Meteorologists

Alfred Lothar Wegener was a German scientist renowned for his contributions to climatology, geology, geophysics, meteorology, and polar research. He made significant advancements in meteorology and polar exploration, but is best known for introducing the continental drift hypothesis in 1912. Despite facing initial skepticism, his ideas gained widespread acceptance in the 1950s coinciding with the emergence of plate tectonics theory. Wegener led expeditions to Greenland, enhancing knowledge of polar air circulation and conducting important meteorological studies, such as the first overwintering on the inland Greenland ice sheet and the initial ice core drilling on a moving Arctic glacier.

Piers Corbyn is a British weather forecaster who founded WeatherAction, a weather monitoring company, in the 1990s. He holds a first-class BSc degree in physics and a postgraduate MSc in astrophysics. Corbyn 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, labelled the virus a hoax, campaigned against lockdowns and vaccines, and was involved in protests against public health laws.

Jim Cantore is a highly respected American meteorologist known for his work as an on-air personality at The Weather Channel. With a career spanning decades, he is renowned for his expertise in weather forecasting and reporting on various meteorological events. Cantore has become a familiar face to viewers nationwide, delivering accurate and timely weather updates during major storms, hurricanes, and severe weather conditions. His dedication to providing reliable information and passion for meteorology have solidified his status as a trusted authority in the field.

James Glaisher, an English meteorologist, aeronaut, and astronomer, made significant contributions to meteorology through groundbreaking experiments in the atmosphere. His research focused on air temperature, humidity, weather patterns, and atmospheric phenomena. Glaisher's daring balloon ascents to high altitudes helped advance understanding of the Earth's atmosphere by recording meteorological data.

Reed Timmer, an American meteorologist and storm chaser, is renowned for his dedicated pursuit and documentation of severe weather events. He has achieved acclaim through his participation in television programs and documentaries like Storm Chasers, Tornado Glory, and Tornado Chasers. Timmer has captured on film many tornadoes, including major occurrences such as the 2011 Super Outbreak and the 2013 El Reno tornado. His passion for storm chasing persists, with recent notable achievements including capturing the eyewall of Category 5 Hurricane Ian in 2022.

Owen Daniels is a retired NFL tight end who had a successful career in football. He played college football at Wisconsin before being drafted by the Houston Texans in 2006. Throughout his NFL tenure, Daniels earned two Pro Bowl selections and played for teams such as the Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos. Notably, he played a key role in the Broncos' Super Bowl 50 win against the Carolina Panthers. Daniels is esteemed for his talent and impact on the sport.

Edward Norton Lorenz was an influential American mathematician and meteorologist recognized for his pioneering contributions to weather and climate predictability. He laid the foundation for computer-assisted atmospheric physics and meteorology and is hailed as the architect of modern chaos theory. Lorenz's identification of deterministic chaos transformed scientific knowledge, leaving a lasting mark on numerous fields. In 1991, he was honored with the esteemed Kyoto Prize for fundamental sciences in earth and planetary sciences, cementing his reputation as a pioneering figure in the investigation of dynamical systems.

British meteorologist Helen Willetts is a well-known figure on multiple BBC channels, including BBC World News, BBC Radio 4, and BBC Radio 2. She is acclaimed for her expertise in weather reporting and has been honored with awards such as the TRIC Award. In addition to her broadcasting work, Willetts has competed for Wales in international badminton competitions. Her professional career highlights her significant presence in the media field, where she is acknowledged for her meteorological skills and her contributions to international sports.

Tetsuya Theodore Fujita was a distinguished meteorologist recognized for his pioneering research on severe weather events. His work at the University of Chicago led to significant progress in the comprehension of severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and typhoons. Fujita is best known for creating the Fujita scale, a system for measuring tornado intensity. Additionally, he identified downbursts and microbursts, which contributed to a better understanding of the impacts of severe weather on communities. Fujita's investigations on the relationship between wind speed and damage had a profound influence on the field of meteorology.

Piers John Sellers, a British-American meteorologist and NASA astronaut, served as the Director of the Earth Science Division at NASA/GSFC. He studied at Cranbrook School in the UK and earned a bachelor's degree in ecological science from the University of Edinburgh, as well as a doctorate in biometeorology from the University of Leeds. Sellers conducted research at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, focusing on the interaction between the Earth's biosphere and atmosphere. His work involved climate system computer modeling and field research using various technologies. Sellers retired from the NASA Astronaut Corps in 2011.

Syukuro "Suki" Manabe is a prominent physicist, meteorologist, and climatologist recognized for his innovative use of computers in simulating global climate change and natural climate variations. His pioneering work in modeling Earth's climate, quantifying its variability, and predicting climate change has garnered global acclaim. In 2021, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his groundbreaking contributions to the field, sharing the honor with Klaus Hasselmann and Giorgio Parisi.

Wladimir Petrovich Köppen was a prominent geographer, meteorologist, climatologist, and botanist known for his groundbreaking work in climatology. He is most renowned for developing the Köppen climate classification system, widely utilized in categorizing global climates. Köppen also coined the term "aerology" to describe the study of the upper atmosphere and made lasting contributions to the understanding of Earth's climate and atmospheric conditions.

Paul J. Crutzen, a Dutch meteorologist and atmospheric chemist, is widely recognized for his pioneering research in atmospheric chemistry. He received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1995 for his contributions to understanding the formation and decomposition of atmospheric ozone. Crutzen played a key role in investigating the ozone layer, climate change, and popularizing the idea of the Anthropocene epoch. Moreover, he made significant contributions to the study of nuclear winter and the potential climatic consequences of extensive atmospheric pollution.

Lewis Fry Richardson was a versatile professional recognized for his significant contributions to mathematics, physics, meteorology, psychology, and pacifism. He is celebrated for his pioneering work in modern mathematical techniques for weather forecasting and their application in analyzing the causes of conflicts and strategies for conflict prevention. Richardson also made notable progress in the study of fractals and introduced the modified Richardson iteration method for solving linear equations. His influential work spans various disciplines, showcasing his adaptability and inventive problem-solving abilities.

Charles Thomson Rees Wilson, a Scottish physicist and meteorologist, is renowned for creating the cloud chamber, a device that enabled the observation of ion and subatomic particle movements. This invention was so groundbreaking that Wilson was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics. His work revolutionized the study of nuclear and particle physics by allowing the visualization and tracking of charged particle paths, leading to significant progress in understanding fundamental particles and their interactions.

William Morris Davis was a prominent American geographer, geologist, geomorphologist, and meteorologist who is often referred to as the "father of American geography." He conducted significant research in the field of geomorphology and made notable contributions to the study of physical geography. Davis studied geology and geography at Harvard University and was involved in an expedition to Colorado. Throughout his career, he worked for Nathaniel Shaler, taught at Harvard, and authored numerous works on geomorphology. He also wrote about scientific racism. Davis passed away in Pasadena, California, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field of geomorphology.

Antonio de Ulloa, a Spanish naval officer, scientist, and administrator, made significant contributions in various fields. He gained international recognition for his work during the French Geodesic Mission in Ecuador, where he conducted groundbreaking astronomical and natural observations. Ulloa's reports notably included the first published observations of platinum as a new chemical element. He held important positions such as governor of Huancavelica in Perú and the first Spanish governor of Louisiana. However, his rule in Louisiana faced strong resistance and led to his expulsion during the Louisiana Rebellion of 1768. Ulloa later achieved the rank of vice-admiral in the Spanish Navy and served as its chief of operations.

Andrija Mohorovičić, a renowned Croatian geophysicist, is famous for discovering the Mohorovičić discontinuity, a significant boundary between the Earth's crust and mantle. His pioneering research in seismology transformed how we perceive the Earth's internal structure, setting the stage for contemporary seismic investigations. Mohorovičić's work established him as a key figure in the field of seismology, and his findings remain influential in geophysical research today.

Group Captain James Martin Stagg, a British Met Office meteorologist with the Royal Air Force during World War II, was pivotal in convincing General Dwight D. Eisenhower to postpone the date of the Allied invasion of Europe from 5 to 6 June 1944. Stagg's proficiency in weather forecasting and his precise forecasts of a brief respite in inclement weather were crucial to the triumph of the D-Day operation. His lasting impact on military meteorology and strategic decision-making is evident through his substantial contributions.

Thomas Corwin Mendenhall was a distinguished American physicist and meteorologist, recognized for his substantial impact in academia and government roles. He was the inaugural professor at Ohio State University and later led the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey. Mendenhall was a proponent of introducing the metric system in the United States and achieved significant progress in author profiling. His career underscored his proficiency and commitment to the fields of physics, meteorology, and education.

Vilhelm Bjerknes was a pioneering physicist and meteorologist from Norway, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to weather forecasting. He formulated fundamental equations crucial for numerical weather prediction and climate modeling. Additionally, he founded the Bergen School of Meteorology, a key institution that significantly advanced meteorological knowledge and forecasting methods in the early 20th century. Bjerknes' work established the groundwork for contemporary meteorology practices and weather prediction, revolutionizing our comprehension and forecasting of weather phenomena today.

Wang Chong, a distinguished scholar from the Eastern Han dynasty, excelled in astronomy, meteorology, natural philosophy, and literature. His rational and materialistic approach distinguished him from his peers. His renowned work, the "Lunheng," explored scientific theories and innovations, notably the square-pallet chain pump that influenced Chinese irrigation methods. Despite financial challenges, Wang's commitment to knowledge and rebellious nature propelled his career, culminating in the role of District Secretary.

Angelo Secchi S.J., an Italian Catholic priest and astronomer, made significant contributions to the field of astronomy. He served as the director of the observatory at the Pontifical Gregorian University for almost thirty years. Secchi was a pioneer in astronomical spectroscopy and was instrumental in enhancing our knowledge of stars, including identifying the Sun as a star. His research formed the basis for further advancements in astronomy and spectroscopy, influencing the scientific community for years to come.

Tomàs Molina is a renowned Spanish meteorologist and television presenter recognized for his exceptional skills in weather forecasting. Over the course of his extensive career, he has established himself as a prominent figure on television, delivering precise and captivating weather updates to viewers. Molina's profound interest in meteorology shines through in his thorough examination of weather phenomena and his talent for presenting intricate data in a simple and understandable way. His unwavering commitment and expertise have solidified his standing as one of Spain's most esteemed meteorologists and television personalities.

William Ferrel was an American meteorologist recognized for his notable contributions to the comprehension of atmospheric circulation. He formulated theories that elucidated the mid-latitude atmospheric circulation cell, now known as the Ferrel cell. Ferrel's research significantly progressed the field of meteorology and offered vital understandings into the dynamics of the Earth's atmosphere. His work remains influential in the study of weather patterns and climate systems.

Qin Jiushao was a versatile Chinese figure renowned for his contributions in mathematics, meteorology, invention, politics, and writing. He discovered Horner's method, a significant algorithm for polynomial evaluation, and invented Tianchi basins, which were used as rain gauge instruments for collecting meteorological data. His professional life was characterized by achievements in various fields, demonstrating his expertise and innovation in advancing knowledge and technology during his time.

Jacob Aall Bonnevie Bjerknes was a prominent meteorologist known for his groundbreaking work on the dynamics of the polar front and north-south heat transport. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Oslo and contributed to the development of the Norwegian cyclone model. Bjerknes was part of the team that made the first Arctic crossing in the airship Norge and provided assistance during WWII for the planning of atomic bombings. He also made significant contributions to understanding the weather phenomenon El Niño.

Cleveland Abbe made significant contributions to the field of meteorology, particularly in weather forecasting. He revolutionized meteorology by creating a telegraphic weather reporting system, daily weather maps, and accurate forecasts. His recommendations led to the establishment of the U.S. Weather Bureau, where he served as the first director. Abbe's expertise and reliability earned him the nickname "Old Probability" for his accurate predictions. His work greatly advanced the understanding and prediction of weather patterns.

Rudolf Geiger was a renowned German meteorologist and climatologist. He collaborated with Wladimir Köppen on climatology, leading to the development of the Köppen–Geiger climate classification system, which is widely used in the field. Geiger's work greatly contributed to the understanding of global climate patterns and variations. His expertise and research have left a lasting impact on the field of meteorology, with his name becoming synonymous with geographic climate classification.

George Hadley was an English lawyer and amateur meteorologist credited with proposing the atmospheric mechanism known as Hadley circulation. His work significantly influenced European sailing vessels navigating to North American shores by revolutionizing the understanding of atmospheric circulation patterns and their impact on global weather systems. Hadley's curiosity about the deviation of winds from their expected direction led him to unravel this mystery, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of meteorology.

Jule Gregory Charney was a highly influential American meteorologist who made significant contributions to numerical weather prediction and the study of atmospheric circulation. Often referred to as the father of modern dynamical meteorology, Charney's advanced mathematical models of the atmosphere played a crucial role in various national and international weather projects. His leadership in the field of meteorology after World War II had a lasting impact, establishing him as one of the most influential figures in modern meteorology. Additionally, Charney's collaboration with his colleague Edward Lorenz contributed to advancements in the research of chaos theory.

Christophorus Henricus Diedericus Buys Ballot was a distinguished Dutch chemist and meteorologist celebrated for his remarkable impact on the field. He is particularly renowned for Buys Ballot's law and the Buys Ballot table, both named in his honor. Buys Ballot played a pivotal role as the inaugural chairman of the International Meteorological Organization, a precursor to the World Meteorological Organization. His pioneering efforts and guidance in meteorology were instrumental in shaping contemporary meteorological science and forecasting practices.

Horace Bénédict de Saussure was a versatile professional who made significant contributions to various fields including geology, meteorology, physics, and mountaineering. He is known as the founder of alpinism and modern meteorology due to his advancements in these areas. Saussure's exploration of the Alps and innovative work with solar energy resulted in the successful construction of a solar oven, highlighting his pioneering spirit and scientific ingenuity. His work is still celebrated for its enduring impact on science and exploration.

Léon Philippe Teisserenc de Bort, a French meteorologist, made significant contributions to the field of aerology. Alongside Richard Assmann, he co-discovered the stratosphere in 1902. Teisserenc de Bort pioneered the use of unmanned instrumented balloons to gather atmospheric data. He identified the tropopause, a region in the atmosphere around 8-17 kilometers in height where the lapse rate reaches zero. His work laid the foundation for our understanding of the Earth's atmosphere and its different layers.

Harald Ulrik Sverdrup was a distinguished Norwegian oceanographer and meteorologist, celebrated for his substantial impact on the field of oceanography. He served as the director of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the Norwegian Polar Institute, holding esteemed positions in both institutions. Sverdrup's expertise and leadership were instrumental in enhancing our knowledge of the oceans and polar regions, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to shape research in oceanography and meteorology.

Vincent Joseph Schaefer, an American chemist and meteorologist, gained recognition for his groundbreaking work in cloud seeding. He devised this pioneering method at the General Electric Research Laboratory in 1946, effectively altering clouds using dry ice. Despite being self-taught and without a high school diploma, Schaefer made notable contributions to science, resulting in the issuance of 14 patents during his career. His research in atmospheric science and weather modification continues to shape the field of meteorology to this day.

Carl-Gustaf Arvid Rossby was a renowned meteorologist who made significant contributions to the field by explaining atmospheric motions using fluid mechanics. He identified and defined the jet stream and long waves in the westerlies, which are now known as Rossby waves. Rossby's work revolutionized the understanding of atmospheric dynamics, laying the foundation for modern meteorology. His contributions remain highly influential in meteorology, impacting weather forecasting and atmospheric science.

Jean-André Deluc was a distinguished figure in the fields of geology, natural philosophy, and meteorology, renowned for his significant contributions and innovative approach to scientific research. He played a key role in advancing the development of measuring instruments that greatly enhanced scientific exploration during his era. Deluc's expertise in studying geological phenomena and weather patterns earned him a prestigious position within the scientific community. His work remains influential and continues to inspire researchers in the fields of geology and meteorology, contributing to a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Bert Bolin, a Swedish meteorologist, made groundbreaking contributions to climate science. He served as the inaugural chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) from 1988 to 1997, significantly influencing global climate policy. Bolin was a professor of meteorology at Stockholm University for almost thirty years, mentoring and educating many students. His commitment to enhancing knowledge about climate change and his leadership in the field have had a profound and enduring effect on environmental science.

Balfour Stewart, a Scottish physicist and meteorologist, made significant contributions to the study of radiant heat. He was awarded the Rumford Medal by the Royal Society in 1868 for his work in this field. Stewart held the position of director at Kew Observatory and later became a professor of physics at Owens College, Manchester until his passing. He was also known for his science textbooks and his article on "Terrestrial Magnetism" in the Encyclopædia Britannica.

David Karoly, an Australian atmospheric scientist, specializes in climate variability and change. He is associated with CSIRO, a prominent scientific research organization, and conducts research on the effects of human activities on the Earth's climate system. Karoly is highly regarded for his expertise in climate science and has contributed significantly to the field through his research, publications, and collaborations with fellow scientists.

John Aitken was a distinguished Scottish scientist with groundbreaking contributions to cloud physics and aerosol science. He is celebrated as a pioneer in these fields, having developed the first instrument, the koniscope, for measuring dust and fog particles in the atmosphere. Aitken's work has greatly enhanced our knowledge of atmospheric science and has left a lasting influence on the study of weather patterns and air quality.

Sir William Napier Shaw FRS was a celebrated British meteorologist recognized for his notable advancements in the field. He is best known for introducing the tephigram, a vital diagram for evaluating convective instability in the atmosphere. Shaw's knowledge and commitment led him to preside over the International Meteorological Committee and the Royal Meteorological Society. His contributions and guidance in meteorology have left a lasting impression on the scientific community, shaping the study of weather and climate to this day.

Tor Bergeron, a Swedish meteorologist, is renowned for developing the Bergeron Process, which explains how precipitation forms in clouds. He played a crucial role in the Bergen School of Meteorology, where he introduced groundbreaking concepts such as weather fronts and the life cycle of extratropical cyclones. Bergeron's research significantly advanced weather science, leading to the development of new forecasting techniques and the identification of the occlusion process in cyclones. His remarkable contributions were honored with prestigious awards from the Royal Meteorological Society and the World Meteorological Organization.

Thomas Stewart Traill was a versatile professional with expertise in multiple fields. Initially a physician, he expanded his knowledge to zoology, collaborating with John James Audubon. He also explored chemistry and meteorology, demonstrating his broad interests. Traill had a successful academic career at the University of Edinburgh, where he imparted knowledge to students. He played a key role in editing the 8th edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica, influencing the spread of knowledge.

Jacob Robert Emden was a Swiss astrophysicist and meteorologist renowned for his significant contributions to astrophysics. He is best known for developing the Lane-Emden equation, which explains the behavior of polytropic gaseous stellar objects affected by their own gravity. His book "Gaskugeln," published in 1907, established the groundwork for comprehending cosmological and meteorological phenomena using mathematical models rooted in mechanical heat theory. Emden's work remains influential in the realm of astrophysics.

James Pollard Espy, also known as the Storm King, was a prominent U.S. meteorologist recognized for his convection theory of storms. He shared his theory with prestigious scientific societies in the 1830s and 1840s, culminating in the publication of "The Philosophy of Storms" in 1840. Espy served as a meteorologist for the War and Navy departments, where he was a pioneer in utilizing telegraph technology for weather data collection. His groundbreaking work established the basis for contemporary scientific weather forecasting techniques.

Sverre Petterssen was a renowned Norwegian meteorologist recognized for his significant contributions to weather analysis and forecasting. He advanced the field through innovative methodologies and research, leaving a lasting impact on meteorology. His work, particularly in the development of numerical weather prediction models, continues to influence the study and understanding of atmospheric processes. Petterssen was esteemed for his expertise and leadership within the scientific community.

Alexander Buchan was a prominent Scottish scientist renowned for his significant contributions to meteorology, oceanography, and botany. He revolutionized weather forecasting by establishing the weather map as a fundamental tool and developed the influential theory of Buchan Spells, providing valuable insights into atmospheric processes. His work continues to have a lasting impact on the field of meteorology, influencing how weather patterns are understood and predicted today.

George James Symons FRS was a pioneering British meteorologist renowned for founding and leading the British Rainfall Organisation. He set up an extensive network of rainfall data collection sites throughout the British Isles, greatly enhancing knowledge of precipitation patterns. Symons' commitment to meteorology resulted in improvements in rainfall measurement methods and data interpretation. His contributions paved the way for contemporary hydrology and meteorological studies, positioning him as a prominent figure in climatology during the 19th century.

William Henry Dines was a distinguished English meteorologist recognized for his groundbreaking research in atmospheric science. He played a key role in advancing meteorological instrumentation, with a focus on studying wind forces and upper air phenomena. Dines developed cutting-edge tools like the Dines pressure-tube anemometer, meteorograph for balloon use, and the microbarograph. His influential contributions to upper atmospheric meteorology are documented in numerous papers, and he held leadership roles in scientific organizations. Dines' impact endures through his sons, who followed in his footsteps as meteorologists.

Roger Willis Daley was a renowned British meteorologist known for his substantial advancements in the field of data assimilation. His focus on enhancing the understanding and utilization of data assimilation techniques in meteorology greatly contributed to the improvement of weather forecasting models. Daley's work continues to shape the field, leading to the development of more precise and dependable forecasting methods utilized in meteorological research and operational forecasting today.

Jerome Namias was a prominent American meteorologist known for his extensive research on El Niño. His career was marked by significant contributions to the study of weather patterns and climate variability, particularly in the field of ocean-atmosphere interactions and the effects of El Niño events on global weather systems. Namias played a crucial role in advancing meteorology and his work continues to have a lasting impact on the scientific community, shaping our understanding of weather phenomena.