About This Career

Investigates atmospheric phenomena and interprets meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses.

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics cluster Science and Mathematics pathway.

A person in this career:

• Broadcasts weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provides this information to the news media.
• Gathers data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
• Develops or uses mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
• Prepares weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.
• Interprets data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
• Formulates predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
• Prepares forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
• Analyzes historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.
• Analyzes climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.
• Conducts numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global or regional weather patterns.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Seeing clearly at a distance
• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Rotating shift work
• Weekend work