Aviation Meteorologist

Aviation Meteorologist
Albertina Anderson
As an aviation meteorologist Albertina Anderson analyses and forecasts the weather for the Namibia Meteorological Service in Windhoek. The information is shared with aviation dispatchers and pilots. Predicting weather becomes more difficult the further in the future it is because existing weather models become less reliable with time. Gazing up at the sky is not what it takes to be a meteorologist but understanding and relying on computer programmes called weather models, weather stations and tools is what the job consists of.
Her career started as a meteorological observer after getting her certificate in 2000. The work as a meteorological observer includes observing general weather conditions, sky and visibility conditions. Her work as an observer included reading the various instruments one can at find at a weather station, such as thermometers, barometers, wind velocity meters, and hygrometers.
Besides reading the weather and writing various reports, Anderson also liaised with the media for years to get the weather reports out to the public on broadcasting stations. As a meteorologist she attended various courses outside the country. Then after that she got sponsored by the government and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) to further her studies.
“Weather has no boundaries... You can find similar opportunities anywhere in the world and spread your wings,” Anderson says.
According to Anderson working long hours to predict the weather can potentially save lives.
One downside to the industry would be the lack of gender balance in the industry. The objective of the WMO is to fully realise the potential of women and men alike through equal employment.