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Experts say US weather forecasts will worsen as DOGE cuts mean fewer balloon launches



Recent budget cuts and layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are poised to degrade U.S. weather forecasting capabilities. The National Weather Service (NWS) has reduced or suspended weather balloon launches at eight northern locations due to staffing shortages. These balloons collect critical atmospheric data essential for accurate forecasts. Experts warn that diminished data collection could impair predictions, especially with the approaching severe weather season marked by tornadoes and storms. Additionally, layoffs affecting NOAA's Hurricane Hunter aircraft crews may compromise hurricane research and forecasting accuracy, further jeopardizing public safety.


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