The AMS Monograph Series has two parts, historical and meteorological. The historical monographs chronicle progress in meteorology over a span of time, events where meteorology was a critical component, or the life and contributions of a person or group that has changed the course of meteorological science. Examples of this are Eyewitness: Evolution of the Atmospheric Sciences by Robert G. Fleagle and Reflections: A Memoir by David Atlas.

The meteorological monographs have collected technical knowledge that is both current and of lasting value. Examples of this type of work are Meteorology of the Southern Hemisphere, edited by David J. Karoly and Dayton G. Vincent, or Severe Convective Storms, edited by Charles A. Doswell III. Typically, meteorological monographs are scholarly contributions made up of chapters written by different authors, each of which address a portion of a common theme.