Famous British Meteorologists

Piers Sellers was a British-American meteorologist, NASA astronaut, and Director of the Earth Science Division at NASA/GSFC. He attended Cranbrook School in the UK and earned a bachelor's degree in ecological science from the University of Edinburgh. Sellers later obtained a doctorate in biometeorology from the University of Leeds. He conducted research at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center focusing on the interaction between the Earth's biosphere and atmosphere. Sellers retired from the NASA Astronaut Corps in 2011 after participating in three Space Shuttle missions.

James Glaisher was a prominent English scientist known for his work in meteorology, aeronautics, and astronomy. He made significant contributions to the understanding of weather patterns and atmospheric phenomena through his research and observations. Glaisher also played a key role in advancing the field of aeronautics, particularly in the study of high-altitude balloon flights. Additionally, his work in astronomy helped to expand knowledge of celestial bodies and their movements. Overall, James Glaisher's professional life was marked by pioneering research and discoveries in various scientific disciplines.

British meteorologist Helen Willetts is a prominent figure on various BBC channels, including BBC World News, BBC Radio 4, and BBC Radio 2. Known for her expertise in weather reporting, she has received accolades such as the TRIC Award. Beyond her broadcasting career, Willetts has represented Wales in international badminton tournaments. Her professional life is characterized by a strong presence in the media industry, where she is recognized for her talent in meteorology and her contributions to sports at an international level.

Lewis Fry Richardson was a multi-disciplinary professional encompassing mathematics, physics, meteorology, psychology, and pacifism. He is renowned for revolutionizing weather forecasting through modern mathematical techniques. Richardson's work extended to analyzing the roots of conflicts and strategies for their prevention. His contributions to fractals and the development of the modified Richardson iteration method for solving linear equations are also highly regarded. Overall, Richardson's career was marked by pioneering advancements in various fields, leaving a lasting impact on meteorology, mathematics, and conflict studies.

Piers Corbyn is a British weather forecaster, anti-vaccine activist, conspiracy theorist, and former politician. He holds a first-class BSc degree in physics and a postgraduate MSc in astrophysics. Corbyn founded WeatherAction, a weather monitoring company, in the 1990s. He gained attention for his weather predictions and later for rejecting the scientific consensus on climate change. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he promoted conspiracy theories, labeled the virus a hoax, campaigned against lockdowns and vaccines, and was involved in protests against public health laws.

George Hadley was an English lawyer and amateur meteorologist known for proposing the atmospheric mechanism behind the trade winds, now recognized as Hadley circulation. His work was crucial for European sailing vessels navigating to North American shores. Hadley was intrigued by the deviation of winds from their expected direction and sought to unravel this mystery. His contributions revolutionized the understanding of atmospheric circulation patterns and their impact on global weather systems, cementing his legacy in the field of meteorology.

Sir William Napier Shaw FRS was a renowned British meteorologist known for his significant contributions to the field. He is credited with introducing the tephigram, a crucial diagram used to assess convective instability in the atmosphere. Shaw's expertise and dedication led him to serve as the president of both the International Meteorological Committee and the Royal Meteorological Society. His work and leadership in meteorology have had a lasting impact on the scientific community and continue to influence the study of weather and climate today.

George James Symons FRS was a pioneering British meteorologist known for founding and overseeing the British Rainfall Organisation. He established a comprehensive network of rainfall data collection sites across the British Isles, contributing significantly to the understanding of precipitation patterns. Symons' dedication to meteorology led to advancements in rainfall measurement techniques and data analysis. His work laid the foundation for modern hydrology and meteorological research, establishing him as a key figure in the field of climatology during the 19th century.

Roger Willis Daley was a prominent British meteorologist celebrated for his significant contributions in the field of data assimilation. Throughout his career, Daley focused on advancing the understanding and application of data assimilation techniques in meteorology, playing a crucial role in improving weather forecasting models. His work has had a lasting impact on the field, influencing the development of more accurate and reliable forecasting methods that are used widely in meteorological research and operational forecasting today.

William Henry Dines was an accomplished English meteorologist known for his pioneering work in the field of atmospheric science. He made significant contributions to meteorological instrumentation, particularly in the study of wind forces and upper air phenomena. Dines designed innovative instruments such as the Dines pressure-tube anemometer, meteorograph for use with balloons, and the microbarograph. He authored numerous influential papers on upper atmospheric meteorology and held leadership positions in various scientific societies. Dines' legacy continues through his sons, who also pursued careers as meteorologists.