U.S. government cuts key hurricane forecasting data from satellites
Weather experts are sounding the alarm on the potentially severe impact of the upcoming cutoff of key data from U.S. Department of Defence satellites on hurricane forecasts. The Trump administration’s decision to discontinue the “ingest, processing and distribution” of data collected by three weather satellites that NOAA jointly runs with the Defence Department has raised concerns about the quality of forecasting.
The data provided by the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program’s microwave data plays a critical role in identifying rapid intensification of storms. Traditional visible or infrared satellites provide valuable information about the structure and intensity of a storm, but they lack the three-dimensional details that microwave data can provide. This data allows researchers and forecasters to peer inside a storm and see what’s happening, especially at night when visibility is limited.
The decision to cut off this data source comes at a crucial time, as climate change has worsened the frequency and intensity of storms. With hurricane season in full swing, the loss of microwave data could have significant implications for forecasting accuracy. Forecasters rely on this data to accurately predict the path and intensity of storms, especially during rapid intensification.
The news has been met with concern from experts in the field. University of Miami hurricane researcher Brian McNoldy called the loss of data “alarmingly bad news,” emphasizing the importance of microwave data in forecasting. The abrupt end to three active functioning satellites has been described as “insanity” by McNoldy, highlighting the potential consequences for forecasting accuracy.
The impact of these cuts is not limited to the United States. Canadian meteorologist Eddie Sheerr, who relies on NOAA data for his daily forecasting, has expressed concerns about the implications for Canadian weather forecasts. Sheerr highlighted the importance of NOAA’s data and expertise in tracking tropical systems, noting that they provide life-saving information.
The loss of microwave data from NOAA could have far-reaching implications for forecasting accuracy and the ability to predict the impacts of dangerous storms. As weather experts continue to raise concerns about the potential consequences of this decision, it remains to be seen how the lack of key data will affect hurricane forecasts in the upcoming months.
