The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plans to hire 450 meteorologists, hydrologists, and radar technicians nationwide, addressing long-standing staffing shortages at National Weather Service offices. Advocates, including Congressmen Eric Sorensen of Illinois and Mike Flood of Nebraska, view the move as a positive step amid recent strains that led to canceled balloon launches and understaffed shifts. Both lawmakers stress the importance of their bipartisan Weather Workforce Improvement Act, which aims to make these new hires permanent and shield these vital safety roles from future budget reductions. They continue urging congressional action to secure lasting stability for the agency.
“For months, Congressman Flood and I have been fighting to get NOAA and NWS employees the support they need in the face of cuts to staff and funding,” said Congressman Sorensen. “Hundreds of unfilled positions have caused NWS offices across the country to cancel weather balloon launches, forgo overnight staffing, and force remaining meteorologists to overwork themselves. While I welcome this overdue news to hire more meteorologists, we need to pass our bipartisan bill to ensure these new hires are permanent and protected from any future cuts.”
“For decades the National Weather Service has helped keep our communities safe with accurate and timely forecasts,” said Congressman Flood. “This announcement from the administration sends a message that they’re focused on strengthening the NWS for years to come. I applaud the decision and will continue to work to support the agency’s critical work.”
