A meteorologist is a scientist who studies the weather and tries to forecast what the weather will be. There are many different kinds of meteorologists. On the television and radio and in newspapers and magazines, meteorologists tell us what the weather will be so that we can dress properly or make plans.

Other meteorologists study weather patterns in order to determine the safest flight paths for airplanes. They also study storms like hurricanes and tornadoes which can be dangerous to people and property. Meteorologists predict these events and warn of their coming so that people can plan for safety.

Find out more about being a Meteorologist:

Terri Bennett decided to study meteorology (atmosphere and predicting weather) because she was fascinated by thunderstorms. As the chief meteorologist at WCNC-TV in Charlotte, North Carolina, Terri gives television viewers a daily weather forecast.

Because the land changes in different parts of the state (higher where the mountains are, for example), it is sometimes difficult to predict what the weather will be like. The mountains can either get in the way of a storm that’s brewing or help make the storm bigger. By explaining what the weather will be like each day, Terri helps people decide how to dress and plan for their time outdoors. Sometimes, by providing severe weather information, she can even help save someone's life.