Climatologists collect, analyze, and interpret past records of wind, rainfall, sunshine, and temperature in specific areas or regions. Their studies are used to design buildings and to plan heating and cooling systems, to aid in effective land use, and in agricultural production. Other research meteorologists examine the most effective ways to control or diminish air pollution or improve weather forecasting using mathematical models. Jobs in weather stations, most of which operate around the clock 7 days a week, often involve night, weekend, and holiday work and rotating shifts. During times of weather emergencies, such as hurricanes, operational meteorologists may work overtime.
Operational meteorologists are also often under pressure to meet forecast deadlines.
Some meteorologists also spend time observing weather conditions and collecting data from aircraft. Meteorologists not doing forecasting work regular hours, usually in offices. Those who work for private consulting firms or for companies that analyze and monitor emissions to improve air quality often work with other science or engineering professionals. Employment Meteorologists held about 6,600 jobs in 1994. Nearly 90 percent of NOAA's meteorologists work in the National Weather Service at stations in all parts of the United States.