How NOAA layoffs in US affect weather forecast in India
What's the story
The recent layoffs at the United States's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have alarmed scientists and policymakers in India.
Hundreds of weather forecasters and other federal NOAA employees on probationary status were dismissed last week.
Experts warn that this reduction in the workforce could affect India's ability to predict monsoons and track cyclones effectively.
Impact fears
Indian officials express concern over NOAA layoffs
M Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, voiced his concerns over the possible implications for weather forecasts.
He said, "We are worried. If NOAA reduces observations, there will be implications for weather forecasts. When ocean observations are reduced, there is less data to assimilate. Hence predictability will reduce."
The data collected by NOAA is vital for weather and climate monitoring worldwide, including India.
Global crisis
NOAA layoffs termed a 'global crisis'
Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute for Tropical Meteorology, called the layoffs a "global crisis" that could impact climate science across the globe.
Koll stressed that "for India, the monsoon forecasts, cyclone tracking, and climate projections rely on NOAA's models."
He added that "half of the Indian Ocean's observational network is backed by NOAA."
Without this, early warnings for natural disasters such as floods and storms would be compromised.
Observation network
NOAA's role in India's ocean observation network
Koll warned that without NOAA's support, early warnings for natural disasters like floods and storms would weaken, endangering millions.
He added, "This is more than a budget cut. It is a direct threat to climate resilience, research, and preparedness worldwide."
Some meteorologists have reported receiving emails from their NOAA counterparts confirming the layoffs and their inability to continue operations as before.
While India has deployed several ocean observation instruments like Argo floats and buoys, NOAA's contributions remain vital.