in the Glossary | | |
PRIVATE SECTORWithin the private sector, businesses, radio and television stations, newspapers, and schools all need meteorologists. Business ApplicationsBusinesses and utilities, such as electric and petroleum companies and public work departments, rely on the forecasts prepared by meteorologists and climatologists to plan projects and make operational decisions.Broadcast MediaRadio and television stations need meteorologists, both behind the scenes and on the air, to analyze weather data and present local and regional information and severe weather alerts to audiences.Print MediaNewspapers and other publications employ meteorologists to create weather maps and write forecasts for their circulation area.EducationColleges and universities hire meteorologists to teach weather in the classroom and conduct research. As a meteorologist, you'll also find your skills suited to junior and high school physical science.Various PursuitsOther areas include being a forensic meteorologist, who researches and evaluates past weather events for insurance companies and public utilities, exploring the way weather affects people in biometeorology, working for a weather consulting company, or briefing commercial pilots at airline. |  | |
The Weather Channel, a 24-hour weather network, is seen in over 96 million homes and employees over 80 full-time meteorologists. While the network uses raw data gathered from the National Weather Service and other sources, our meteorologists conduct their own analyses to produce the weather forecast! Click on the links to explore more about the meteorologists on our Weather Channel Storm Team.
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