Meteorologist

You would collect and analyse data to predict the weather. Your reports would be vital for people who work outdoors, like farmers. They would also be crucial for aircraft pilots and the crews of ships at sea.

You would study the earth's atmosphere, climate and weather.

You could specialise in one of two main areas – forecasting or research.

In forecasting, you could:

• Collect data from satellite images, radar, remote sensors and weather stations all over the world

• Measure air pressure, wind, temperature and humidity

• Apply computer models and scientific principles to make short-range and long-range weather forecasts

• Supply weather data, bulletins and reports to customers.

Your weather forecasts could be for the general public or could be specialist reports for agriculture, aviation or the armed forces

In research, you could:

• Investigate weather patterns and climate change

• Develop and improve computer forecasting models

• Apply research to practical problems, such as predicting floods or how the weather affects the spread of pollution or disease

At the start of your career in either area, you might observe and record the weather, produce charts and help senior staff.

With experience, you would take on more complex work and present your findings at meetings and conferences.

• Met Office - About careers at the Met Office, providing global weather and climate services

• Royal Meteorological Society - Careers information from the professional and learned society for weather and climate

• Institute of Physics - Scientific society with a worldwide membership