weather forecaster
Role lens
Do you have a passion for science and a knack for communicating complex information? As a weather forecaster, you’ll be at the forefront of predicting and sharing vital weather updates, impacting communities and industries alike.
Weather forecasters play a crucial role in public safety and planning. Your days involve analyzing vast amounts of meteorological data—from satellite imagery and radar readings to surface observations and computer models—to create accurate weather predictions. You then translate these complex analyses into understandable forecasts for various audiences through radio, television, and online platforms. This requires a blend of scientific expertise, analytical skills, and effective communication abilities.
- • Gather and interpret meteorological data from various sources.
- • Develop and refine weather prediction models.
- • Prepare and deliver clear and concise weather forecasts for broadcast or online media.
Where this occupation is in demand
Reported labour shortages and surpluses, by year. Published for occupation groups, not for individual job titles.
Deeper colour: reported the same way in more consecutive years.
Figures cover Science and engineering professionals — 274 jobs including this one.
In shortage: Czechia, Italy, Spain.
Select a place on the map to see its figures.
About this source›
Source: ELA/EURES labour shortages and surpluses. Readings are published at occupation-group level, and cover Europe. Editions differ in annex layout and country coverage, so a change between years does not always mean the labour market changed. Countries in grey were not reported, which is not the same as being in balance.
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Could weather forecaster fit you?
Answer three quick questions. This is not a full assessment — it is a teaser to help you decide whether to compare your profile.
Do you enjoy tasks that require Analytical Thinking?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Integrity?
Do you enjoy tasks that require Attention to Detail?
Future Outlook for weather forecaster
The outlook for weather forecaster reflects a balanced mix of automation exposure and durable, human-led work.
How are these scores calculated?
The Resilience Score (0–100) estimates how structurally protected this occupation is from automation and AI disruption, based on task-level analysis. Higher scores mean more human-judgment-intensive tasks. AI Exposure shows the estimated percentage of task hours that current AI capabilities could affect. These are model-derived structural indicators, not predictions about individual job security.
How could weather forecaster change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How could weather forecaster change as AI adoption grows?
This role is likely to change gradually, with AI supporting selected tasks rather than replacing the whole occupation.
Illustrative scenario based on task automatability — not a forecast. Values are rounded the further ahead you look.
How AI may change this role
Deterministic, model-based interpretation of current role signals — not a guarantee of replacement.
What still depends on people
- memorise lines
- read pre-drafted texts
Where AI may become a co-pilot
- review meteorological forecast data
- use specialised computer models for weather forecasting
- use meteorological tools to forecast meteorological conditions
Tasks most exposed to automation
- use data processing techniques
Vital Signs & AI Vectors
AI Exposure Vectors
0-100%Exposure to AI-assisted analysis, pattern recognition, and predictive modelling tasks
Exposure to content generation, creative augmentation, and large language model tools
Exposure to physical automation, robotics, and sensor-driven task displacement
Exposure to workflow automation, decision-support software, and process digitisation
Technical Details
NexFuture v3.0 estimates automation exposure natively from ESCO essential-skill groups, weighted by skill mass and calibrated against expert anchors. Scores are probabilistic estimates, not guarantees. See the NexFuture Methodology White Paper for full details.
Measures automation exposure. It does not measure pay, demand, or how many jobs exist near you.
What people in this role usually do
Energy & Natural Resources
A typical day as a weather forecaster
09 09:00 · Morning read pre-drafted texts
10 10:30 · Mid-morning review meteorological forecast data
12 12:00 · Midday memorise lines
14 14:00 · Afternoon present during live broadcasts
15 15:30 · Late afternoon use meteorological tools to forecast meteorological conditions
17 17:00 · Wrap-up analyse weather forecast
Task order is illustrative. Individual days vary.
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audiovisual equipment
The characteristics and usage of different tools that stimulate the sight and audio senses.
- breathing techniques
- meteorology
- pronunciation techniques
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use specialised computer models for weather forecasting
Make short-term and long-term weather forecasts applying physical and mathematical formulae; understand specialised computer modelling applications.
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use meteorological tools to forecast meteorological conditions
Use meteorological data and tools such as weather facsimile machines, weather charts and computer terminals, to anticipate weather conditions.
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analyse weather forecast
Analyse weather forecasts and the information provided on meteorological conditions, such as wind forces, atmospheric structures, clouds, and visibility. Constantly monitor weather conditions to maintain the validity of the forecast. Provide analyses depending on the requirements of various different industries and service providers. Evaluate routine air observations.
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memorise lines
Memorise your role in a performance or broadcast, whether it is text, movement, or music.
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read pre-drafted texts
Read texts, written by others or by yourself, with the proper intonation and animation.
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use data processing techniques
Gather, process and analyse relevant data and information, properly store and update data and represent figures and data using charts and statistical diagrams.
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review meteorological forecast data
Revise estimated meteorological parameters. Solve gaps between real-time conditions and estimated conditions.
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present during live broadcasts
Present live on political, economic, cultural, social, international or sport events, or host a live broadcast program.
Skill DNA
Work personality traits and values that define this role
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Where does weather forecaster fit?
Similarity scores based on skill overlap from ESCO data.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of education is typically required to become a weather forecaster?
- A bachelor’s degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, or a closely related field is generally required. Some positions may prefer or require a master’s degree, particularly for more specialized forecasting roles.
- How important are communication skills in this role?
- Extremely important! While scientific understanding is foundational, the ability to clearly and accurately communicate complex weather information to a diverse audience is vital. This includes explaining potential impacts and risks in an accessible way.
- Are weather forecasters typically employed or do they work independently?
- Most weather forecasters are employed by television stations, radio networks, government agencies (like national meteorological services), or private weather companies. While freelance opportunities exist, employment is the most common work arrangement.
- Weather Forecaster — is there a shortage in Europe?
- Both, depending where. Of the 6 European countries that assessed this occupation group in 2025, 3 reported a shortage and 3 a surplus. These assessments are published per occupation group rather than per job title.
- Weather Forecaster — what does it pay in the United States?
- $97,450 a year at the median, as of 2025-05. State medians run from $42,820 to $128,800. Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a United States figure and not a projection for Europe.