meteorologist
Snapshot
Do you find yourself fascinated by weather patterns and eager to understand the forces shaping our climate? As a meteorologist, you can contribute to critical forecasting, climate research, and providing vital information to various industries.
Meteorologists are experts in atmospheric science, analyzing data and developing models to predict weather conditions and understand long-term climate trends. This role often involves a blend of scientific research, data analysis, and communication, translating complex information into accessible formats for diverse audiences. Working at a Career Band 5 level, meteorologists often take on leadership and strategic responsibilities within their organizations.
- • Developing and refining weather forecasting models using advanced computational techniques.
- • Collecting and analyzing meteorological data from various sources, including satellites, radar, and ground stations.
- • Providing expert consultancy services to industries like aviation, agriculture, and emergency management.
Do you find yourself fascinated by weather patterns and eager to understand the forces shaping our climate? As a meteorologist, you can contribute to critical forecasting, climate research, and providing vital information to various industries.
Could meteorologist fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Future Outlook for meteorologist
The outlook for meteorologist is exceptionally stable. While AI tools will assist with daily tasks, the core of this role relies on human judgment, resulting in a high resilience score of 81.8%.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could meteorologist change as AI adoption grows?
Human judgement, trust, and context remain strong protectors for this role.
How could meteorologist change as AI adoption grows?
Human judgement, trust, and context remain strong protectors for this role.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
This role remains strongly human-led where carry out meteorological research depends on trust, nuance, and real-world judgement.
Where AI may become a co-pilot
AI is more likely to assist supporting tasks such as manage intellectual property rights, documentation, search, and workflow coordination.
Tasks most exposed to automation
Automation pressure appears selective rather than broad, with the strongest signal currently coming from Generative AI.
Detailed Analysis Vital Signs, AI Vectors & Megatrends
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Vital Signs, AI Vectors & Megatrends
Vital Signs
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Megatrend Signals
0-100%Model-derived scores. Indicates structural exposure to megatrends, not direct demand.
Technical Details
NexFuture™ v2.0 combines O*NET ability and activity profiles with ESCO skill group distributions and six global megatrend signals. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture™ Methodology White Paper for full details.
What people in this role usually do
Healthcare & Human Services
A typical day as a meteorologist
09 09:00 · Morning review meteorological forecast data
10 10:30 · Mid-morning carry out meteorological research
12 12:00 · Midday manage intellectual property rights
14 14:00 · Afternoon operate open source software
15 15:30 · Late afternoon use meteorological tools to forecast meteorological conditions
17 17:00 · Wrap-up analyse weather forecast
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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geographic information systems
The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
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hydrology
The study of the water concerning the availability and movement of water as well as the impact of human activities on the water cycle.
- climatology
- mathematics
- meteorology
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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data
Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.
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perform scientific research
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
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apply scientific methods
Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities
Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.
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promote open innovation in research
Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.
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carry out meteorological research
Participate in research activities on weather-related conditions and phenomena. Study the physical and chemical characteristics and processes of the atmosphere.
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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation
Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.
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disseminate results to the scientific community
Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.
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publish academic research
Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.
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write scientific publications
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
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use specialised computer models for weather forecasting
Make short-term and long-term weather forecasts applying physical and mathematical formulae; understand specialised computer modelling applications.
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use meteorological tools to forecast meteorological conditions
Use meteorological data and tools such as weather facsimile machines, weather charts and computer terminals, to anticipate weather conditions.
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analyse weather forecast
Analyse weather forecasts and the information provided on meteorological conditions, such as wind forces, atmospheric structures, clouds, and visibility. Constantly monitor weather conditions to maintain the validity of the forecast. Provide analyses depending on the requirements of various different industries and service providers. Evaluate routine air observations.
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manage research data
Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.
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interact professionally in research and professional environments
Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.
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operate open source software
Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.
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speak different languages
Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.
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execute analytical mathematical calculations
Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
See whether this role fits your Career DNA
Take the free Career DNA assessment to see how meteorologist aligns with your interests, work style, and future path. In less than 10 minutes, you will get a personalized fit signal and a roadmap for what to do next.
Scan to continue on mobileGrowth Pathways & Similar Roles
Explore typical career progression paths, adjacent skills, and similar roles to plan your next transition.
Where does meteorologist fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of education is typically required to become a meteorologist?
- A bachelor's degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, or a closely related field is generally the minimum requirement. Advanced roles and research positions often require a master's or doctoral degree.
- What are some of the key skills needed to succeed as a meteorologist?
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential, alongside proficiency in mathematics, statistics, and computer programming. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are also crucial for conveying complex information clearly.
- What are the typical work environments for meteorologists?
- Meteorologists are primarily employed in a standard employment setting. This can include government agencies (like national weather services), research institutions, private forecasting companies, or broadcast media. The role often requires working with computer systems and data analysis tools.