How would NOAA cuts affect weather forecasting?

How would NOAA cuts affect weather forecasting?

Speculated cuts of NOAA funding and staff would have immediate impacts on NWS forecast information, weather data and subsequently trickle-down impacts into the private sector.  By Bret Walts Former NOAA officials told CBS News last week to expect a 50% reduction in staffing and budget cuts of 30% to the…
Read More
Drought threats loom in the Plains.

Drought threats loom in the Plains.

Below normal winter snow combined with persisting La Niña conditions could enhance drought risks for the Plains into the growing season. By Bret Walts Abnormally dry conditions from late Summer through Fall caused soil moisture to drop substantially for areas across the North Central US into the Midwest and many…
Read More
Meteorologists eliminated at 22 local TV stations across the US, 4 in Indiana.

Meteorologists eliminated at 22 local TV stations across the US, 4 in Indiana.

The recent shutdown and layoffs of numerous local news station meteorologists and programs highlights the ever-changing landscape of weather forecasting. By Bret Walts With the arrival of artificial intelligence and automation, increasing influence of social media and uncertainty shrouding government weather forecasting, job security for meteorologists are at higher risk…
Read More
January Heating Demand Highest in More than a Decade 

January Heating Demand Highest in More than a Decade 

January Heating Demand Highest in More than a Decade  By Bret Walts Heaters across the United States will be stressed over the next two weeks as another visit from the tropospheric polar vortex brings the coldest air of the season to much of the Central and Eastern US. While the…
Read More