Polarstern is well equipped for meteorological research as well as for routine meteorological services. The meteorological observatory is permanently manned with a weather technician/-observer from the German Weather Service (DWD) who performs the routine 3-hourly synoptic observations and the daily upper air soundings. The measurements are coded and transferred directly to the Global Telecommunication System (GTS) by email where they contribute to weather forecasting.

The weather forecaster from Polarstern is responsible to advice the ships captain as well as the helicopter pilots and all scientists in any weather related question. The forecaster gets assistance from the weather technician who performs the satellite picture reception and manages the near real time data flow.