Chaos at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa)

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa) is experiencing chaos due to efforts by Doge to slash the federal government workforce, resulting in firings, rehirings, cuts to weather forecasting operations, and compromised email security.

Potential Closures and Layoffs at NOAA Under the Trump Administration

The Trump administration is considering terminating leases for properties housing vital weather service operations and other fisheries operations, which could lead to closures of key weather forecasting centers and termination of expert advisory committees at NOAA. Hundreds of employees have already been laid off, including scientists working on hurricane forecasts and fisheries management, raising concerns about the agency's ability to serve the public.

Layoffs at NOAA due to Trump Administration's cost-cutting agenda

President Trump's cost-cutting agenda leads to layoffs at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), prompting criticism from Democratic lawmakers. Over 880 workers were fired, impacting the agency's ability to forecast extreme weather events.

National Weather Service Layoffs

Hundreds of weather forecasters and other federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employees on probationary status were fired in two rounds of cuts, amounting to about 10% of NOAA's workforce. The firings were part of efforts to shrink the federal workforce by Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency.

Layoffs at NOAA by Trump Administration

Hundreds of NOAA staffers, including weather forecasters, were laid off as part of the Trump administration's efforts to cut the federal workforce. The layoffs are part of a deep state purge and include probationary employees in the National Weather Service. The firings come amid Elon Musk and DOGE's efforts to shrink the workforce. NOAA had about 12,000 staffers globally, including scientists and engineers, prior to the layoffs.

Impact of Staff Cuts at NOAA

Ongoing staff cuts at NOAA, ordered by the Trump administration, could endanger core missions like weather forecasting. Thousands of employees, including at the National Weather Service, have been affected. Experts warn of potential impacts on weather forecasts, maritime safety, and climate research.

US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa) Restrictions on Scientists

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa) has imposed new restrictions on its scientists, causing concern within the agency and among partners at European agencies. The restrictions include oversight on scientists' email and meetings with foreign nationals, documentation of all international engagements, and potential budget and staffing cuts. These measures are part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to reduce government spending and reprioritize federal efforts away from the climate crisis.

Climate Resilience and Weather Prediction Technology

NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad discusses how cloud computing and AI are improving the agency's ability to predict and forecast severe weather events amidst worsening climate conditions.

Solar Geoengineering Experiments

Experiments to alter the climate using solar geoengineering are being tracked by the United States through the NOAA and Department of Energy. Concerns exist about the potential negative impacts of these projects.

Hurricane Beryl hitting the southeast Caribbean and Jamaica

Hurricane Beryl, a Category 5 storm, made landfall in the southeast Caribbean, causing at least four deaths. It is expected to hit Jamaica with life-threatening winds and storm surge. Jamaican officials are warning residents to be prepared for evacuation.

Hurricane Season Forecast

NOAA predicts record number of hurricanes this season.

2024 Hurricane Season Forecast

NOAA predicts an above-average hurricane season for 2024, with 17 to 25 named storms, 8 to 13 hurricanes, and 4 to 7 major hurricanes. Several factors, including high ocean temperatures and La Niña, contribute to the forecast.

Summer Weather Forecast for 2024 in the United States

NOAA's Climate Prediction Center predicts a hotter-than-normal summer for almost every U.S. state, with the West and Northeast facing the highest chances of above-average temperatures. Drier conditions are also expected, potentially leading to drought in the West. A La Niña pattern by late summer may exacerbate these conditions.

Solar Storm and Flare

A solar storm and flare, the largest in over a decade, was observed recently, causing disruptions to Earth's systems but posing no direct threat. The event was captured in a timelapse photo over Hansville, Washington, and was followed by days of severe solar activity.

Solar Flare Causes Blackouts in the U.S.

A powerful solar flare, classified as an X8.8, caused blackouts over the U.S. The flare, originating from sunspot AR 3664, is the strongest in the current solar cycle which began in 2017.

Potential Solar Storm Threat to Earth

A rare and powerful solar storm may occur in outer space today, potentially wreaking havoc on Earth with severe geomagnetic storm conditions. Officials have issued warnings as at least five streams of plasma are heading towards Earth, prompting concerns about disruptions to electronic devices and power grids.

Solar Storm Alert for Earth

A powerful solar storm is expected to hit Earth on Friday, causing potential infrastructure problems. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued a Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Solar Storm Watch due to multiple earth-directed coronal mass ejections.

Potential Severe Solar Storm Warning by NOAA

NOAA has issued a Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Watch due to an uncommonly powerful solar storm that may disrupt electronic devices and power grids, while also creating a spectacular aurora. The last such alert was in 2005. The storm could impact infrastructure, wipe out the internet, and trigger auroras as far south as Alabama and Northern California.

Rare Solar Storm Warning

A rare solar storm warning issued by NOAA could disrupt Earth's power supplies, knock out the internet, and cause auroras in the northern hemisphere.

Gray Whale Population Recovery on West Coast

The gray whale population along the West Coast is showing signs of recovery after a mass mortality event. The increase in population numbers comes after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association determined the event has ended.

Climate Change and Wildfire Risk in the United States

The United States is expected to experience warmer-than-average temperatures this spring, leading to concerns about wildfires in the West. Climate change intensifies the warming trend, with low water levels expected on the Mississippi River this summer.