

Burning Questions: How do cuts to NOAA impact all of us?
Jun 27, 2025
Louis Uccellini, former director of the National Weather Service, dives into the critical implications of NOAA's budget cuts. He highlights how these reductions lead to understaffed weather stations, jeopardizing the accuracy of weather forecasts just as extreme weather becomes the norm. Uccellini discusses the vital role of reliable forecasting in public safety and emphasizes the urgent need to enhance preparedness for severe weather events. The conversation reveals the interconnectedness of climate challenges and the essential technologies that support weather monitoring.
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John Morales' 2019 Hurricane Prediction
- In 2019, meteorologist John Morales accurately predicted Hurricane Dorian would turn and miss Florida.
- His confidence stemmed from reliable National Weather Service forecasts at the time.
Impact of NOAA Staff Cuts
- Cuts to NOAA and the National Weather Service have reduced staffing and weather balloon launches by 17%.
- This degradation threatens the quality of weather data and forecasting accuracy.
Value of Weather Warning Systems
- Without forecast warning systems, severe weather disasters historically cause much greater fatalities.
- Reliable forecasts are essential for public safety and saving lives during extreme weather events.