New RMetS research provides the first systematic picture of the sector, highlighting the commitment of its people, the challenges they face and priorities for the future.

What is the state of the UK’s weather and climate sector? Who works across it, what are their experiences, and what needs to happen to help it thrive in the years ahead?

These are some of the questions addressed by the new State of the UK Weather and Climate Sector Report, led by the Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS), with the Met Office as a Supporting Partner, and with evidence synthesis and primary research summary completed by The Pearl at the Department of Meteorology, University of Reading.

The report marks an important step in RMetS’ role as the voice of the weather and climate community. Drawing on the views of hundreds of respondents, alongside stakeholder engagement and supporting research, it establishes a new evidence base for understanding the sector, its strengths and its challenges.

A community united by passion and purpose

One of the clearest findings is the strength of commitment among people working across weather and climate. 93.3% of survey respondents rated their passion for the sector highly, with many describing their work as a vocation or a form of public service.

That commitment reflects the many ways in which our community contributes to society: from forecasting severe weather and supporting public safety to advancing scientific understanding, informing climate adaptation and helping organisations make better decisions.

Yet the research also highlights a challenge: passion for the work does not automatically mean that people have the conditions they need to build long and fulfilling careers in the sector. Responses point to concerns around workload, progression, recognition, workplace culture and longer-term career sustainability. These findings raise important questions about how organisations across the sector can better support, develop and retain the people on whom it depends.

The report also highlights the breadth of the sector itself. It brings together people working across operational meteorology, academia, research, climate services, consultancy, government, defence and other areas where weather and climate expertise is applied.

A sector evolving rapidly

The research identifies significant changes in the capabilities the sector needs. Advances in artificial intelligence, automation, Earth observation, data science and digital systems are creating opportunities to improve forecasting, research and decision support, while also raising important questions about training, professional judgement and workforce development.
The report explores several other areas requiring attention, including the visibility of career pathways, workplace culture, inclusion, leadership, progression and long-term workforce sustainability.

Together, these findings point to the importance of supporting the people and organisations that underpin the sector, helping them develop the skills, opportunities and working environments needed to respond to changing demands.

Turning evidence into action

A key feature of the report is its set of recommendations, which identify practical opportunities for action across the community. These include improving the visibility of career pathways, strengthening mentoring and early-career support, investing in emerging capabilities, sharing good practice, and building a stronger evidence base for future workforce planning.

The recommendations are directed at a range of stakeholders, including employers, educators, professional bodies, academia and government. Progress will therefore depend on collaboration across the sector.

The report also establishes a baseline against which future research can track changes over time, helping build a richer understanding of the sector and the issues affecting it.

Help shape what comes next

For RMetS, this report is an important starting point. A clearer picture of the sector gives us a stronger foundation for conversations about its future, the challenges it needs to address and the opportunities it can seize.

We hope members will explore the findings, consider what they mean for their own areas of work, and help us carry the conversation forward.

Read the Executive Summary or download the full report, including its recommendations and proposed roadmap for action: State of the UK Weather and Climate Sector 2026 | Royal Meteorological Society