Experts Warn: How Reductions in Balloon Launches Will Impact US Weather Forecasts and What It Means for You

Cutting Weather Balloon Launches: A Worry for Forecasts

In recent news, the National Weather Service (NWS) announced significant cuts to weather balloon launches. This change affects eight locations, particularly in the North. As severe weather season approaches, experts warn that these cuts will hurt the accuracy of our weather forecasts.

Typically, weather balloons are launched twice daily from about 100 locations across the country. They reach heights of 100,000 feet, carrying sensors that measure key data like temperature, humidity, and wind conditions. This information is crucial for forecasters and computer models to predict upcoming weather events.

Former NOAA chief D. James Baker emphasized the importance of weather balloons. He stated that they provide unique data that no other method can capture. Even during his time, when budget cuts were inevitable, he made sure not to reduce balloon observations.

Experts like University of Oklahoma professor Renee McPherson find these reductions alarming. She described the decision as "dangerous." Ryan Maue, who served as NOAA’s chief scientist, echoed this sentiment, calling the cuts "bad" and suggesting that they could worsen America’s weather forecasts.

The cuts will eliminate launches in Omaha, Nebraska, and Rapid City, South Dakota. In addition, several other locations will decrease their launches from twice daily to once. This means that out of 83 balloon sites, nearly 17% are facing partial or full reductions. Such reductions come at a particularly critical time, as weather patterns shift with the changing seasons.

An Associated Press analysis pointed out that the NWS only experienced one launch outage daily between 2021 and 2024. Now, with many locations halting or reducing their operations, experts worry about the potential impact on weather accuracy. Kristen Corbosiero, a meteorology professor, noted the sparse coverage in certain areas. She expressed concern about the upcoming severe weather season, especially for regions prone to tornadoes.

The role of weather balloons goes beyond just forecasting basic weather; they help predict rainfall and severe storm conditions. Elbert "Joe" Friday, a former NWS director, explained that balloons are essential for gathering detailed data from the lower atmosphere, which is where severe weather develops.

Historically, weather balloons have been a critical component of forecasting since the 1930s. They played a significant role in World War II, providing vital data that helped improve military aviation forecasts.

As the NWS prepares to cut back on this essential tool, the risk of inadequate weather information increases. Experts agree that accurate weather forecasts depend on having comprehensive data from all levels of the atmosphere. With a changing climate, these insights are more important than ever.

Overall, the future of weather forecasting is uncertain, and the decision to cut balloon launches could have consequences for how well we prepare for the storms ahead. Investing in weather balloons may very well be an investment in public safety and understanding our atmosphere.

For additional information on weather forecasting and the importance of these balloon launches, you can visit NOAA.

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