On Point | Podcast How Trump administration job cuts could affect the future of weather forecasting
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Apr 7, 2025 
Louis Uccellini, former director of the U.S. National Weather Service, and Mary Glackin, a seasoned NOAA veteran, discuss the alarming impact of job cuts during the Trump administration on weather forecasting. They share personal stories highlighting how these reductions threaten community safety and public service reliability. The conversation delves into the potential privatization of weather services and the critical need for government oversight. They warn that diminished staffing could compromise timely forecasts amidst increasing climate challenges.
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Mass Firing at National Weather Service
- Andy Hazleton, a meteorologist in Miami, received a poorly worded firing email.
- Despite being labeled "probationary," Hazleton and others had years of prior experience with NOAA.
Social Science at the NWS
- Kitty Sopo, a social scientist for the NWS in Alaska, launched weather balloons and worked with local communities.
- Sopo aimed to bridge the gap between diverse community needs and NWS forecasts.
Uccellini's Dismay at Job Cut Methodology
- Louis Uccellini was appalled by the arbitrary nature of the NWS job cuts.
- He felt the cuts demonstrated a lack of understanding of the crucial services provided.