Meteorologist |
A meteorologist is a person who studies or predicts the weather. There are several different kinds of meteorologists, including the following.
- presents the weather information and forecasts to many people by television
A TV Meteorologist is usually someone with a B.S. or M.S. in meteorology and a member of the American Meteorological Society. Courses in meteorology involve mathematics and physics. TV Meteorologists work with computer programs that make it easier to produce interesting graphics.
- analyze data and produce forecasts for TV Meteorologists, the National Weather Service, or other customers.
A weather forecaster is a person who takes data from local weather sites, from balloon launched instruments, from weather radars, and from satellites and produces a weather forecast. Some forecasters do local forecasts that predict weather for the next six to twelve hours. Other forecasters work with large computer programs that predict weather or hurricanes over the entire Earth for time periods as long as a week. Forecasters usually need a Ph.D. in meteorology or atmospheric science and must become members of the American Meteorological Society. They are likely to have more courses in mathematics and physics than TV Meteorologists.
- advise customers about future weather patterns and about how a particular weather system may have caused a particular problem(s) (and may testify in court).
A Consulting Meteorologist is someone paid to provide advice on weather. Some Consultants work with the insurance industry. Others work with power companies or shipping companies to try to reduce the cost associated with inclement weather. Consulting meteorologists usually need to have a B.S. or M.S. in meteorology, and may find a Ph.D. helpful. They also need some work experience before becoming an independent consultant.
- analyze past weather records to help understand and possibly predict long-term weather, such as the next season's rainfall or temperature.
Climatologists collect weather records and produce summaries of the records. Most states have a State Climatologist who provides state officials with future weather predictions. Many climatologists are members of college or university faculties and do research with their data. Faculty members need a Ph.D. in meteorology or atmospheric science.