[1] The agency was originally established in December 1949 as the Central Military Commission Meteorological Bureau.

In 1994, the CMA was transformed from a subordinate governmental body into one of the public service agencies under the State Council.

[2] Meteorological bureaus are established in 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, excluding meteorological services at Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan.

14 meteorological bureaus at sub-provincial cities including 4 cities which have been specifically designated in the state development plan), 318 meteorological bureaus at prefecture level and 2,300 bureaus (stations) at county level.

[2][3] The Special Administrative Regions operate their own meteorological units outside of CMA: