The US National Weather Service (NWS) is facing significant changes as it plans to merge two of its main forecasting departments. This move comes amid a potential loss of up to 1,000 employees, which represents a substantial portion of its workforce of over 4,000. During an all-hands meeting on Thursday, NWS Director Ken Graham informed staff about these consolidations and encouraged early retirements.
The departments being merged include the Weather Prediction Center, which handles national forecasts for rain and snow, and the Climate Prediction Center, responsible for seasonal outlooks and monitoring the El Niño and La Niña phenomena. Additionally, a research laboratory will combine with an environmental modeling center located in Maryland.
The NWS is bracing for a workforce reduction of between 775 and 1,000 employees due to a combination of firings, early retirements, and voluntary separation programs. Tom Fahy, the legislative director for the workers’ union, expressed concern over the situation, stating that the uncertainty is causing anxiety among employees.
The NWS, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), has been understaffed for some time. This issue has been exacerbated by policies from the previous administration, which sought to reduce federal workforce numbers. A policy plan from the Heritage Foundation suggested commercializing weather forecasting and restructuring NOAA, which influenced actions taken during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Since Trump took office, the federal workforce has undergone significant changes, leading to reductions in NOAA’s staff. Although some positions have been reinstated, many employees remain on administrative leave while legal challenges are addressed. Critics, including climatologist Daniel Swain, argue that these cuts are not aimed at improving efficiency but are causing widespread harm across federal agencies.
The impact of these staffing reductions is already being felt. Essential tasks, such as launching weather balloons that gather crucial data for forecasts, have been suspended in some areas due to staff shortages. Craig McLean, a former acting chief scientist at NOAA, noted that the effects of these changes are starting to show.
Weather plays a vital role in the US economy, affecting industries like energy, retail, and transportation. The loss of staff at the NWS could have far-reaching consequences, particularly as commercial forecasters rely on federal data to provide accurate predictions for their clients.