Being a weather broadcaster is the glamorous end of meteorology. Most people do not want to be in front of the camera. But for those that do it is one of the most rewarding, and at times humiliating, jobs that there is.

Broadcast Meteorologists at the BBC Weather Centre are normally trained in meteorology to the level of an independent forecaster. This is attained after a degree in maths, or a similar qualification, and then around 12 months of practical forecasting.

Part of the BBC audition process involves talking to the camera on any subject for exactly one minute. If they are successful, they are recruited into the Met Office and attend the Initial Forecasting Course. Afterwards, back at Television Centre, the training continues but this time on the computer system and broadcasting. Once this has been covered, they can start broadcasting either on BBC World Service or News 24.

The training is this rigorous because the broadcaster has to understand the meteorological advice given to them by the Met Office Forecasting Division. They also have to draw up all the maps needed, then go into the studio and perform, often live with no teleprompt.

Regional television is different, but certainly no easier than the national because it is here that the detail for the area is very important. The broadcasters are recruited in different ways. Some come from the BBC Weather Centre after having a short course in meteorology and presentation training. Others are recruited directly by the BBC. These are normally journalists who have a great skill in television presentation and take a short training course in basic meteorology.

There is a school of thought that says only people fully trained in practical and theoretical meteorology should be recruited as weather broadcasters, I do not subscribe to that. There are three areas of expertise needed; meteorology, computer skills and personality. It is no use doing the best weather forecast in the history of the universe if no one understands it.

Local radio is, in my opinion, one of the most satisfying ways of delivering the weather message. There are large numbers of BBC stations up and down the country, so this is a good way in to broadcasting. The beauty of it is that you really can put the detail on for the area in the time allotted, giving you the chance to talk about where the showers are now, at what height they will turn to snow, for example.

So if you want to become a weather broadcaster my advice is, go to university and study maths or something similar if possible. Then join the Met Office to be trained in meteorology.

If you can't do that, don't despair. You can still become a weather broadcaster providing you are passionate about the subject, learn as much as you can about it. Then join a local radio station and never ever give up trying.

Related Links:

- A Day in the Life of a Broadcast Meteorologist
- Broadcast Assistants
- BBC Weather Broadcasters in History