Support NOAA and the National Weather Service — Protect Lives, Data, and the Future

UPDATE: The NWS has received permission to break the federal hiring pause and will be adding 125 new employees. Critically understaffed offices will hopefully once again be fully staffed and no longer have to suffer. We could see a nationwide increase in weather balloon launches again, increasing model accuracy and weather forecasts. The NWS is continuing to seek permission for additional hiring as well, including Meteorologists, Hydrologists, Physical Scientists, and Radar Technicians. 

Right now, NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and its vital branches — including the National Weather Service (NWS), the National Hurricane Center (NHC), and the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) — are facing devastating budget cuts and a hiring freeze. These agencies are severely understaffed and underfunded, and the consequences are far-reaching and dangerous for all of us.

Due to the staff cuts and hiring freezes during severe weather, forecasters may be limited to only one to three staff members to cover a potential severe weather outbreak. This means less eyes on radar, monitoring, storm reports to make more accurate and timely warnings that can help you be prepared to take action to get to your safe place.

With these budget cuts, we have seen public programs like SKYWARN training cancelled. 

Also in states like Nebraska, the heart of tornado alley, the government cut weather balloon launches. These weather balloons are a key factor in weather data to get information on the timing , the potential strength and possible threats from storms. This is all info you need to know to be prepared. 

Some of these organizations that use radar and weather data include:

 • Local news agencies

 • Radar and weather apps

 • First responders and wildfire teams

 • Aviation, shipping, and agriculture industries

 • Everyday citizens trying to stay safe

 

With outdated technology, like weather balloons, shrinking staff, and reduced funding, the ability of these agencies to issue timely watches, warnings, and forecasts is being compromised. This poses a direct threat to public safety.

We depend on NOAA and it’s agencies every day — often without realizing it. Whether it’s a hurricane warning, a tornado watch, or critical wildfire spot forecast support, these public servants work behind the scenes to help protect lives and property.

Now it’s our turn to stand behind them.

 

We’re calling on Congress and the administration to:

 • End the hiring freeze at NOAA and NWS

 • Increase funding to modernize equipment and maintain services

 • Protect the staff and science that protect us

 

Let’s stop taking these life-saving services for granted. Please sign the petition and help us demand that our government fully fund and support NOAA and the National Weather Service.