On February 27, 2025, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) faced significant backlash after hundreds of weather forecasters and other federal employees were fired, primarily within the National Weather Service (NWS). Reports indicate around 880 staff members were let go, raising alarms among lawmakers and meteorologists about the impact of these cuts on public safety and weather forecasting.
The layoffs were part of efforts initiated by SpaceX and Twitter billionaire Elon Musk's newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) under the direction of former President Donald Trump. The underlying motive for these firings seems to align with Trump's goal of reducing the size of the federal workforce, which he has previously branded as bloated and ineffective. Sources close to NOAA mentioned the cuts might have occurred over two rounds, with one involving 500 layoffs and another 800, amounting to roughly 10% of the agency's workforce.
"The hammer came down," said Craig McLean, former NOAA chief scientist, highlighting the harsh reality facing many dedicated employees. Most of those terminated were on probationary status, which includes newer hires. The exact number of meteorologists affected includes about 375 who play pivotal roles in daily weather forecasting and hazard warnings across the United States.
Rep. Grace Meng, D-N.Y., criticized the layoffs, saying, "Today, hundreds of employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), including weather forecasters at the National Weather Service (NWS), were terminated for no good reason. This is unconscionable." She added, "These are dedicated, hardworking Americans whose efforts help save lives and property from the devastating impacts of natural disasters across the country. This action will only endanger American lives going forward."
The repercussions of these cuts seem particularly concerning as they come just before severe weather seasons, including tornado season, which traditionally sees heightened activity from March to May. With the National Weather Service responsible for issuing tornado watches and warnings, concerns have been raised about the agency's capacity to maintain necessary staffing levels during this potentially life-threatening time. A source from the National Weather Center indicated the layoffs might jeopardize the minimum staffing requirements necessary for effective forecasting.
Experts warn about the overwhelming impact of these job cuts on public safety. Daniel Swain, UCLA climate scientist, took to social media to voice his dismay, stating, "The job cuts are spectacularly short-sighted, and will deal a major self-inflicted wound to the public safety of Americans and the resiliency of the American economy to weather and climate-related disasters." These sentiments were echoed by environmental advocates, who argue the layoffs could have dire consequences for sustainability and effective meteorological service.
NOAA spokesperson Susan Buchanan refrained from providing detailed commentary on the cuts, stating, "NOAA remains dedicated to its mission, providing timely information, research, and resources to serve the American public and ensuring our nation's environmental and economic resilience." Despite this reassurance, the viability of these commitments remains questionable amid decimated personnel resources.
A federal judge has already ruled on the legality of these mass firings, indicating potential unlawful actions taken against probationary employees. On Thursday, the judge temporarily blocked several terminations connected to dubious procedural handling by federal authorities, showcasing possible legal challenges to the firings as they continue to attract scrutiny.
The reaction from the broader scientific community has been swift and severe. Miyoko Sakashita, oceans program director for the Center for Biological Diversity, lamented, "Gutting NOAA will hamstring ... forecast storms, ... and prevent the extinction of whales and sea otters." This perspective reflects the broader sentiment among scientists who see NOAA as irreplaceable for its data and research, which are fundamental for effective forecasting, marine life protection, and emergency services.
Local communities, especially those vulnerable to severe weather, are raising urgent alarm over these cuts. Oklahoma’s Ward 7 Councilmember and Mayor-elect Stephen Tyler Holman stated, "Layoffs at the National Weather Center right before severe weather season for most of the country do not seem like a good idea. This is an issue I plan to bring up with our federal representatives when I visit Washington, D.C., in April. The National Weather Center plays acritical role not just ... but across the nation." Holman demonstrates the consensus among officials who recognize how deeply intertwined NOAA's work is with public safety.
The fallout continues to evolve, as the public and political reactions to the cuts are likely to influence future funding and policies surrounding NOAA. The urgency lies particularly within communities reliant on timely weather warnings, economic planning, and environmental protections. It becomes evident as the weather patterns grow ever more unpredictable with climate change. This reliance on accurate forecasting is more significant now than ever, as many communities look to the NOAA for support amid threats posed by increasingly severe weather events.
The national discourse surrounding NOAA’s capabilities and the turbulence resulting from this latest round of layoffs will likely shape American climate policy and public safety orientation going forward. With arguments over the role of government and public agencies heating up, it’s uncertain whether the impact of such drastic cuts will be mitigated or reversed, or what future weather catastrophes might reveal about the sacrifices made today.