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Meteorologist

Science & Research

Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.

Science

What you'd do all day

The tasks that matter most in this job, most important first.

  1. 1Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
  2. 2Interpret 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.
  3. 3Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
  4. 4Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
  5. 5Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.
  6. 6Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
  7. 7Direct forecasting services at weather stations or at radio or television broadcasting facilities.
  8. 8Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
  9. 9Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.
  10. 10Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.
  11. 11Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts.
  12. 12Develop and deliver training on weather topics.
  13. 13Collect air samples from planes or ships over land or sea to study atmospheric composition.
  14. 14Analyze climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.
  15. 15Analyze historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.
  16. 16Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.
  17. 17Teach college-level courses on topics such as atmospheric and space science, meteorology, or global climate change.
  18. 18Design or develop new equipment or methods for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or related applications.
  19. 19Research the impact of industrial projects or pollution on climate, air quality, or weather phenomena.
  20. 20Conduct wind assessment, integration, or validation studies.
  21. 21Conduct numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global or regional weather patterns.
  22. 22Estimate or predict the effects of global warming over time for specific geographic regions.
  23. 23Speak to the public to discuss weather topics or answer questions.
  24. 24Apply meteorological knowledge to issues such as global warming, pollution control, or ozone depletion.
  25. 25Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices.
  26. 26Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons.
  27. 27Create visualizations to illustrate historical or future changes in the Earth's climate, using paleoclimate or climate geographic information systems (GIS) databases.

Also known as

What this job is called on JobStreet, LinkedIn and in job ads. Search these too.

  • Tracker
  • Aerologist
  • Forecaster
  • Weatherman
  • Air Analyst
  • Astrochemist
  • Storm Chaser
  • Climatologist
  • Meteorologist
  • Tornado Chaser

How far is this from you?

Roughly how much preparation this job usually takes. In Malaysia your UPU route and the programme's syarat still decide entry, so treat this as a guide, not a gate.

  1. 1

    Entry straight after SPM

  2. 2

    SPM + sijil / short TVET course

  3. 3

    Diploma / TVET (sijil–diploma)

  4. Typical entry

    Degree (ijazah sarjana muda)

  5. 5

    Postgrad (sarjana / PhD) or professional route

Typical educationBachelor's degree

Subjects that matter here

The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.

Additional MathematicsDraws directly on Mathematics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
MathematicsDraws directly on Mathematics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
PhysicsDraws directly on Physics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
GeographyDraws directly on Geography — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Computer Science / ICTDraws directly on Computers and Electronics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).

What you'd need to know

The subject areas this job leans on most, and the SPM subjects that build them.

  • Mathematics89%

    Additional MathematicsMathematics

  • Physics88%

    Physics

  • Geography88%

    Geography

  • Computers and Electronics83%

    Computer Science / ICTElectrical & Electronic Eng. Studies

  • English Language76%

    English

  • Communications and Media64%

    EnglishBahasa Melayu

Tools you'd use

Software and equipment that show up in this job, worth learning early.

Where to learn these, free

Scholarships & funding

What the work feels like

Day-to-day working conditions, so you can tell whether the job suits how you like to work.

  • Face-to-face discussionsEvery day
  • Contact with other peopleContact most of the time
  • Dealing with customers or the publicVery high
  • Leading or coordinating othersHigh
  • Handling conflict situationsRarely
  • Indoors, air-conditionedEvery day
  • Outdoors, in all weatherRarely
  • Noisy environmentRarely

AI and demand for this job

A few real, dated data points — not a single score. AI making some tasks faster usually means a job changes, not that it disappears.

35%

Share of everyday tasks today's AI can already help with (2023)

This estimate is from 2023 — already out of date, since AI moves fast. Treat it as a rough, aging starting point, not the current picture.

Pay in Malaysia

We don't have a sourced Malaysian salary range for this job yet, and we'd rather show nothing than a number we can't stand behind.

Where to check:

  • JobStreet and Hiredly job ads for this title
  • DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey
  • SSPA scheme tables, if you're aiming for a government post

Check what you may qualify for

Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.

Check my eligibility Not sure yet? Take the quiz

How to get here

Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.

Matriculation

One or two years, heavily subsidised with allowance. Competitive, quota-based entry.

12–24 months

Asasi / Foundation

One-year runway into a specific university: public via UPU or private direct entry.

12 months

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About this information

This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.

O*NET occupation: Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org

Programmes that lead here

Programmes from the official UPU (KPT) and MQA catalogues whose field of study typically leads to this career. Matched by field, not a job guarantee.

Public universities (UPU)

Private institutions (MQA-accredited)

Search the programme catalogue