What job does a meteorologist do on a daily basis?

I'm fascinated by weather patterns and thinking about studying meteorology in college. What exactly does a meteorologist do, and are there different types of meteorologists depending on their work setting?

A meteorologist's daily duties can vary quite a bit depending on their specific role and work setting.

In general, meteorologists study the Earth's atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data that's gathered by weather satellites, radars, sensors and weather stations around the world. This data consists of temperature, air pressure, humidity and wind velocity measures, to name a few.

Some meteorologists, known as operational meteorologists, use this data to prepare weather forecasts. These individuals may work for government agencies like the National Weather Service, private weather forecasting companies or media outlets. You'll often see operational meteorologists presenting the weather on TV news broadcasts. Their daily tasks typically involve analyzing data, updating models, and writing up reports or scripts to communicate upcoming weather to the public.

Research meteorologists focus more on developing and improving the computer models used to predict weather patterns and understand climate change. They generally work in academia, government agencies or research institutions. Their day-to-day duties could involve conducting experiments, writing research papers and giving presentations at conferences.

There are also many meteorologists who work in consulting or other specialized roles. They may provide weather analysis and advice to industries like agriculture, energy, or aviation, where weather conditions can have a significant effect on operations. So their everyday tasks might involve meeting with clients, conducting site-specific forecasts, and suggesting strategies to mitigate weather-related risks.

As you can see, within the field of meteorology, there's a lot of variation! If you decide to study meteorology, you'll have the opportunity to learn about a wide range of subjects and potentially work in a variety of roles depending on your interests.