Weather experts have raised alarms regarding the upcoming discontinuation of critical data from U.S. Department of Defense satellites that will significantly hinder hurricane forecasting. This change is part of the Trump administration's strategy, which may adversely affect the quality of forecasts during a crucial time for weather prediction.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced its decision to stop the "ingest, processing and distribution" of data collected by three weather satellites that are operated in collaboration with the Department of Defense. This data plays a vital role for scientists, researchers, and forecasters, including those at the National Hurricane Center, who rely on it to track and predict hurricane activity.
It remains unclear why the government has chosen to terminate the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program's microwave data by the impending deadline. Inquiries directed to the Department of Defense were passed from the Air Force to the Navy, which has not yet issued a response. Additionally, NOAA has not provided immediate clarification on the matter.
Unlike traditional weather satellites, microwave data offers deeper insights beneath the surface imaging of hurricanes or tropical cyclones, making it especially valuable at night. This type of imagery enables researchers and forecasters to understand the internal dynamics of storms better. Experts assert that this data is crucial for detecting rapid intensification and accurately predicting the storm's trajectory.
Marc Alessi, a science fellow at the Union of Concerned Scientists, stressed the implications if a hurricane is on the brink of landfall. He noted that without this data, forecasters would struggle to identify whether a storm is rapidly intensifying, which would hinder timely updates to forecasts. Michael Lowry, a hurricane specialist, confirmed that some microwave data would remain accessible, but only about half of the current quantity, making it more likely that forecasters may miss signs of rapid intensification or misjudge a storm's strength or position.
This data loss is expected to have severe repercussions for hurricane forecasting this season and beyond, affecting millions of Americans residing in hurricane-prone areas along the U.S. coastline. Brian McNoldy, a hurricane researcher at the University of Miami, expressed profound concern over the abrupt discontinuation of functioning satellites, labeling the decision as "alarmingly bad news." He emphasized that even a gradual loss of microwave data is significant, making the sudden termination of active satellites detrimental to forecasting efforts.
Additionally, the quality of hurricane forecasts was already projected to be lower this year due to other cutbacks, including a reduction in weather balloon launches attributed to staffing shortages. Alessi further characterized this latest decision as yet another effort by the Trump administration to undermine the effectiveness of the country's weather and climate infrastructure.
The implications of these changes are particularly alarming as they coincide with an active hurricane season, and as the impact of climate change continues to exacerbate storm frequency, intensity, and associated economic costs. As experts continue to voice their concerns, the ramifications for public safety and emergency preparedness in the event of severe weather loom large.
As regional communities and emergency services prepare for anticipated tropical storms and hurricanes, the reduction of vital satellite data raises pressing issues about the adequacy of existing forecasting systems and their ability to safeguard lives and property along vulnerable coastlines.
