What is meteorology? - World Meteorology Day 2025

Today is World Meteorology Day! Every year, on March 23, meteorologists and weather enthusiasts commemorate the coming of the 1950 Convention, which led to the establishment of the World Meteorological Organization.

The day also highlights the contributions of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services to society's safety and well-being. But what exactly does Meteorology mean? The word meteorology is derived from the Greek word meteor, which was used by Aristotle in 340 BC. Back then, meteorology referred to any phenomenon in the sky, including shooting stars.

Nowadays, meteorology includes the scientific study of the atmosphere, with a major focus on weather and climate. Within meteorology, scientists, researchers, and meteorologists aim to understand the physical and chemical nature of the atmosphere and its complex interactions with the Earth.

Meteorologists collect and analyze atmospheric data to determine short—and long-term weather trends and forecasts. We also use the data to see how the climate has changed in the past and how it could change in the future. Simple, right?