Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

The Work

Meteorologists study the Earth's atmosphere and the effect it has on the Earth's surface. They monitor and interpret atmospheric conditions and use their observations to make short-term weather forecasts. Some meteorologists study and measure global climate change over longer periods, and assess the implications of this for humans and the environment.  
 
Meteorologists are best known as television weather forecasters, but most of their work goes unseen by the public. They compile weather forecasts from measurements and observations of conditions like humidity, cloud level, wind, temperature and pressure. Data is collected at fixed times of the day, and from a variety of sources. These include ground based observation stations, ships, aircraft, satellites, and radar stations, which may be used to measure rainfall.  
 
The collected data may be analysed using computers, which can make millions of calculations per second. Meteorologists are then able to interpret results, produce computer models, and plot maps and charts. The weather forecasts provided by MET Eireann include gale and storm tide warnings.  
 
As well as advising the public, meteorologists provide information for industry and agriculture. Commercial aviation and shipping, power generation companies, and air, sea and mountain rescue services all rely on fast, accurate forecasts.  
 
Some meteorologists study the world's climate change, and global weather systems. They measure changes annually, comparing these to past yearly records, including recorded temperatures dating back to the nineteenth century.  
 
Meteorologists may use their knowledge to solve practical problems in society and industry. For example, they suggest the best place to put an oil rig, based on their knowledge of gales, wave heights and storm tides, or help local councils to prevent flood damage.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• 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.
• Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
• Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
• Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.
• 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.
• Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
• Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
• Analyse historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.
• Analyse climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.
• Conduct numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global or regional weather patterns.

Further Information

• Meteorologist / Weather Forecaster - from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Meteorologist / Weather Forecaster - from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

Met Eireann is the main employer of Meteorologists in Ireland. Met Éireann, Ireland’s National Meteorological Service, is a division of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and is the leading provider of weather information and related service in the State.

Met Éireann include weather forecasters, climatologists, research scientists, IT specialists, database experts, hydro-meteorologists, instrument engineers, liaison and funding officers, administrative staff, and radar and satellite meteorologists.

A recognised First or good Second Class Honours University degree in Meteorology or Physics or Mathematical Physics or Mathematics or a qualification regarded by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) as equivalent in value for the purpose of the competition for this role and for open cometitions for employment. 

Candidates must have a minimum of a university degree with a First or Upper Second (2:1) Class Honours in one or more of the following (or a recognised equivalent). 

-Higher Education CAO Entry: Mathematical physics, mathematics, meteorology and physics, Climate & environmental sustainablity NFQ level 7-8 Search CAO courses 

-Postgraduate study options: A Masters course in Meteorology is available at the UCD Meteorology & Climate Centre. Met Éireann provides metrological training for new entrants. A six months training period is spent in the British Met Office and Met Éireann will support staff who wish to increase their qualifications.

UK & Northern Ireland 

-UCAS [Northern Ireland and UK]: The Met Office offers a comprehensive training programme for those with a suitable degree and a proven interest in the weather. Degree subjects can include: meteorology, electronics, oceanography, physics, mathematics, environmental sciences, GIS and geography. A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not always a requirement Search UCAS Postgrad courses

The Met Office in the UK has its own college in Exeter, providing training courses for new entrants and for continuing professional development. Meteorologists in the UK are encouraged to pursue the Royal Meteorologist Chartered Meteorologist Accreditation Scheme (CMets) - a chartered accreditation, identical in concept and scope to chartered accreditation in other professions such as chartered accountant. Continuing professional development is provided by the Royal Meteorological Society and maintenance of this is actively monitored by the Society for all CMets.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €58k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ PAS/ Met.ie

Last Updated: May, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The annual employment growth rate over the five-year period was above average for this occupation, with employment increasing by almost 2,000 persons between 2021 and 2022. Almost a third of employment was in industry with the remainder spread across many sectors. The number of new employment permits issued grew from 164 to 506 between 2021 and 2022, with two fifths of permits issued for roles in the manufacturing of chemicals/pharma sub-sector for scientists and analysts (e.g. quality control, chemists); other roles include medical scientists/technologists, microbiologists, process development and R&D scientists.

In June 2022, medical scientists were moved to the Critical Skills Employment Permit List due to issues with sourcing suitable candidates; in Summer 2023, the Government announced plans to expand the number of training places for medical scientists by 20 places. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified difficult-to-fill vacancy mentions for analytical and process scientists. Online job adverts for this occupation grew slightly in 2022, almost all related to posts for R&D managers.

This was the most frequently occurring occupation in online job adverts in 2022. With employment levels increasing and demand still evident, shortages are expected to persist for this occupation, particularly in the chemical/pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, for those with experience and/or in niche areas. The recent decline in the value of pharmaceutical exports in Ireland is unlikely to have a significant impact on the demand for skills as, in addition to being in strong demand in the pharma & biopharma processing industry, they are much sought after elsewhere in both the life sciences sector (e.g. medical devices) and other manufacturing (e.g. food & beverage); in addition, Government focus (and investment) on research and innovation will also sustain the already strong demand for these skills. Shortages of analytical, process and medical scientists are likely to continue.

• Public Appointments Service

  • Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
  • (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Met Eireann

  • Glasnevin Hill, Dublin 9
  • (01) 806 4200
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • Click Here

• Irish Meteorological Society

  • Click Here