Recent administrative decisions have led to significant layoffs and budget reductions at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), affecting weather and climate-related research, including hurricane forecasting efforts.
Several employees, including probationary scientists like Andy Hazelton, were terminated earlier this year, temporarily reinstated following a federal court order, and then dismissed again after a recent Supreme Court decision. Hazelton, who worked at NOAA’s Environmental Modeling Center, contributed to the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System (HAFS), a tool that has improved hurricane tracking and intensity forecasts.
Experts indicate that these advances now enable forecasters to better anticipate rapid hurricane intensification, offering more time for preparation or evacuation. In 2024, the HAFS model helped accurately predict the intensification of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
In addition to layoffs, funding for scientific research, satellite programs, and university climate studies has been reduced. This includes proposals to cancel contracts for the next generation of geostationary satellites, which are essential for real-time weather monitoring.
Former NOAA officials have expressed concerns that such budgetary changes may undermine early warning capabilities, particularly for extreme weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes. Local National Weather Service field offices have also been affected, reporting fewer weather balloon launches and temporary suspension of automated alert translations in Spanish and other languages. The agency recently announced that translation services would be reinstated soon.
