* Aristotle (384-322 BC): Known for his philosophical inquiries into weather phenomena, he is credited with some of the earliest recorded observations and theories about the atmosphere and weather patterns.
* Theophrastus (c. 371-287 BC): A student of Aristotle, he wrote the book "On Winds" which covered topics like wind direction, wind strength, and the influence of winds on weather.
* Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519): A Renaissance polymath, he made important contributions to our understanding of wind and its impact on the weather.
* Edmund Halley (1656-1742): A British astronomer and physicist, he was instrumental in developing the first meteorological maps and made significant contributions to our understanding of the atmosphere.
* Christopher Wren (1632-1723): A British architect and scientist, he developed the first weather instruments, such as the anemometer, which measures wind speed.
The modern era of meteorology is generally considered to have begun in the 19th century, with the development of the telegraph and the creation of national meteorological services.
Therefore, while Aristotle is considered a foundational figure in the history of meteorology, the field's development is a collaborative effort with many key contributors throughout history.