Stina is an aviation meteorologist

Tell us about your job

I work as a meteorologist focusing on aviation weather. We are responsible for the entire airspace of Sweden and all the airports here. Our task is to create tailored weather forecasts and warnings for issues such as turbulence, icing, and thunderstorms. Our clients include pilots in private and commercial aviation, ambulance helicopters, hot air balloon pilots, snow removal operations at Arlanda, and Saab's test flights, including with JAS aircraft.

Forecasting aviation weather is somewhat unique. We operate on a very short timescale and focus on many details. It’s not just about whether it’s sunny or cloudy but about specific factors like the altitude of the clouds above the ground. Aviation regulations require precise visibility and cloud base values for pilots to fly. Therefore, pilots need to have accurate information about current conditions and the next twelve hours. Our job is to constantly compare and interpret different weather models and maintain communication with our clients.

We aviation weather meteorologists are available 24/7, all year round. We continually receive calls from pilots planning their flights, and at night, it is primarily ambulance and rescue helicopters that need assistance. It is crucial to quickly provide an overview of the weather conditions and deliver the information pilots need to determine whether they can proceed with their flights and their patients.

The job also involves collaborating with our Nordic neighbours; we continuously coordinate on weather and warnings along our borders.

Additionally, I work on various training activities, both by teaching clients and students and by supporting the professional development of colleagues. There are generally good opportunities to engage in such side activities if one is interested.

What is the best part of the job?

The best part of the job is its variability. Even though the tasks are the same each day, the weather is never the same.

I also appreciate receiving immediate feedback on the accuracy of my forecasts, given the short timescale. For instance, last fall, we had an ambulance helicopter needing to travel from Uppsala to Sundsvall. The weather was tricky and right on the edge of what the pilot could fly in.

There were many calls throughout the day, and the flight had to be made in stages – but with our help, the pilot and patient arrived safely! The pilot was very grateful for both the communication with us and the forecasts.

What distinguishes SMHI as a workplace?

SMHI is a stable organisation with a wealth of expertise.