In reversal, Defense Department will continue providing crucial satellite weather data
The Department of Defense has reversed a decision to stop sharing satellite weather data that hurricane forecasters rely on.
In June, the Navy announced that it would stop sharing the crucial information about storms, as peak hurricane season loomed in the Atlantic. In response, scientists and weather forecasters expressed fear that the missing data could lead to less accurate and timely hurricane forecasts.
The Navy’s Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center, which processes and shares the data, “planned to phase out the data as part of a Defense Department modernization effort,” a Navy spokesperson wrote in an email to NPR. “But after feedback from government partners, officials found a way to meet modernization goals while keeping the data flowing until the sensor fails or the program formally ends in September 2026.”
The Defense Department operates satellites that collect information about conditions in the atmosphere and ocean, and for more than 40 years, it has shared that data with scientists and meteorologists.
The information is particularly useful for hurricane forecasters, because it allows them to watch storms in real-time as they form, according to Brian Tang, a hurricane researcher at the University at Albany. Tang says he is happy to hear that the Navy reconsidered its decision. “It’s vital that the data continue to be available through the heart of the Atlantic hurricane season,” he says.
Tracking storms as they gather strength allows forecasters to put out warnings earlier, giving people in harm’s way more time to prepare and evacuate.
The data are also crucial for monitoring sea ice in polar regions. Sea ice coverage affects weather patterns and international shipping, and is also an important source of information about how the planet is responding to climate change.
Before the latest announcement, the Navy had already pushed back the date for ending its data sharing with scientists once. The termination date was originally the end of June, but after an outcry from scientists and forecasters, it was updated to the end of July, according to the Navy. It is unclear what will happen to the satellite data after September 2026.
Alabama regulators approve two-year electric rate freeze and two solar projects for a Meta data center
Critics say the rate freeze will only delay financial burdens on Alabama Power customers while preserving a high profit rate for the utility.
Auburn tabs USF’s Alex Golesh as its next coach, replacing Hugh Freeze on the Plains
The 41-year-old Golesh, who was born in Russia and moved to the United State at age 7, is signing a six-year contract that averages more than $7 million annually to replace Hugh Freeze. Freeze was fired in early November after failing to fix Auburn’s offensive issues in three seasons on the Plains.
Alabama Power seeks to delay rate hike for new gas plant amid outcry
The state’s largest utility has proposed delaying the rate increase from its purchase of a $622 million natural gas plant until 2028.
Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones announces run for Alabama governor
Jones announced his campaign Monday afternoon, hours after filing campaign paperwork with the Secretary of State's Office. His gubernatorial bid could set up a rematch with U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, the Republican who defeated Jones in 2020 and is now running for governor.
Scorching Saturdays: The rising heat threat inside football stadiums
Excessive heat and more frequent medical incidents in Southern college football stadiums could be a warning sign for universities across the country.
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor to join our award-winning team covering important regional stories across Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.
