Meteorologist Duties & Responsibilities

The role and function of a Meteorologist includes the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Measuring factors such as air pressure, temperature and humidity at various atmospheric levels;
  • Investigating subjects such as airflow in the lowest kilometre of the atmosphere, the physics of clouds and precipitation, or global climate change;
  • Monitoring climate variability and change;
  • Researching seasonal forecasting, ocean forecasting and climate prediction;
  • Monitoring and investigating changes in the stratosphere (10-50km above the Earth), including the ozone layer;
  • Applying the results of research in order, for example, to give flood warnings or estimate the likely effects of global warming.
  • Liaising with colleagues and clients from around the country and worldwide.
  • Analysing and presenting this information to customers in the form of weather briefings;
  • Coding weather reports for transmission over international networks;
  • Developing and improving numerical and computer models to predict atmospheric processes and improve the accuracy of forecasts;
  • Collecting data from satellite images, radar, remote sensors and weather stations all over the world;
  • Applying physical and mathematical relationships and sophisticated computer models to make short and long-range weather forecasts;

Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Meteorologist duties and responsibilities. Job functions for specific Meteorologist roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.