Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Meteorologist
What meteorologists actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a meteorologist?
Review overnight data. From there, the day usually includes analyze weather data, run forecast models, and issue forecasts. Shifts cover 24/7 forecasting.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a meteorologist working full time.
- Review overnight data.
- Write the morning forecast.
- Brief an airline.
- Watch radar for storms.
- Issue a severe thunderstorm warning.
- Update models.
- Hand off to the evening shift.
Where meteorologists work
Meteorologists work in forecast offices, TV studios and labs.
Hours and schedule
Shifts cover 24/7 forecasting.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Analyze weather data
- Run forecast models
- Issue forecasts
- Issue warnings
- Study climate
- Brief clients
- Present on air
Tools you’ll use every day
- Radar systems
- Satellite imagery
- Weather models
- AWIPS
- Python
- GIS
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Protect lives with warnings
- Fascinating science
- Varied employers
- Good pay
What’s hard
- Shift work
- Forecast pressure
- Small field
- Severe weather stress
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love weather
- I like math and physics
- I can make quick decisions
- I can work shifts
- I want to protect people
- I communicate well
Not sure? Take the free Meteorologist fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Communicate warnings clearly
- Stay safe when storm spotting
- Follow severe weather plans
- Manage fatigue on shifts