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Weather Presenter

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Primary Secondary Post-16

A Weather Presenter, sometimes referred to as a Broadcast Meteorologist, is responsible for interpreting complex meteorological data and communicating weather forecasts to the public in an understandable, engaging, and accurate manner. This role involves more than just reading a script; it requires a strong understanding of weather patterns, climatology, and the ability to analyse data from various sources like radar, satellite imagery, and computer models. Presenters work across different media platforms, including television, radio, and online, often creating and delivering their own graphics and visual aids. They need to be adept at live broadcasting, thinking on their feet, and responding to breaking weather news, such as severe weather warnings. The job combines scientific expertise with strong communication and performance skills, often requiring early mornings, late nights, or weekend shifts to cover all broadcast times.

Weather Presenter

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary Range

Salaries for Weather Presenters in the UK can vary significantly based on experience, employer (e.g., regional vs. national broadcasters), and profile. Entry-level positions might start around 20,000 to 25,000 GBP, while experienced presenters on national networks could earn upwards of 40,000 to 60,000+ GBP annually. Highly established personalities may command considerably more.

Job Market Demand

The number of dedicated Weather Presenter roles in the UK is relatively small and competitive. While specific figures for open positions are not readily available, it's a niche field with opportunities primarily arising within major national and regional broadcasters (BBC, ITV, Sky News) and some independent production companies.

Required Qualifications

Many professional Weather Presenters hold a degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, physics, or a related scientific field. Communication skills are paramount, and often presenters will have previous experience in broadcasting or journalism.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Broadcast Meteorologist

Analyses weather data and forecasts to present detailed, accurate, and engaging weather reports for television, radio, or online platforms. Often involves a strong scientific background in meteorology.

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Climate Change Communicator

Focuses on explaining complex climate science and its impacts to the public, policymakers, or specific stakeholders. This role could involve creating educational content, delivering presentations, or working in advocacy for environmental organisations.

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Journalist specialising in Environmental Reporting

Researches, writes, and reports on environmental issues, including weather phenomena, climate change, conservation, and sustainability for news outlets. This often involves interviewing experts, gathering data, and presenting information clearly and engagingly.

Build a Strong Foundation

Pursue Relevant Qualifications

Gain a solid academic background, ideally in meteorology or a related scientific field, to understand the complexities of weather patterns.

Most weather presenters in the UK hold a degree in meteorology, physics, environmental science, or mathematics. Universities such as the University of Reading and the University of East Anglia are renowned for their meteorology programmes. Some presenters may have a postgraduate qualification, like an MSc in Applied Meteorology, which provides a deeper understanding of forecasting techniques and atmospheric science. Look into accredited courses by the Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS).

Develop Scientific Understanding

Beyond your core degree, deepen your knowledge of atmospheric physics, climate science, and data analysis.

Understanding weather models, satellite imagery, radar data, and synoptic charts is crucial. Engage in self-study, read scientific journals, and consider attending workshops or short courses on specific meteorological topics. Many universities offer modules or short courses in Python or R for data analysis, which can be invaluable for interpreting large datasets. Joining the RMetS as a student member can also provide access to resources and events.

Master Communication Skills

Develop the ability to explain complex scientific information clearly and engagingly to a general audience.

This is a broadcasting role, so public speaking, presentation, and storytelling skills are paramount. Join a university debating society, take acting classes, or volunteer for roles that involve public speaking. Practice explaining scientific concepts to friends and family. Consider courses in journalism or media studies, as these can hone your on-camera presence and scriptwriting abilities. Recording yourself and reviewing your delivery can also be very beneficial.

Gain Practical Experience

Seek Internships and Work Experience

Gain hands-on experience in meteorological organisations or media outlets to understand the industry from within.

Look for internships with organisations like the Met Office, regional news broadcasters, or even local radio stations. These placements can provide exposure to forecasting tools, weather graphics software, and the fast-paced environment of live broadcasting. Even if the role isn't directly presenting, observing and assisting will provide invaluable insight. Networking during these opportunities can also open doors for future roles.

Build a Showreel

Create a portfolio of your presenting abilities to showcase your talent to potential employers.

A showreel is essential for any aspiring presenter. Start by creating mock weather forecasts using publicly available data (e.g., from the Met Office website) and recording yourself. Practice with different scenarios, from simple daily forecasts to severe weather warnings. Experiment with different styles and tones. As you gain more experience, incorporate any footage from internships or university projects. Aim for a concise, high-quality reel that highlights your best attributes.

Network Within the Industry

Connect with professionals in meteorology and broadcasting to learn from their experiences and discover opportunities.

Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops organised by bodies like the Royal Meteorological Society or regional media organisations. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with weather presenters, meteorologists, and producers. Informational interviews can provide valuable insights and mentorship. Building relationships can often lead to unadvertised opportunities and valuable advice on breaking into the field.

Launch Your Career

Apply for Entry-Level Presenting Roles

Start by applying for available weather presenter positions, often at local or regional news outlets.

Entry-level roles often start in regional television or radio stations, where you might present shorter segments or cover weekend shifts. Be prepared to relocate for your first opportunity. Tailor your CV and cover letter to each application, highlighting your scientific background and communication skills. Your showreel will be a critical component of your application. Don't be disheartened by rejections; persistence is key.

Continuously Develop Your Skills

Once in a role, keep refining your presenting style, forecasting accuracy, and technical knowledge.

The weather is constantly evolving, and so should your skills. Stay up-to-date with the latest meteorological research and forecasting technologies. Seek feedback from producers, directors, and even viewers to improve your delivery. Work on adapting your tone and style for different audiences and types of broadcasts. Consider advanced training in media performance, voice coaching, or specialised meteorological topics to enhance your expertise and career progression.

Specialise and Advance

As you gain experience, you can aim for more prominent roles, national broadcasting, or specialisation in specific weather phenomena.

With a strong track record, you might progress to presenting for national broadcasters like the BBC or ITV, or specialise in areas such as severe weather forecasting, climate change communication, or environmental reporting. Some presenters also move into meteorologist roles behind the scenes, or into media training and consulting. Keep your showreel updated with your best work and continue to network to identify new opportunities as your career progresses.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Weather Presenter. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

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Career Progressions

No career progressions found for Weather Presenter

Sample Qualifications

Both roles require knowledge of atmospheric science to interpret weather data and forecasts. While a Weather Presenter communicates the forecasts to the public, the Meteorologist typically conducts the underlying analysis and prepares the forecast; thus the qualification overlap is in weather science, data interpretation and presenting findings to audiences.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • training with a professional body

University

You'll usually need a degree in meteorology or a related subject like:

  • physical sciences
  • maths
  • geography
  • computer science
  • environmental science

You might need a postgraduate qualification in meteorology or climatology if you want to do research.

You can find out more about relevant degree subjects from the Royal Meteorological Society.

Getting experience of computer modelling during your degree or postgraduate course can be useful in this role.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Volunteering

You can get  experience with the Met Office 10 week summer internship schemes. There are schemes for different groups, including graduates and A level students who are thinking about meteorology as a career.

Other Routes

You can apply to the Met Office for a place as a trainee on their forecasting and observations course.

You'll need a degree or equivalent qualification in science, maths or a related subject like geography. Other subjects may be accepted if you have the right qualities.

More Information

Career tips

You can do a short work placement to find out more about meteorology as a career, if you're aged between 13 and 18.

Further information

You can learn more about becoming a meteorologist from the Met Office and the Royal Meteorological Society.

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