How much data do you look at when developing a weather forecast?
It depends on how far out you are forecasting models. You start with the current state of the weather then look at a varied of models and potential hazard forecast to refine your forecast. When supporting aircraft you must be a lot more specific than a general public forecast. They need to know takeoff conditions, enroute winds and hazards and landing conditions.
How long does it take to come up with a forecast?
If it’s in the next few hours and I have been monitoring the weather, it’s just a matter of looking at the updated weather and fine tuning it. This can be done in as little as 30 minutes. Other forecast can take over an hour to put together and then you update it as new data becomes available.
How has technology improved to make forecasting more accurate?
Near term we can be fairly accurate because the models and types of data have gotten better. Out past a week or longer there is a lot more uncertainty. Models are constantly improving.
What type of education and training is needed?
Meteorology is a STEM degree. That means it is heavy in Math, Physics, Computer Programing etc. Depending on the specialization it is usually recommended to get a Masters or even PhD.
What is it that makes you a good meteorologist?
Passion and decisiveness. As an Aviation Meteorologist it means I must know my customer. In the Air Force it was important to know the characteristics and weather sensitives of the aircraft I was supporting. For instance, what is the highest they can fly; Do they have anti icing equipment; What is their time enroute.