The US government fired hundreds of weather forecasters and other employees at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Thursday.
The NOAA employees included meteorologists who provide essential weather forecasts. The firings mainly targeted probationary workers,
The job cuts, which affected National Weather Service (NWS) offices across the country, have sparked major concerns about public safety and disaster preparedness. Experts warn that the decision could weaken the country’s ability to predict and respond to extreme weather.
According to Craig McLean, a former NOAA chief scientist, the layoffs happened in two waves—one affecting 500 employees and another 800. This amounts to about 10% of NOAA’s total workforce, reported news agency Associated Press.
Many lawmakers and scientists have condemned the layoffs, calling them reckless and dangerous.
Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) released a statement saying, “Today, hundreds of employees at NOAA, including weather forecasters at NWS, were given termination notices for no good reason. This is unconscionable.” She warned that these workers help save lives by providing crucial weather alerts and disaster warnings, and cutting their jobs will only put more Americans at risk.
Climate scientist Daniel Swain of UCLA also criticised the decision, calling it “spectacularly short-sighted.” He warned that these cuts will hurt America’s ability to prepare for and respond to extreme weather events, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change.
The move comes as part of efforts led by billionaire Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aimed at reducing the federal workforce. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticised federal agencies as being “bloated and inefficient.”