Layoffs Hit Weather Forecasters, Sparking Concern in Florida
Hundreds of Meteorologists and NOAA Employees Laid Off
Hundreds of meteorologists and other employees with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have been laid off amid efforts to shrink the federal workforce under President Donald Trump’s administration, according to lawmakers and weather experts.
NOAA’s Purview and Impact on Weather Forecasting
NOAA oversees the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) — key departments in hurricane and natural disasters forecasts that affect Florida. The agency’s purview includes driving research to improve forecasts and early warnings for natural disasters, as well as overseeing the commercial fishing industry.
Cuts at NOAA
Cuts at NOAA appeared to be happening in two rounds, one of 500 and one of 800, said Craig McLean, a former NOAA chief scientist who said he got the information from someone with first-hand knowledge. This represents about 10% of NOAA’s workforce.
Concerns Among Meteorologists
The layoffs have sparked concerns among meteorologists and weather experts, who rely on NOAA data for their forecasts and warnings. "Every forecaster, every meteorologist, whether you’re on TV or not, every person that uses a weather app gets their data from NOAA," said Chelsea Ambriz, a meteorologist for WTVJ-Ch. 6 in South Florida. "Every National Weather Service station across the country releases weather balloons every day. That data is what initializes our models."
Impact on Weather Forecasting
Ambriz fears that the layoffs will limit NWS’s ability to collect crucial information and affect the accuracy of weather forecasts. "We might not be having these layoffs here in Miami, or we’re not seeing them yet, but we are eventually going to be impacted if these cuts keep happening," she said.
Reactions from Officials and Experts
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis expressed appreciation for NOAA at a news conference, but sought to calm nerves. "I think you’re going to see it be OK with the National Hurricane Center. I really do," he said.
Several former NOAA leaders and current legislators gathered on a video call to express their concern over the layoffs. "These are people who conduct critical scientific and regulatory work that protect American families’ safety," said Congressman Jared Huffman, D-Calif.
Project 2025 and the Future of NOAA
Project 2025, a 900-page plan created by the conservative Heritage Foundation, aims to truncate the federal government. The plan calls for NOAA to be "broken up and downsized," and argues that the NWS should "fully commercialize" forecasting operations while continuing data collection.
Concerns Over Data Collection and Commercialization
Some fear that states, counties, and local meteorologists would have to pay for information that saves lives. "It’s a public good. … They want to turn it over to somebody that’s going to make a big profit off it, somebody that will then charge others for information that Americans now get as part of the common good," said U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland.
Conclusion
The layoffs at NOAA have sparked concerns among meteorologists, weather experts, and government officials. The impact on weather forecasting and data collection is already being felt, and the future of NOAA’s role in natural disaster preparedness and mitigation is uncertain. As the country faces an increasingly unpredictable climate, the importance of accurate and timely weather forecasting cannot be overstated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many employees were laid off at NOAA?
A: Hundreds of meteorologists and other employees, including about 10% of NOAA’s workforce.
Q: Why were the layoffs necessary?
A: The layoffs are part of efforts to shrink the federal workforce under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Q: How will the layoffs affect weather forecasting?
A: The layoffs will likely limit NOAA’s ability to collect crucial information and affect the accuracy of weather forecasts.
Q: What is Project 2025?
A: Project 2025 is a 900-page plan created by the conservative Heritage Foundation to truncate the federal government. The plan calls for NOAA to be "broken up and downsized."
