U.S. weather agency cuts will be felt in Canada — especially in hurricane season

Meteorologist Eddie Sheerr, known for his life-saving call to Newfoundland Mayor Brian Button during post-tropical storm Fiona in 2022, is now raising concerns about the impact of recent cuts to weather services in the United States on hurricane-prone Atlantic Canada.

Sheerr, who relies heavily on data and expertise from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in his daily forecasting work, emphasized the vital role that NOAA plays in providing life-saving information. However, in the wake of layoffs and resignations at NOAA due to cuts made by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, Sheerr fears that the accuracy of forecasts could be compromised.

The layoffs at NOAA have already led to the cancellation of weather balloon launches, which provide crucial forecasting data during storms, according to former Canadian Hurricane Centre manager Jim Abraham. Abraham highlighted the significant collaboration between Canadian and American meteorologists during severe weather events, such as hurricanes, and expressed concern about the potential impacts of the cuts on forecasting accuracy.

Anya Waite, an oceanographer at Dalhousie University, echoed these concerns, emphasizing NOAA’s role as a major funder of important research and a crucial source of weather data. With climate change increasing the threat of severe weather events like hurricanes, Waite stressed the importance of accurate forecasting for coastal planning, infrastructure, and insurance purposes.

The potential deterioration of weather forecasts without NOAA data could have serious consequences for Atlantic Canada, where hurricanes pose a significant risk. Sheerr, Abraham, and Waite all underscored the life-saving nature of the information provided by NOAA and the importance of maintaining access to accurate forecasting tools.

As Canadian meteorologists and scientists continue to monitor the impacts of the cuts to NOAA on weather forecasting, the need for collaboration and data sharing between countries remains paramount in ensuring the safety and well-being of communities in hurricane-prone regions like Atlantic Canada.