What Next | Daily News and Analysis TBD | Rerun: Death of the Weather Forecast?
10 snips
Jul 4, 2025 Daniel Swain, a weather and climate scientist at the University of California, discusses the alarming impact of funding cuts on the National Weather Service. He highlights how these reductions hinder accurate storm predictions and endanger public safety. Swain addresses current challenges in forecasting severe weather, like hurricanes and tornadoes, underlines the critical need for resources, and warns about the risks of reduced meteorological capabilities amid increasing extreme weather events.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Plumbing Failures Amid Tornado Outbreak
- At the Paducah, Kentucky weather office, plumbing failed before a tornado outbreak, leaving meteorologists to use porta potties during a crisis.
- This illustrates extreme understaffing and facility neglect during critical weather events.
NOAA Research Cuts Risk Forecasting
- The Trump administration planned to drastically cut NOAA funding, targeting weather and climate research elimination.
- Eliminating NOAA's Oceanic and Atmospheric Research Office would jeopardize critical disaster-related studies and forecasting capabilities.
Understaffing Threatens Severe Weather Response
- Weather services being understaffed causes problems especially during extreme weather, threatening lives and economic activities.
- Even small reductions in forecasting capacity can lead to preventable damage and loss.