What is a Meteorologist?

The Council of the American Meteorological Society adopted in 2005, the following guideline to define “a meteorologist” (from American Meteorological Society home page at www.ametsoc.org): 

A “meteorologist” is an individual with specialized education who uses scientific principles to explain, understand, observe or forecast the earth's atmospheric phenomena and/or how the atmosphere affects the earth and life on the planet. This specialized education would be a bachelor's or higher degree in meteorology, or atmospheric science, consistent with the requirements as required in the program of the Department of Atmospheric Sciences

There are some cases where an individual has not obtained a B.S. or higher degree in meteorology, but has met the educational requirements set forth in the American Meteorological Society's Interpretive Memorandum effective June 1990, Article III, Section 4 (C), and has at least three years professional experience in meteorology. Such an individual also can be referred to as a meteorologist.

Activities of a meteorologist often are classified into a number of specialized areas. A few examples are: air pollution meteorology, global climate modeling, hydrometeorology, and numerical analysis and forecasting. These activities often require additional specialized education in related subjects.

The designation “meteorologist” applies to individuals who have attained the professional knowledge outlined above. Individuals who have little formal education in the atmospheric sciences, or who have taken only industry survey courses, and who disseminate weather information and forecasts prepared by others, are properly designated "weathercasters."

Department of Atmospheric Sciences, CPO #2450, UNC Asheville, One University Heights, Asheville, NC 28804
Phone: (828) 251-6149  Fax: (828) 232-5046  Email: ahuang@unca.edu