Weather service faces hurricane season with less experienced staff, missing data
Summary
The National Weather Service is working to fill hundreds of entry-level jobs after losing many experienced staff due to job cuts during President Donald Trump’s administration. Experts worry that the lack of senior meteorologists could affect the quality of weather forecasts as hurricane season starts.Key Facts
- The National Weather Service lost about 15% of its staff last year because of job cuts and buyouts ordered by President Trump’s administration.
- Most of the lost employees were experienced meteorologists.
- The agency is now hiring many early-career scientists to fill the gaps.
- Some former employees worry that new, less experienced workers may struggle without enough experienced mentors.
- Hurricane season begins on June 1 and is one of the busiest times for weather forecasters.
- Staffing shortages led to some forecast offices cutting full-time hours and suspending weather balloon launches last year.
- NOAA had nearly 300 fewer meteorologists and hydrologists as of May compared to January 2025.
- Specialized forecasting skills, especially in places like Alaska, take years of hands-on experience to develop.
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