Meteorology is the scientific study of the Earths atmosphere and its phenomena, including both weather and climate. It is a branch of the atmospheric sciences, which also includes atmospheric chemistry and physics. Meteorology focuses on the lower parts of the atmosphere, primarily the troposphere, where most weather takes place. The study of meteorology dates back millennia, though significant progress in meteorology did not begin until the 18th century.

Meteorologists use scientific principles to observe, explain, and forecast our weather. They work in government agencies, private consulting and research services, industrial enterprises, utilities, radio and television stations, and in education. Meteorology has applications in many diverse fields such as the military, energy production, transport, agriculture, and construction.

The word meteorology is derived from the Greek word meteoron, which refers to any phenomenon in the sky. Aristotles Meteorologica (340 B.C.) concerned all phenomena above the ground, including rain, snow, hail, etc. . Astronomy, including the study of meteors, later became a separate discipline, and the science of meteorology was restricted eventually to the study of the atmosphere.

In summary, meteorology is the study of the Earths atmosphere and its phenomena, including both weather and climate. Meteorologists use scientific principles to observe, explain, and forecast our weather, and the field has applications in many diverse fields such as the military, energy production, transport, agriculture, and construction.