Meteorology is one of the few areas of science mentioned in the Australian constitution. The nation's founders believed it was important for the Commonwealth to have the power to keep watch on the weather.

Prior to Federation, the colonies maintained separate meteorological services, often in conjunction with astronomical observatories. But, seeking to improve their understanding of climatic conditions across the continent, meteorological workers instituted a system of intercolonial cooperation. Political boundaries meant little to the weather.

A national approach promised further efficiencies. In 1906 the government used its constitutional authority to establish a federal meteorological service, and began taking over state facilities. H.A. Hunt was appointed Commonwealth Meteorologist the following year, and in 1908 the Bureau of Meteorology finally commenced its operations.

'Why, if they did but know it, the Australasian people hold a position absolutely unique for the furtherance of meteorological research and the establishment of a first-class federal weather service.' - Clement Wragge, 1902.

• The work of the colonial meteorologists is summarised in The Origins of Australian Meteorology and 'A Hundred Years of Science and Service'
  
• Contemporary accounts of meteorological work in Australia prior to Federation can be found in 'Astronomical and Meteorological Workers in New South Wales, 1778-1860' and 'A Review of Meteorological Work in Australia'
  
• Cooperation between colonial meteorologists and the events leading to the establishment of the Commonwealth Bureau are examined in 'Science and Technology in the Story of Australian Federation'
  
• Some of the hopes surrounding the establishment of the Bureau are described in 'A Climate for a Nation'
  
• The life of H.A. Hunt is outlined in 'Notes Prepared by John Hogan'