A Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) is not just a meteorologist; they are highly trained experts certified by the American Meteorological Society (AMS) to provide accurate, ethical, and science-based insights and guidance tailored to various industries.
Why You Need a Certified Meteorologist for Your Business
Weather impacts everything—from business operations to energy management and agriculture. But finding reliable, expert weather analysis isn't always easy. That's where a Certified Meteorologist comes in. If your business relies on accurate weather data, an AMS Certified Consulting Meteorologist can provide expert guidance backed by science and experience.
What Is a Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM)?
A Certified Meteorologist with a CCM designation is more than just a weather expert—they are problem solvers who use meteorological data to help businesses, legal teams, and government agencies make informed decisions. The American Meteorological Society (AMS) awards the CCM certification to professionals with advanced knowledge, experience, and ethical integrity in applied meteorology.
How do you know if a meteorologist is certified?
Check for the official AMS CCM seal, and keep in mind that the CCM designation is not a company-wide designation; it is only granted to individual meteorologists.
Do You Need a Certified Meteorologist?
If weather plays a role in your industry, hiring a Certified Meteorologist can provide confident, critical insights.
Here’s how a consulting meteorologist supports businesses like yours:
Construction & Engineering: CCMs assess weather risks that could impact building projects, helping prevent costly delays and structural damage.
Agriculture & Food Production: Weather affects crop yields, irrigation, and pest management. A Certified Meteorologist helps optimize farming operations and mitigate climate risks.
Energy & Utilities: Power companies use meteorological expertise to forecast demand and prevent weather-related outages.
Emergency Management & Risk Assessment: Whether you’re planning for hurricanes, wildfires, or extreme weather events, a CCM provides the data you need to minimize disruptions.
Legal & Insurance Cases: Need expert testimony in court? CCMs provide forensic weather analysis to determine the cause of storm damage, floods, or aviation accidents.
Why Certification Matters
Not all meteorologists are the same. A Certified Meteorologist with the CCM designation has undergone a rigorous evaluation process, which includes:
Education & Experience Requirements: CCMs must have a degree in meteorology and at least five years of professional experience.
Technical Examination and Oral Defense: Candidates pass a written exam that tests their ability to apply meteorology to real-world scenarios. Next, these meteorologists must pass an oral defense to demonstrate their ability to communicate complex weather information clearly and effectively.
Ongoing Professional Development: Certification isn’t just a one-time achievement—CCMs need to consistently enhance their knowledge to keep pace with industry and scientific advancements.
Code of Ethics ensuring that the Certified Meteorologist:
- Use scientifically trusted methodologies for weather and climate analysis.
- Provide objective, unbiased data in legal cases, business operations, and risk management.
The American Meteorological Society states:
CCMs must demonstrate exemplary qualities of character and devotion to high professional standards. CCMs are highly regarded by their peers in meteorology [and are] considered experts in the application of weather information.
Find the Right Certified Meteorologist for Your Needs
When weather matters to your business, you need more than just a forecast—you need actionable insights from a trusted expert. Working with a Certified Consulting Meteorologist ensures that your weather-related decisions are based on the most reliable, science-backed information available.
At Adiabat, Ashley Ballard is our resident CCM, #785. As of January 2025 she is one of less than 250 consulting meteorologists certified by the AMS. Leading Adiabat with honesty, transparency, and technological innovation, she continues to uphold the CCM values. She is supported by experienced, knowledgeable meteorologists and geospatial data scientists who, together, are poised to answer your weather questions with confidence.
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