Oh, the weather outside might be frightful, but learning about meteorology? Delightful! Hold on to your raincoats, aspiring weather enthusiasts, as today we’re diving into the dynamic and captivating world of meteorology through some remarkable online courses. Now, forecasting the weather won’t just be for seasoned professionals – with these courses, you can join in the fun, too! So, whether you’re an amateur weather geek or looking to expand your knowledge for a future career, this blog post has something for everyone.
Meteorology is far more than just figuring out if it’s going to be a hot or cold day, and it’s time we demystify this fascinating field by breaking it down for you. We’ve researched and compiled the best online courses that cover all aspects of meteorology – from storm chasing and severe weather to atmospheric science and climate change. So, grab your textbooks (or tablets, really) and let’s embark on this learning adventure together. With these courses, even the cloudiest days will have a sunny side!
Meteorology Courses – Table of Contents
- Weather Observing & Meteorological Observation Encoding
- Weather Prediction using METARS & TAFS
- Meterology 101: All About Tornadoes
- Introduction to Weather Forecasting
- Aviation Meteorology: Airport Weather
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Weather Observing & Meteorological Observation Encoding
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.9 out of 5
Get ready for an immersive 8-hour+ course on Aviation Weather Observing, taught by a seasoned aviation meteorologist and Certified Consulting Meteorologist. This in-depth course is tailor-made for individuals seeking a comprehensive understanding of how weather impacts the aviation industry. Students will learn how to observe current weather conditions and encode them into meteorological aviation reports (METARs).
Upon completing this well-regarded and globally-applicable course, students will be well-equipped to pursue a career observing weather at commercial airports with contractors or the FAA. Not only does this course boast a high rating, but it has also helped a previous US student land a weather observing job! While we can’t guarantee success with the FAA and their requirements, this course is undeniably an outstanding resource to enhance your understanding of meteorology – whether for career growth or personal interest. So come join us and expand your meteorological expertise!
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- In-depth understanding of aviation weather observing
- Knowledge of meteorological aviation reports (METARs) encoding
- Improved skillset in meteorology
- Ability to pursue a career as a weather observer at commercial airports
- Familiarity with FAA requirements and testing for weather observers
- Global applicability of observing skills and encoding rules
- Enhanced understanding of weather patterns and conditions
- Ability to observe and analyze weather conditions in your own backyard
Weather Prediction using METARS & TAFS
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.2 out of 5
Weather Prediction 101 is an incredible course designed to teach you everything about weather prediction and meteorology with no prior experience necessary! The course is based on 6 years of expertise and aims to teach you how to create your own professional weather forecasts, just like pilots, dispatchers, and sailors around the world. As an added bonus, if you purchase this course now, you’ll receive access to the new and improved 30-hour course, which is currently in development, for free upon its release!
The course starts by introducing basic weather principles before diving into more advanced topics. You’ll learn about various types of weather charts and reports, how to obtain them legally and free of charge, and how to read, decode, and understand them. Additionally, you’ll discover how to access high-definition live satellite infrared imagery, understand different pressure systems, and explore the International Standard Atmosphere (ISA). Plus, you’ll gain knowledge on identifying different types of clouds and understanding the various stages of a thunderstorm cell. Get ready to embark on a fascinating journey into the world of meteorology!
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Understanding basic weather principles
- Decoding and interpreting weather charts and reports
- Accessing and utilizing high definition live satellite infrared imagery
- Identifying and applying knowledge of different pressure systems
- Understanding and implementing ISA standards
- Recognizing and classifying various types of clouds
- Analyzing the stages and development of thunderstorm cells
- Applying professional forecasting methods in daily life
Meterology 101: All About Tornadoes
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.3 out of 5
Hey tornado enthusiasts and weather newbies, there’s an exciting course just for you! This course is designed for those who are keen to learn about tornado genesis, forecasting, and vital signs to look out for. Not only will you discover tornado hotspots and safety measures, but also, you’ll stay updated with the latest research from top weather institutions. Taught in a fun, engaging style similar to Weather Channel narrations, this is the tornado class you don’t want to miss!
As tornado season swings into high gear between late spring and late summer, it’s crucial to know your safe spot and be prepared. In this course, you’ll explore the various sizes and shapes of tornadoes, and learn why relying on sight and sound might not be the best approach. You’ll dive deep into the properties of tornadoes, including the rare, powerful EF-5. Don’t wait until the storm is at your doorstep – equip yourself with invaluable knowledge about this fascinating and potentially dangerous weather phenomenon, today!
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Understanding tornado genesis and formation
- Mastering tornado forecasting techniques
- Identifying signs of an impending tornado
- Familiarizing with tornado hot spots and safety measures
- Staying updated with the latest tornado research
- Recognizing different sizes and shapes of tornadoes
- Learning how to prepare and protect yourself from tornadoes
- Gaining knowledge of tornado properties in the real world
Introduction to Weather Forecasting
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.1 out of 5
Ever thought about how weather predictions are made? If you’re curious about meteorology and would like to be prepared for all your outdoor adventures, there’s a crash course you should check out! Designed for beginners with no prior experience, this course will teach you all the basics to understand and conduct your own weather forecast. With just a short commitment, you’ll explore various important meteorological concepts necessary to understand and predict the weather.
The course covers numerous topics like basic meteorological terms, atmospheric motion, fronts, cloud types, meteorological observations, and the equipment used in the field. Additionally, you’ll delve into various methods of forecasting, numerical weather prediction, and the types of maps meteorologists use to predict weather. With lectures ranging from 1-10 minutes, you can easily fit them into your busy schedule. Plus, you can test your knowledge with short quizzes after each lecture. Based on the creator’s 5 years of meteorological education experience, you’ll be ready to make your own predictions by the end of this course. So, why not give it a try and be the weather expert among your friends?
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Understand basic meteorological terms like temperature, humidity, wind, pressure, and more
- Grasp the concept of atmospheric motion
- Identify different types of weather fronts
- Recognize various cloud types
- Learn about meteorological observations and equipment used
- Explore different forecasting methods
- Dive into numerical weather prediction
- Familiarize yourself with maps used by meteorologists for weather forecasting
Aviation Meteorology: Airport Weather
Platform:
Udemy
Rating:
4.4 out of 5
The Aviation Meteorology: Airport Weather course is designed to give you a practical understanding of weather’s impact on aviation, airline operations, and aircraft performance, drawing from the creator’s 10+ years of experience in the field. This course is perfect for anyone looking to learn how to read and interpret airport weather information from the perspective of Airline Operations and Dispatch.
The course is structured into four main sections: Introduction, Aerodrome weather observations, Aerodrome weather forecast, and Practical use of aerodrome weather. You’ll dive into topics such as Meteorological Aerodrome Report (METAR), Aerodrome Weather Forecast (TAF), Dangerous and Severe weather, Wind components, Weather Depiction Chart, Runway Status Report, SNOWTAM (including Global Reporting Format (GRF)), and so much more. Throughout the course, you’ll find plenty of graphical information, practical examples, additional reading materials, and quizzes to help reinforce your learning. Plus, the course instructor is available to answer any questions you might have along the way. So why wait? Embark on your journey into Aviation Meteorology today – trust us, you won’t regret it!
Skills you’ll learn in this course:
- Reading and interpreting Meteorological Aerodrome Reports (METARs) and Aerodrome Weather Forecasts (TAFs)
- Identifying dangerous and severe weather conditions for aviation
- Understanding wind components and their impact on aircraft performance
- Interpreting Weather Depiction Charts and Runway Status Reports
- Decoding and analyzing SNOWTAMs and the Global Reporting Format (GRF)
- Assessing weather impacts on aircraft operations and performance
- Selecting alternate aerodromes and understanding approach categories
- Gaining a strong foundation in aviation meteorology theory and practical implementation
As we wrap up our exploration of meteorology online courses, it’s evident that no matter your level of interest or experience, there’s a course out there for you. From high-school students just dipping their toes into weather forecasting to seasoned meteorologists seeking advanced certifications, the digital world offers a plethora of engaging and interactive learning opportunities. It’s thrilling to think that these courses can not only boost your knowledge but also potentially kickstart or advance your career in the field of meteorology.
Ultimately, the choice of which course to take is a personal one, dictated by your unique goals and aspirations. So, take time to explore the various options we’ve delved into, consider which suits your style best, and remember to leverage the available resources to reap the maximum benefits. Whether it’s torrential rain or sunshine outside, sit back, relax, and dive into the fascinating world of meteorology with these excellent online courses.