According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media. | 89% |
| Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts. | 89% |
| Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons. | 88% |
| Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics. | 86% |
| Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting. | 86% |
| Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics. | 86% |
| Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information. | 85% |
| Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups. | 84% |
| Direct forecasting services at weather stations or at radio or television broadcasting facilities. | 80% |
| Analyze historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends. | 78% |
| Analyze climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling. | 76% |
| Conduct numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global or regional weather patterns. | 75% |
| Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate. | 74% |
| Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings. | 73% |
| Research the impact of industrial projects or pollution on climate, air quality, or weather phenomena. | 70% |
| Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts. | 70% |
| Speak to the public to discuss weather topics or answer questions. | 68% |
| Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information. | 65% |
| Develop and deliver training on weather topics. | 65% |
| Apply meteorological knowledge to issues such as global warming, pollution control, or ozone depletion. | 65% |
| Collect air samples from planes or ships over land or sea to study atmospheric composition. | 63% |
| Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices. | 63% |
| Design or develop new equipment or methods for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or related applications. | 61% |
| Conduct wind assessment, integration, or validation studies. | 58% |
| Teach college-level courses on topics such as atmospheric and space science, meteorology, or global climate change. | 56% |
| Create visualizations to illustrate historical or future changes in the Earth's climate, using paleoclimate or climate geographic information systems (GIS) databases. | 55% |
| Estimate or predict the effects of global warming over time for specific geographic regions. | 54% |
