U.S. staffing cuts threaten Canadian hurricane forecasts

Cuts to federal staffing in the United States may impact hurricane forecasts in Canada this summer. As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, experts warn that reduced cooperation between meteorological agencies could lead to less accurate forecasting. Canadians depend on two main organizations for hurricane information: the Canadian Hurricane Centre (CHC) and the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC). The CHC issues warnings and statements for tropical storms affecting Canada, while the NHC provides forecasts for storms over the Atlantic. The two centers work closely together to coordinate information on storms threatening Canadian waters. However, recent layoffs at federal agencies, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), pose challenges for communication and data sharing. Employees at NOAA have been ordered to limit contact with foreign colleagues, which could hamper international cooperation. This includes participating in crucial commissions and sharing important forecasting data. The layoffs affected many meteorologists and members of the hurricane hunters, teams that gather vital information from storms. These cuts may complicate efforts to gather data needed for accurate weather predictions. Additionally, the National Weather Service has temporarily suspended weather balloon launches in several locations due to staffing shortages. Weather balloons are essential for monitoring atmospheric conditions, and their data is critical for accurate forecasting. The disruption in balloon launches could lead to inaccuracies in weather models, especially important during the hurricane season when timely predictions can save lives.