mathematics and science, according to meteorologist Roger Williams.

And now the Bermuda Weather Service boss had launched a drive to recruit young Bermudians to join his team of weather watchdogs.

Mr. Williams explained that there are two classifications among the staff at the Southside, St. David's facility, meteorologists and meteorological technicians.

Positions are only open for meteorologists who must have a degree in atmospheric science, mathematics, or physics approved by the World Meteorological Organisation.

Applicants with associate degrees will also be considered.

All must complete an exhaustive training programme at the Caribbean Institute of Meteorology in Barbados or the UK Meteorological Office college in Reading, England, paid for by airport management firm Serco.

"We are also looking for people with the potential to go on the meteorological path,'' said Mr. Williams. "It's a six-year process.'' He added: "But anyone who wants to be a professional would spend six years in school, anyway.'' Currently two Bermudians, Kimberly Zuill and Mark Guishard, are studying in Barbados and Reading respectively in the intensive courses.

Students are given a thorough grounding in mathematics and the sciences -- particularly physics -- for nine months followed by further training in meteorology and forecasting.

Mr. Williams added: "It's not like university. It's eight hours a day and three hours of homework. They have to be dedicated. Mark Guishard came to us with a degree in Atmospheric Sciences,'' he added. "Mark jumped straight into the forecasting stage. He did not need the scientific grounding.'' Mr. Williams said applicants must have no illusions about the hours of work his staff must keep.

He added: "In the weather business, most of your life you are a shift worker.

Not everyone wants that.''