Uncover the fascinating history of weather forecasting in the U.S., dating back over 150 years. Explore the critical discussion on the risks of privatizing weather services and why equitable access to forecasts is essential for safety. Delve into the competitive landscape of weather apps and the sources that power their predictions. Finally, unravel the ongoing tensions between public data availability and private sector interests in the ever-evolving world of weather forecasting.
The rise of private companies leveraging government data has transformed weather forecasting into a competitive, multi-billion dollar industry.
Accurate weather forecasts are crucial public goods that enhance community safety and preparedness, highlighting the need for equitable access to weather information.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Weather Forecasting
Weather forecasting has become significantly more accurate and is now a multi-billion dollar industry, driven by competition among various companies. The podcast highlights how individuals often overlook the sources of weather information and the advancements made over the last few decades. With the rise of sophisticated forecasting technologies, many businesses, both large and small, have emerged, utilizing data from governmental agencies like NOAA. This competition raises questions regarding the dissemination of weather data and the roles of both public and private sectors in providing this crucial information.
Tensions Between Government and Private Companies
Historically, the National Weather Service has been the primary source of weather information, making this data available as a public service. However, the private sector, which now includes a vast array of companies, is reshaping the landscape by providing specialized forecasts using government data. Tensions exist between the National Weather Service and these private businesses regarding how weather data is shared and monetized, especially as some private companies offer to sell data back to the government. This shift has blurred the lines between public and commercial interests, prompting debates on how best to balance accessibility with profitability.
The Public Good Nature of Weather Forecasts
Accurate weather forecasts are essential public goods because they benefit everyone without diminishing the availability for others. Research shows that improved hurricane forecasts have resulted in significant savings by allowing local governments to implement timely protective measures. The analysis of federal programs designed to enhance storm readiness indicates that they have led to billions in avoided costs since 2009, underscoring the societal value of such information. The podcast emphasizes the importance of equitable access to weather forecasts, as disparities in available resources could affect the safety and preparedness of different communities during weather emergencies.
The federal government has been tracking the weather for more than 150 years. Yet over the last few decades, the rise of the Internet and big tech have made weather forecasting a more crowded space. Today, our colleagues at NPR's daily economics podcast The Indicator report on the value of an accurate forecast and the debate over who should control weather data. Follow The Indicator on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
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