Common types of weather broadcasters
Weather broadcasters typically fit into one of two categories:
1. Those who start out as reporters or news anchors
These professionals have experience with reporting and news analysis, and they specialize in presenting weather conditions and forecasts.
2. Professionals with academic backgrounds in atmospheric science and meteorology
These weather broadcasters specialize in analyzing computer-based weather models. They can generally provide more in-depth discussions of weather conditions and potential impacts.
Key duties for weather forecasters
During a typical day, weather forecasters do the following tasks:
- Present live weather forecasts for the day or week, including high and low temperatures and the chance of precipitation
- Inform viewers or listeners about serious weather patterns that may impact safety or daily activities
- Analyze weather-related data, meteorological graphs and atmospheric models to understand and discuss conditions effectively
- Report on the weather from the newsroom or from affected locations
- Discuss breaking weather-related news, such as severe storms
- Identify major weather-related news and create compelling stories that may include video, photos and interviews
- Work with design and editing teams to develop graphics that convey weather conditions or the potential impact on the audience
- Update social media pages to reflect current weather news and warnings
- Make public appearances to market the TV or radio station
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Weather broadcaster requirements
To make a successful hire, look for a weather broadcaster with these qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree
Candidates should have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Many weather broadcasters have degrees in meteorology or atmospheric science, which include coursework in climatology, atmospheric chemistry and using radar.
However, some weather forecasters major in journalism or communications, which include coursework in research and interview techniques, journalistic ethics and multimedia storytelling. Those who have degrees in journalism or communications typically also need to complete meteorology or atmospheric science coursework.
Work experience
Entry-level weather forecasters generally have experience volunteering at their university’s radio or TV station or interning at local stations. Mid-career weather broadcasters often start out working for stations in smaller markets and gradually move to stations in larger cities as they gain more experience.
Certification
The most qualified candidates also have the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) credential. The American Meteorology Society awards this credential to candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in meteorology or atmospheric science from an accredited university or those who have completed a certain number of courses on atmospheric measurement, synoptic meteorology and other relevant topics. Candidates also have to pass a 100-question exam and submit two weathercasts for review.
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Essential skills for weather forecasters
Seek out a weather forecaster who has these key skills:
- Ability to work under pressure: Because weather broadcasters often work in live newsrooms and may have to present information with minimal preparation, they must be able to work under significant pressure and handle unexpected events gracefully.
- Analytical skills: Weather forecasters need strong analytical skills to review computer models, process large amounts of data and make informed conclusions about weather patterns and predictions.
- Communication skills: To deliver their presentations effectively on TV or radio, weather broadcasters must be able to speak clearly and convey information in a logical way.
- Computer literacy:To analyze weather data, write scripts and perform basic photo and video edits, weather forecasters must be familiar with word processing, multimedia editing and meteorology programs.
- Interpersonal skills: Since weather broadcasters often appear on radio or TV alongside others, they need strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with presenters and guests.
- Marketing skills: Weather forecasters who are required to create social media posts typically need basic marketing skills to understand how to use these platforms to benefit the station.
Review the frequently asked questions below to learn even more about weather broadcasters and write an effective job description:
