The significance of methodology in modernization of meteorological science and technology is discussed and a few instances are presented to show the steering effect of methodological idea on the last 30 year's course of development of meteorology. A brief reflection is given to the divergence of methodological views which seems to have existed within the meteorological circle of China during the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Historical and comparative analyses are made of the gap in the application of probability and statistics in meteorology between China and the U.S., and of its methodological reasons. It is recommended that special attention be paid to the methodological guidance of education in the higher meteorological institutions.