Navy chooses to continue providing crucial weather data for hurricane forecasts

In June 2025, the Department of Defense made a significant decision by announcing plans to discontinue the sharing of essential satellite weather data with hurricane forecasters and scientists, just as the Atlantic hurricane season was about to peak. This decision was met with widespread concern among meteorologists and researchers, who recognized that the absence of this crucial information could severely hinder the accuracy and timeliness of hurricane forecasts, potentially endangering lives as storms approached. The Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center, which is operated by the Navy, was initially phasing out this data as part of a broader modernization effort as stated by a Navy spokesperson in communication with NPR. The officials at the center recognized that maintaining the flow of meteorological data was essential for ensuring public safety, and so they began working with government partners to find a solution that would allow them to modernize while still providing data through September 2026. This reversal means that hurricane forecasters can continue to access real-time information about approaching storms and their development. Brian Tang, a hurricane researcher at the University at Albany, expressed appreciation for the decision, emphasizing the importance of having timely data during critical periods, which allows forecasters to issue warnings earlier and provide people ample time to prepare and evacuate if necessary. The satellite data not only holds implications for hurricane tracking but is also vital for observing sea ice conditions in polar regions, which are crucial for understanding changing weather patterns and how climate change is impacting the planet.