My journey into meteorology with the Met Office

My journey into meteorology has been a long, and at times, an emotional rollercoaster. Brought up and raised in Lincolnshire, I suppose it was inevitable that I became curious about the weather – with unspoilt skies, summertime thunderstorms and the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. I remember waiting for the TV weather forecast to appear immediately after the daily news bulletin. My hero growing up was Francis Wilson, a former Met Office forecaster, and through the 1980s, a broadcast meteorologist who appeared on the BBC Breakfast programme. I was impressed by his cool, calm presence on screen, and he was the first broadcast meteorologist I heard mention the term ‘jet stream’.  

I didn't gain the GCSE qualifications I needed to do further education, so I worked in retail and later, as a postal worker. Feeling frustrated about the direction of my career and other aspects of my life I was in need of new direction. In 2002, I was fortunate to meet a local, dedicated amateur meteorological observer, and asked for his advice about how I could establish my own weather observations station. For the next six years, I provided daily observations of meteorological elements that were published in my local village parish magazine. I enjoyed it so much I decided to pursue a career in meteorology.  

I returned to education and obtained a degree in Meteorology and Climate. After working as a junior meteorologist and then an offshore marine forecaster, I joined the Met Office in April 2023 as a Foundation Operational Meteorologist. I did on-the-job training at various RAF bases where my primary role was performing observations every 30 minutes on behalf of air traffic control. I moved to our Exeter headquarters to complete my training. Although I had been apprehensive about the change, I received fantastic support from my immediate management team and work colleagues who gave me the encouragement and confidence I needed to qualify as an operational forecaster.  

My day-to-day tasks include publishing our latest presented video forecasts onto our social media channels, website and app. I also respond to customer queries and issue wind forecasts, plus provide support to our provision of aviation forecasts. I assist our senior meteorologists with weather forecast information and analysis for the next five days. I particularly enjoy interpreting satellite and radar animations to enhance these forecasts.  

Although it can be hard to work unsociable hours, such as weekends, evenings and nights, there is information and support available for those of us who do shift work.  

I would describe the Met Office as the ‘Mecca of Meteorology’. In my opinion, it’s the best organisation to advance a career in meteorology, and I’m often inspired by my colleagues who share my passion for all things weather-related. I’ve really valued all the support, learning and development opportunities which have brought out the best in me and helped me to reach my full potential.