Key NOAA Weather Facility Faces Lease Cancellation During Severe Staffing Cuts

Federal cost-cutting measures jeopardize critical weather forecasting capabilities as tornado season begins.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) plans to cancel the lease for NOAA's Center for Weather and Climate Prediction in Maryland, a hub for critical weather modeling and forecasting.
Recent layoffs have eliminated 10% of NOAA's staff, including key meteorologists and researchers, disrupting weather prediction and disaster preparedness efforts nationwide.
Experts warn that the cuts and lease cancellations could severely hinder NOAA's ability to monitor and respond to extreme weather events, including tornadoes and hurricanes.
Protests and criticism have erupted, with scientists, meteorologists, and lawmakers highlighting the potential risks to public safety and economic stability.
The Center for Weather and Climate Prediction houses advanced supercomputers essential for weather modeling, and relocating or replacing the facility would be costly and complex.