The US faces ‘devastating’ losses for weather forecasts, federal workers say | The Verge

Key Impacts of NOAA Cuts

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is experiencing significant staff reductions and lease cancellations, impacting its ability to provide accurate weather forecasts and conduct crucial climate research. Hundreds of probationary employees have been laid off, with plans for further cuts potentially reaching 50% of the workforce. This has led to the suspension of weather balloon launches in western Alaska due to staff shortages.

Facilities and Budgetary Concerns

The agency has canceled leases for key facilities, including a building housing the National Centers for Environmental Prediction and a radar development lab. These cuts, coupled with potential 30% budget reductions, are causing alarm among NOAA employees and experts. The right-wing manifesto, Project 2025, even proposes dismantling NOAA, shifting its functions, or privatizing parts of it.

Risks and Concerns

• Reduced staffing levels in National Weather Service offices may impact operational efficiency and forecast accuracy.
• Privatizing weather forecasts could threaten public access to crucial information, increasing risks during extreme weather events.
• Auctioning off radio frequency spectrum may compromise data collection for weather forecasting.

NOAA employees and former officials express deep concerns about the consequences of these actions, highlighting potential risks to public safety and the economy. The drastic cuts are viewed as significantly more than simple 'trimming the fat' and are causing widespread worry about the future of crucial weather services.