British Science Week: A brief history of meteorology

What better time is there than British Science Week to delve into the history of meteorology?

The word meteorology is derived from the Greek word meteoron from 340 BC by Aristotle. Way back then, meteorology referred to any phenomenon in the sky including shooting stars.

Today, the world of meteorology includes the scientific study of the atmosphere with a major focus on the weather and climate.

Within meteorology, scientists, researchers and meteorologists all aim to understand the physical and chemical nature of the atmosphere and its complex interactions with the Earth.

Meteorologists collect and analyse atmosphere data to determine our short and long term weather trends and forecasts. We also use the data to see how the climate has changed from the past and how it could change in the future.

Being prepared and able to act at the right time, in the right place, can save many lives and protect the livelihoods of communities everywhere, both now and in the future.