US EditionUS weather forecasting is more crippled than previously known as hurricane season nears
- As hurricane season begins on June 1, 30 out of the National Weather Service's 122 forecast offices do not have their lead meteorologist, the most senior and experienced official responsible for overseeing forecasts and briefings.
- This critical staffing shortage stems from layoffs, early retirements this week, and preexisting vacancies exacerbated by a loss of more than 550 employees since early 2017.
- Several major urban centers like New York City, Houston, Tampa, and Cleveland face gaps in leadership, while key offices such as hurricane-prone Houston-Galveston operate without any managers.
- Former NOAA administrator Rick Spinrad described MICs as a "critical linchpin" ensuring forecasters have everything needed and act as a direct link for safe, timely communications during weather events.
- These shortfalls raise risks of equipment outages and delays in issuing warnings, increasing concerns about forecast reliability and public safety during the approaching destructive hurricane season.
19 Articles
19 Articles
How staffing shortages at the National Weather Service could put lives at risk
The Trump administration’s dismissals of hundreds of experts compiling a key report on climate change is only the latest in a series of science-related rollbacks and cuts. That includes job cuts at the National Weather Service, where an Associated Press analysis found a 20 percent vacancy rate in nearly half its forecast offices. John Yang speaks with AP science writer Seth Borenstein for more.
Trump administration's spending cuts put National Weather Service's effectiveness at risk
Hurricane season starts on June 1, and there are dark clouds hovering over the National Weather Service.The nation's forecasting agency has lost nearly 600 employees since President Donald Trump's second term began in January, leaving some bureaus short-staffed. Some offices with vacancies are located in major areas, including New York City, Houston, and Tampa.Meteorologists are concerned that potentially life-saving warnings could be broadcast …
US weather forecasting in worse shape than experts knew after Trump cuts: report
ABC News reported this week that the U.S. experienced a multi-state tornado outbreak, impacting millions of people. However, behind the scenes of the world of weather forecasters, things are far worse than previously known. CNN reported Friday that the drastic budget and staff cuts to the National O...
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