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.

Weather broadcaster FAQs

Review the frequently asked questions below to learn even more about weather broadcasters and write an effective job description:

How much does a weather broadcaster make?

In the United States, meteorologists earn an average of $86,608 per year. Most employers also offer weather broadcasters benefits such as health and vision insurance, a flexible spending account and a health savings account. Weather broadcasters may also expect employers to provide standard benefits like a retirement plan, matching 401(k) contributions and parental leave.

Are meteorologists in demand?

The demand for weather broadcasters continues to be high. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for meteorologists is expected to grow 8% between 2018 and 2028. This growth rate is faster than average, partially due to more advanced computer models and increasingly accurate weather forecasts, which can benefit businesses in a wide range of industries.

What kind of work environment do weather forecasters need?

Weather broadcasters work for television and radio stations across the nation. Although they typically broadcast from the station’s studios, some employers may require meteorologists to report on weather conditions from areas of interest, such as the location of a severe storm. To report on location, weather broadcasters may have to travel within and outside of their local regions.

What hours do weather broadcasters work?

Weather broadcasters generally have full-time schedules, and they typically report on the weather at the same time every day. Most weather broadcasters appear in the morning, afternoon, evening or nightly news. Some also provide weather reports at a regular frequency, such as hourly. When they aren’t on television or radio, they review forecasts, analyze computer models, prepare weather simulations and write scripts.