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NOAA Job Cuts Threaten U.S. Weather Forecasting and Public Safety

Mass layoffs at NOAA and the National Weather Service jeopardize critical climate and severe weather prediction capabilities, raising concerns from scientists and lawmakers.

SILVER SPRING, MD - MARCH 03: Hundreds of demonstrators gather to protest against Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts outside the headquarters of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on March 03, 2025 in Silver Spring, Maryland. Last week the Trump administration fired about 800 probationary staff at NOAA, one of the world’s premier centers for climate science. The layoffs are on top of about 500 employees who left the agency after taking the so-called deferred resignation offer. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Over 650 NOAA employees, including probationary staff and experienced scientists, were terminated in February 2025, with an additional 1,000 layoffs reportedly planned.
  • Key weather forecasting operations, such as weather balloon launches and hurricane tracking, have already been disrupted due to staff shortages.
  • The cuts are part of a broader federal workforce reduction initiative under the Trump administration, with critics warning of degraded public safety and economic risks.
  • Former NOAA employees and experts highlight the potential for reduced storm warnings, slower advancements in forecasting technology, and gaps in severe weather monitoring.
  • Protests and calls for action have emerged nationwide, with advocates urging Congress to prioritize NOAA's mission of protecting lives and supporting the economy.