Education · 1 of 5

The path

A physics-heavy science degree, then employer training to become an operational forecaster.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Physics and calculus are the two that decide whether you can enter. Add computer science if you can.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Atmospheric science, meteorology, or physics with the required atmospheric courses. Only a handful of Canadian universities offer the full set.

3. 3

   Apply to a forecast employer

   Months

   Environment and Climate Change Canada is the largest, and hiring runs in waves. Private weather firms, airlines and energy companies also hire.

4. 4

   Operational forecaster training

   Several months to a year

   A paid, intensive in-house course before you are allowed to issue forecasts and warnings on your own.

5. 5

   Master's degree, for research or modelling

   1 to 2 years

   Needed if you want to work on climate research or numerical weather models rather than daily forecasting.