Science Quickly Is the National Weather Service Ready for an Extreme Summer?
Jun 6, 2025
Andrea Thompson, Senior Sustainability Editor at Scientific American, dives into the crucial role of the National Weather Service (NWS) in safeguarding communities with timely weather forecasts and alerts. She discusses alarming staffing and funding cuts that jeopardize these services, especially during extreme weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes. Thompson highlights the specific risks of nighttime tornadoes, where timely warnings could mean the difference between safety and disaster, and emphasizes the economic benefits of maintaining a robust NWS.
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NWS Powers U.S. Weather Forecasts
- The National Weather Service (NWS) provides all weather forecasting data for the U.S., powering apps and TV forecasts.
- All national weather information originates from NWS's collection and modeling of temperature, humidity, and precipitation data.
Critical Understaffing at NWS
- NWS staffing cuts driven by government efficiency efforts have created a 19% understaffing nationwide.
- Some offices are 40% understaffed during critical tornado and hurricane seasons, risking delayed extreme weather alerts.
NWS Overnight Shifts Closing
- Some forecast offices had to cease 24/7 operations, closing overnight shifts to cope with cuts.
- Staff work overtime during extreme weather events, risking burnout and potential gaps in warning capabilities.