NOAA

National

Scientists say NOAA cuts by Trump undermine improvements in hurricane forecasts

5:00am April 25, 2025

The Trump administration is targeting top climate and weather labs for cuts. Insiders worry about the impact on research and NOAA's ability to forecast severe weather like hurricanes and tornadoes.

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Hurricane Ian Slams Into West Coast Of Florida

Major budget cuts proposed for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

4:52pm April 11, 2025

The agency forecasts weather, manages fisheries, and researches the world's oceans, atmosphere, and climate. The proposed budget cuts would slash the climate work entirely.

Terminated Federal Workers And Supporters Rally At NOAA Over DOGE Cuts

NOAA contracts are being reviewed one by one. It's throwing the agency into chaos

7:00am April 09, 2025

NOAA relies on hundreds of contracts to keep the agency running. The new commerce secretary is reviewing many of them individually, causing disruptions to many normal operations within the agency.

Housing advocate worries that NOAA cuts could have disastrous impact

12:07pm April 04, 2025

by Paul Garber

In September, the forecasts from the weather monitoring service sent workers at Hospitality House into motion ahead of Helene. Chief Development Director Todd Carter says the Boone-based nonprofit was able to get many homeless people living in the woods and by the rivers into shelters before the storm hit.

National Hurricane Center Monitors Hurricane Beryl's Activity In The Caribbean

Layoffs and potential closures of key facilities raise worries about NOAA's future

7:00am March 06, 2025

The Trump administration may end leases for some of NOAA's offices while the agency terminates several advisory committees at the important weather and climate agency.

Trump administration layoffs hit NOAA, agency that forecasts weather, hurricanes

11:18pm February 27, 2025

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration houses key groups like the National Weather Service. Experts warn the consequences of employee cuts could be drastic.

Trump officials signal potential changes at NOAA, the weather and climate agency

5:00am February 15, 2025

Federal workers at the home agency for the National Weather Service are concerned about a potential overhaul by Trump officials focused on cutting government costs.

Trump picks Neil Jacobs to head NOAA, a scientist with 'Sharpiegate' ties

5:30am February 05, 2025

President Trump has nominated Neil Jacobs to head NOAA. Some former NOAA employees are concerned about Jacobs' scientific integrity after his prior involvement in "Sharpiegate."

Hurricane Humberto, as captured by a NOAA satellite September 15, 2019.

We're in for a brutal hurricane season, according to predictions

6:39am June 21, 2024

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a record number of hurricanes this season, which began on June 1 and runs through Nov. They're forecasting anywhere from 17 to 25 storms in the Atlantic basin, including at least four major hurricanes. Scientists think this storm activity could be due to strong winds, warmer ocean temperatures and a scientific mystery unfolding in the Atlantic.

Questions about hurricanes or other weather disasters? Email us at shortwave@npr.org — we'd love to consider it for a future episode!

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Science

La Niña is likely to arrive this summer. Here's what that means for hurricane season

11:54am June 14, 2024

by Rachel Treisman

Forecasters say the warming climate pattern El Niño is officially over. Its cooling counterpart, La Niña, could develop as soon as July — just in time to exacerbate an above-average hurricane season.