NOAA's critical weather forecasting centers face potential lease cancellations, threatening national weather prediction capabilities. The NOAA Center for Weather and Climate Prediction, which houses essential forecasting operations and telecommunications equipment, is targeted for closure under the Trump administration's efficiency initiatives. Staff members warn of severe disruptions to weather forecasting services if the facility closes without adequate relocation plans.
NOAA plays a crucial role in U.S. weather forecasting by operating a vast network of satellites, airplanes, radar, and weather stations to collect real-time data that feeds into computer models and analysis. The agency's comprehensive weather observation system, which includes 18 satellites and over 1,300 maritime buoys, provides essential data that private companies and media rely on for their weather products and forecasts. NOAA's publicly accessible data and analysis are fundamental for public safety, business operations, and accurate climate monitoring.