Who is it for?

This course is designed for anyone who now, or in the near future, is expected to present weather bulletins from a studio, on TV or radio. There are no requirements for previous experience in meteorology or formal qualifications in science subjects.

What is the aim of the course?

The aim of this course is to provide a basic level knowledge of weather systems which affect the UK, so that the presenter can deliver a credible weather bulletin with the correct emphasis, from guidance supplied by a qualified forecaster.

Note: Introduction to Broadcast Meteorology does not teach television presentation skills.

What will the students learn?

By the end of the course, the presenter should be able to:

• State the weather for their region that is most likely to be associated with a particular wind direction.
  
• State what changes in weather occur when a cold or a warm front passes the station.
  
• State what is meant by various terms in meteorology and how they might affect the general public.
  
• Explain the formation and most likely locations of common weather phenomena.
  
• Identify the differences between various warnings and watches issued by the Met Office to inform the public of weather hazards.

What does the course cover?

This course provides basic training in meteorology for presenters of weather bulletins in the UK. It provides an overview of the weather phenomena and systems likely to affect parts of the UK. Various aspects of meteorological terminology are explained and topics which are often brought up in the broadcast media, global warming, El Niño, etc. are covered to a basic level.

The following topics are covered:

• How and why air circulates around the globe.
  
• How knowledge of wind direction can give you a first guess of weather conditions.
  
• A look at the type of weather systems which affect the UK.
  
• How meteorologists describe the weather.
  
• How the Met Office advises of hazardous weather which is happening now and in the near future.
  
• 'What, when, how and why' guides to various weather phenomena - for example fog.
  
• Climate change - separating the facts from the hype.

What is the course duration?

This is a five-day residential course. This course can be tailored to an individual customer's needs. If appropriate facilities are available, it can be provided, by Met Office College instructors at your organisation.

Professional Training Course calendar