The impending cutoff of crucial satellite data for hurricane forecasting has been delayed by one month, until July 31st, following pressure from NOAA and NASA officials. This data, sourced from a Department of Defense weather satellite, provides critical information on hurricane structure and intensity, particularly during nighttime and when hurricane hunter aircraft are not in flight. The initial decision to halt data sharing sparked concern among meteorologists due to the potential impact on forecast accuracy, especially with an active hurricane season anticipated. While the delay offers temporary relief, the long-term issue remains unresolved, as there is no current plan to resume data flow.
Read More
Weather forecasts are at risk as the U.S. Department of Defense will cut off crucial data from its weather satellites, impacting the ability to accurately predict hurricane paths and intensity. This data, collected by satellites jointly run with NOAA, provides essential three-dimensional details of storms, especially at night, which conventional satellites miss. Experts warn that this data loss will hinder detection of rapid intensification and accurate storm plotting, potentially affecting millions along hurricane-prone coastlines. This move, coupled with previous cuts in NOAA’s resources during the Trump administration, raises concerns about the quality of future weather forecasts.
Read More
Severe understaffing at National Weather Service (NWS) offices in central and south Florida, coupled with a near 20% reduction in weather balloon launches, is degrading forecast quality. These cuts also threaten NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft operations, potentially resulting in significantly reduced reconnaissance missions. This lack of crucial data collection may leave forecasters with incomplete information on hurricane strength before landfall. The consequences of these budget reductions represent a multi-generational setback for American science and weather forecasting capabilities.
Read More
Severe understaffing at National Weather Service (NWS) offices in central and south Florida, coupled with a near 20% reduction in weather balloon launches, is degrading forecast quality. These cuts, impacting the NWS’s ability to accurately predict hurricanes, are also jeopardizing NOAA Hurricane Hunter flights, potentially leading to blind forecasting. The reduced reconnaissance missions mean hurricanes’ strength may be unknown before landfall. This situation represents a significant, multigenerational setback for American science.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker