Forecasters Sound Warning On Federal Cuts

TV forecaster John Morales, a veteran meteorologist with NBC6 in Miami, has expressed concerns about his ability to accurately predict hurricane paths for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season due to federal cuts impacting the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 

His emotional plea went viral, resonating with many due to fears that these cuts could compromise public safety during an already predicted above-average hurricane season.

Morales, with 34 years of experience, last week highlighted how federal budget and staffing cuts, part of the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, have led to significant reductions at NOAA and the NWS. He noted that NWS offices in Florida, including Miami, Tampa, and Key West, are 20-40% understaffed, which could degrade forecast quality. Morales contrasted his past confidence in delivering accurate storm forecasts with the current uncertainty, stating, “I’m not sure I can do that this year because of the cuts, the gutting, the sledgehammer attack on science in general."

The NWS has lost nearly 600 employees through layoffs and retirements since January 2025, exacerbating existing staffing shortages. This has led to curtailed operations, such as reduced weather balloon launches, which are critical for collecting data to feed forecast models. Local NWS offices, responsible for issuing localized warnings about storm surge, flooding, and winds, are particularly affected, with some struggling to maintain 24/7 operations. 

Former NWS meteorologists and experts, like James Franklin (retired Hurricane Center branch chief) and Brian LaMarre (former Tampa Bay office meteorologist), have warned that these cuts could lead to less accurate forecasts, potentially resulting in inadequate warnings and increased risk to lives.

The cuts, part of a broader push to reduce federal spending, have raised fears about burnout among remaining NWS staff and the potential for privatized forecasting. Critics worry that commercializing weather services could make accurate forecasts less accessible, prioritizing profit over public safety. There’s also concern that reduced data collection, such as fewer weather balloon launches and limited Hurricane Hunter flights, could degrade global weather models, affecting forecasts beyond the U.S.