Taste the thunder: Satellites have now made it possible to monitor the weather better

You are fascinated by the dynamics of the atmosphere, are observant and eager to figure out answers to atmospheric changes, and excel in maths and science. During a thunderstorm, you listen to the thunder and count the number of seconds between that and the lightning bolts so that you can determine the distance of the storm — if this holds true in your case, a career in meteorology is a good bet.

Meteorology is the science of weather. It is essentially an interdisciplinary science because the atmosphere, land and ocean constitute an integrated system. The three basic aspects of meteorology are observation, understanding and prediction of weather. There are many kinds of routine meteorological observations. Some of them are made with simple instruments such as the thermometer for measuring temperature or the anemometer for recording wind speed.

The observing techniques have become increasingly complex in recent years and satellites have now made it possible to monitor the weather better. Countries around the world exchange weather observations through fast telecommunications channels. These are plotted on weather charts and analysed by professional meteorologists at forecasting centres, with the help of modern computers and supercomputers.

Weather information and forecasts are of vital importance to many activities like agriculture, aviation, shipping, fisheries, tourism, defence, industrial projects, water management and disaster mitigation.

What do I have to do?

Meteorologists study information on air pressure, temperature, humidity and wind velocity. They apply physical and mathematical relationships to make short-range and long-range weather forecasts. Their forecasts inform not only the general public, but also those who need accurate weather information for both economic and safety reasons. They also provide consultation and advice to outside agencies, professionals or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information.

Applied meteorologists use weather information and adopt the findings of theoretical research to suit a specific application such as aircraft design, control of air pollution, architectural design, urban planning, exploitation of solar and wind energy, and air-conditioning.

It’s exciting to be involved in a science that has phenomenal practical applications. However, meteorologists often draw flak for inaccurate predictions. The pressure is intense during a crisis as a slip may mean unimaginable disaster for thousands of people.

What should I study?

You need physics, chemistry and mathematics at the Plus Two level. A BSc degree, preferably in physics or maths, qualifies you for an MSc in meteorology.

You will study climatology, the movement of low pressure areas, air masses, fronts, and other weather systems like depressions and tropical cyclones, and atmospheric processes through mathematical equations which together are called numerical models (dynamic meteorology), the physical processes of the atmosphere such as solar radiation, agriculture meteorology and applied meteorology.

What next?

A large number of students passing MSc in meteorology and MTech in atmospheric sciences get absorbed in institutions such as the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the Indian meteorology department, Indian Air Force, the Space Application Centre, the National Remote Sensing Agency, the Defence Research and Development Organisation, the Indian Space Research Organisation, the National Institute of Oceanography, the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, the Indian Institute of Science, and other universities and R&D institutions. Some students also go abroad for higher studies and employment.

Many major airports have their own aerodrome meteorological offices (equipped with the latest meteorological instruments) since aeroplane activity is heavily dependent on the weather. Experienced meteorologists may also establish their own weather consulting services.

Where to study

• Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kochi.
• Punjab Agriculture University, Ludhiana.
• Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
• Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi.
• University of Pune, Pune.