Weather Observer

Job overview
The task of the weather observer is to conduct surface weather observations across the whole country.

What do people do in this job?
With the aid of meteorological instruments weather observers observe and record the different elements of the weather each day at specified times.

Certain elements, such as visibility and the amount and type of clouds, are observed without instruments and determined according to specific classifications.

All this information is then compiled in weather reports with the aid of international codes, and disseminated nationally and internationally.

Changes in temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure and wind speed at different heights, is determined twice a day at certain stations.

Weather observers must be able to conduct these upper-air ascends independently and correctly.

This information is then also transmitted world wide to various stations with the aid of international codes and the communication system.

One of the factors determining the accuracy of weather observations is the reliability of the measuring instruments that are used.

Weather observers must thus be able to keep these instruments in excellent working condition.

The nature of the services rendered by the Weather Bureau to aviation, for example, as well as ensuring continuity of data, makes it necessary to conduct observations daily.

Weather observations are done at prescribed times from early in the morning till late at night, and some offices are open 24 hours a day.

It is thus necessary for weather observers to work shifts.

What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
The reliability of weather forecasts or any research making use of meteorological data is based mainly on the accuracy of the weather observations.

Weather observers must thus be reliable persons who are able to perform tasks regularly and accurately.

What qualifications are needed?
Weather observers will normally have a BSc degree with major in physics.