The incredible variety of the climatic zones found in Canada presents a constant challenge to operational meteorologists across the country. However, regardless of which region of the country meteorologists work in, their number one mandate is the protection and preservation of the people of Canada and their property, through the timely preparation and dissemination of statements concerning severe weather. Meteorology , at its most basic, is problem-solving, where the problem to be solved is the future weather. This is a job that presents a new set of problems every day and where no two weather situations are ever exactly alike. For individuals who thrive on a challenge and enjoy tackling a new problem everyday, operational meteorology presents ample opportunities to test one's skills and knowledge.
Meteorology is still an inexact science.
Meteorologists make mistakes and Mother Nature has been known to throw curve balls, but the important result of each of these misses is the learning that occurs when the event is studied afterward. It is essential that the reasons why a forecast was missed be understood, so as to reduce the likelihood of an event of that type being missed again. This is why meteorologists must be prepared to pass along lessons they have learned to others and why they must never stop learning themselves. Each region of the country presents its own challenges to meteorologists. Meteorologists forecasting for the Prairies and High Arctic must again deal with data scarcity, outbreaks of bitter cold and blizzards in the winter as well as severe thunderstorms in the summer.