‘We may be flying blind,’ says meteorologist after budget cuts

Weather Forecasting Concerns - Federal funding cuts to national climate organizations are expected to impact weather forecasting nationwide [1] - Reduced or suspended weather balloon launches at key sites are impacting severe weather forecasting [1] - The National Weather Service has experienced a reduction of almost 600 workers due to layoffs and buyouts [1] - Concerns exist that understaffed weather forecast offices could lead to needless loss of life [1] - A new bill in Congress aims to protect weather service workers from future federal budget cuts and classify them as critical to public safety [3] Agency Response - The National Weather Service states it is hiring over 100 people to stabilize operations across the country [2] - The Trump administration claims the agency will have enough resources despite criticism [2] - The agency asserts it is fully staffed with forecasters and scientists and will not compromise public safety or forecasting [3] Extreme Weather Events - Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified from a weak tropical storm to a Category 5 hurricane in just 24 hours [4] - Erratic weather patterns from climate change are posing a threat to the forecasting industry [5]