For 34 years, John Morales has presented the weather for NBC6 in South Florida, relying on data and models to help protect people from dangerous storms. However, recent changes have dramatically affected his ability to forecast.
Morales stopped mid-report on Tuesday night to explain why he couldn’t provide a forecast anymore, stating, "We may be flying blind" from now on. This shift is attributed to budget cuts that have severely impacted staff at both NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) and its parent agency, NOAA.
Impact of Budget Cuts
- Staff Reductions: Brutal layoffs initiated by President Biden last fall, along with a recent buyout offer known as DOGE, have resulted in the loss of hundreds of valuable experts from these critical agencies.
- Data Collection: These experts are essential for collecting vital information needed for accurate forecasting, including:
- Wind speed
- Direction
- Temperature
- Pressure
- Humidity
Decline in Weather Balloon Launches
Federal budget cuts have also led to a significant reduction in weather balloon launches across the United States. Records obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com indicate that these launches are down nearly one-third since March compared to previous years. Weather balloons are crucial for taking measurements high above ground level, sending back data used in computer models that generate forecasts.
Consequences for Forecast Quality
The quality of weather forecasts is deteriorating due to reduced data collection efforts. This situation represents a multi-generational impact on science in the country, with far-reaching consequences for weather forecasting and beyond.
Morales’ experience underscores the broader challenges facing the nation’s weather forecasting capabilities. As someone dedicated to presenting accurate and reliable weather information, his concerns highlight the urgent need for sustained investment in NOAA’s staff and infrastructure.
Future Outlook
With state-of-the-art technology expected by 2025, it remains uncertain whether current budget constraints will allow for optimal use of this new technology or if they will exacerbate existing problems with degraded forecast quality.
In summary, John Morales reported accurately about an upcoming storm but was unable to forecast it himself due to severe staffing shortages at key agencies responsible for collecting vital information needed for accurate forecasting.
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