How additional NOAA layoffs could affect Alaska weather forecasts

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – There is concern among the weather community about the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) weather resources and whether they would remain intact if there were additional layoffs or service cuts within the National Weather Service (NWS).

Regardless of where weather forecasts come from, they all rely on data from the NOAA’s National Weather Service.

Meteorologists, including those at Alaska’s News Source, use observations from NWS weather stations, NOAA-provided satellites, radar, and global computer models to make daily forecasts. The NWS is also responsible for providing all lifesaving weather alerts when severe weather is forecasted.

Since January, nearly 25% of NOAA employees have been laid off.

Some federal employees have been “reinstated” following federal court orders, but remain on paid leave.

Some Alaska communities have already had services reduced.

The NWS announced last month that it would indefinitely suspend weather balloon launches in Kotzebue due to staffing shortages. Those launches collected critical data, including temperatures, humidity, and pressure.

The NWS declined an interview and was unable to provide the number of Alaska employees who had been terminated.

See a spelling or grammar error? Report it to web@ktuu.com

Copyright 2025 KTUU. All rights reserved.