NWS Restores Twice-Daily Weather Balloon Launches Following Massive DOGE Budget Cuts
The National Weather Service resumes twice-daily weather balloon launches to fix forecasting data gaps caused by federal workforce cuts under DOGE.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — The National Weather Service is set to restart its program of launching weather balloons twice a day across the country. This move restores a vital data stream that was previously compromised by significant reductions in the federal workforce.
The disruption occurred following cuts mandated by the Department of Government Efficiency, an initiative led by Elon Musk. These staffing shortages left several NWS facilities lacking the necessary personnel to maintain a consistent launch schedule.
These balloons are equipped with specialized instruments designed to measure atmospheric conditions, including air pressure, humidity, temperature, and wind speeds at high altitudes.
Musk departed from his role at DOGE in May 2025 after overseeing broad reductions in federal resources and employment. While the department aimed to lower costs, federal spending actually rose during that same year despite significant public criticism.
In response to the service reductions, five former NWS leaders issued a joint letter expressing grave concern. They described the situation as their “worst nightmare” and warned it would result in “needless loss of life.”
The lack of data was felt acutely in several states. In Michigan, operations were scaled back or halted at at least 13 locations. CBS News noted that missing data from two sites could have aided meteorologists during a severe ice storm that hit the northern region in March 2025.
Ahmad Bajjey, the chief meteorologist for CBS News Detroit, remarked that while the forecast indicated devastating ice, the actual event was more severe than predicted. He noted that the team was unable to obtain real-world data as frequently as required.
The National Weather Service, which operates under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, has now received directives to return to the twice-daily launch frequency.
Vytas Reid, a meteorologist with CBS News Detroit, explained that restoring these launches is vital because missing morning data creates critical gaps in the sets used to start computer weather models.
Reid added that a steady schedule gives forecasters more reliable and complete information. This helps them track shifting wind patterns, identify emerging weather threats, and predict trends in precipitation and temperature.
The official NWS website indicates that balloon launches occur at 92 locations throughout the United States. The agency emphasizes that the information gathered from these flights is essential for the accuracy of weather forecasts and model performance.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)em>