MeteorologistPhysical Danger

Most meteorologists do not experience brushes with death. Not job-related ones, anyway. However, storm chasers or meteorologists who follow tornados are constantly putting themselves at risk. Storm chasers analyze data in order to predict where a tornado will hit. Once a location has been chosen, the meteorologist will drive by himself or with a film crew to the location of the storm. Many storm chasers call into the National Weather Service to give updates on tornados or storms. Also, storm chasing may be part of a larger research project.

There are few job descriptions that include storm chasing for meteorologists. If risking it all to photograph tornados tickles your fancy, there are a few positions out there for you. There are probably a few openings in your local psychiatric ward for you, too.