No, Government Weather Forecasting is Not Going Away

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These are two of literally dozens of tweets worried about NOAA. Well, NOAA a big problem and needs a complete overhaul. For decades it has focused on the marine side of its mission and mistreated weather. 

It the National Weather Service, part of NOAA, that makes the weather forecasts. It has a number of issues at the moment and needs significant adjustments (details here). To cite two: its tornado warnings have recessed to mid-1990's quality and its forecasts are rarely the most accurate. You can prove the latter to yourself by going here and inserting your Zip Code. The NWS would probably better off as a stand-alone agency split off from NOAA.

That said, government weather forecasting isn't going anywhere. It will, and should, continue. 

Comments

  1. Joe SporlederFebruary 6, 2025 at 4:45 PM

    How useful is storm spotting given the NWS's current state? Thinking about the storm spotter talks my local NWS (Hastings NE) will be offering soon. I attend the Beloit meeting every year, but wondering if there is something better. I am not a chaser, I'll leave that to folks with degrees in meteorology.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike SmithFebruary 6, 2025 at 4:46 PM

      Storm spotting is still very valuable. Thank you for filling that important role!

      Delete

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