History Group

Formed in 1983 and currently with 80 members, the Special Interest Group for the History of Meteorology and Physical Oceanography (colloquially known as the History Group) encourages the study of the history and heritage of meteorology and physical oceanography.

The History Group provides a forum for discussion of all aspects of the history of meteorology and physical oceanography, co-operates with similar organisations and publishes a regular newsletter for all members.

Throughout the year the group arranges meetings (half or full day face-to-face meetings and evening virtual meetings).

In addition to these activities, the Group:

• Produces an Occasional Papers series
• Records interviews with notable meteorologists and physical oceanographers for the RMetS Distinguished Voices Podcast
• Arranges visits to places of interest
• Contributes Pen Portraits of Society presidents for publication in Weather. 

For more information on the History Group, please see the Spotlight on the RMetS History Group, published in Weather. You might also like to explore the history of the Society and its classic meteorological papers.

In 2023, the History Group highlighted over 60 papers of significance to be represented in a digital timeline celebrating 150 years since the first issue of the Quarterly Journal.