National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

The Trump administration's staffing and funding cuts have reduced National Weather Service balloon launches, creating data gaps that undermine weather forecasts and public understanding of environmental and economic conditions. Similar reductions in global data collection programs have impacted the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization's ability to monitor disease and infestation outbreaks.

Scott Stearns, a National Weather Service meteorologist, serves as an incident meteorologist for the Gold Mountain Fire in Ouray County, Colorado. His role involves forecasting weather conditions to support fire management and public safety. He works alongside other incident meteorologists assigned to wildfires across Colorado.

Rebecca Lindsey was fired from NOAA, leading to the shutdown of Climate.gov under the Trump administration. The former team created Climate.us, a nongovernmental site to continue providing climate science resources. The Trump administration removed climate-related information from federal websites, including the EPA and National Climate Assessments.

Residents of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, U.S. territories in the Pacific Ocean, are preparing for Super Typhoon Bavi, which could bring winds exceeding 180 miles per hour.

At least 19 deaths in New Jersey are suspected to be linked to a heat dome causing record-breaking temperatures, with severe storms following and causing power outages for nearly 1 million homes and businesses. Officials noted most victims were found in homes without air conditioning, and temperatures in cities like Atlantic City and Newark exceeded historical records.

At least 19 deaths in New Jersey are suspected to be heat-related as a heat dome caused extreme temperatures before transitioning to severe storms. The storms caused power outages affecting nearly 1 million homes and businesses across the central, eastern, and southern U.S.

Residents of U.S. Pacific territories like Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are preparing for Typhoon Bavi, which could become a super typhoon, just months after the region was devastated by Sinlaku. Recovery efforts remain ongoing in the Northern Marianas, where power and housing are still being restored.

Louisiana temporarily increases red snapper catch limits from four to five fish per person per day for the Fourth of July weekend to celebrate the U.S. 250th anniversary. Size restrictions remain in place, and the change is managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

An extreme heat wave affecting 20 U.S. states, including Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, is expected to persist through the weekend with temperatures in the upper 90s and heat indices exceeding 115 degrees. The National Weather Service warns of serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations, as over 200 million people reside in affected areas. The heat wave coincides with the 250th anniversary celebrations and outdoor events, complicating recovery efforts in Kentucky after recent floods.

An extreme heat wave is affecting 20 U.S. states, including Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, with temperatures in the upper 90s and heat indices exceeding 115 degrees. The National Weather Service warns of serious health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations, as the heat coincides with the Fourth of July and the 250th anniversary celebrations.

An extreme heat wave affecting 20 U.S. states, including Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, is expected to persist through the weekend with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees and heat indices reaching 115. The National Weather Service has issued warnings, emphasizing risks of heat-related illnesses, while events like the Great American State Fair and Fourth of July celebrations face challenges due to the sweltering conditions.

An extreme heat wave affecting 20 U.S. states, including Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky, is causing temperatures in the 90s to 100s with heat indices up to 115 degrees. The National Weather Service and NOAA warn of serious heat-related risks, particularly for vulnerable populations, as the heat coincides with major outdoor events like the Great American State Fair and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

Louisiana temporarily increased the red snapper daily catch limit from four to five fish per person for the Fourth of July weekend to encourage outdoor celebration of the U.S. 250th anniversary. The adjustment applies to state coastal waters, with size restrictions requiring fish to be at least 16 inches. Louisiana manages its own red snapper fishing since 2019, with this year's recreational catch limit set at 882,000 pounds.

California's commercial fishing industry faces a graying fleet with an average captain age of 48, prompting UC San Diego to launch an apprenticeship program to train new fishermen. However, declining pay for both crew and captains over the past decade, coupled with low local seafood supply in San Diego, highlights challenges in sustaining the industry.

The Gulf of Mexico's 2023 'dead zone' is projected to exceed 7,000 square miles, larger than the four-decade average but below the 2017 record. The Mississippi River/Gulf of America Hypoxia Task Force aims to reduce the dead zone to 1,900 square miles by 2035, citing progress despite ongoing challenges from nutrient pollution linked to agriculture and urban areas.

The Pasadena Fire Department and Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management are distributing free NOAA Weather Alert Radios to help households during wildfires, earthquakes, and other disasters. The program, launched in June, provides resilient backup communication independent of power, cellular networks, and internet.

Gov. Jeff Landry vetoed a bill to designate Atlantic tarpon as a saltwater game fish in Louisiana, despite unanimous legislative support and advocacy by wildlife groups. The bill aimed to enable regulations for conservation, but Landry argued it would create unnecessary restrictions without conservation benefits.

Before air conditioning became common in mid-20th century US homes, people used ice blocks, fans, and cold drinks to stay cool. Historical records show iceboxes, mechanical cooling techniques, and frozen treats like ice cream were key methods. Recent heat waves highlight the growing necessity of air conditioning as temperatures set new records.

Rip currents account for most beach rescues and drownings in the U.S., with 21 deaths already this year. Experts advise staying calm, flipping onto one’s back to float, and signaling for help instead of fighting the current. Beach flags indicate rip current risks, with red for high danger and green for low danger.

Rip currents, which account for most beach rescues and drownings in the U.S., can be difficult to spot and are nearly impossible to swim against. Experts advise staying calm, flipping onto one's back to float, and signaling for help once the current dissipates.

Rip currents are a major coastal hazard, causing over 100 drownings annually in the U.S. and accounting for 80% of beach rescues. Experts advise staying calm, flipping onto one’s back to float, and avoiding direct struggle against the current. Warning flags and weather service alerts help identify rip current risks.

LSU researchers are testing an AI-powered flood prediction system in Ascension Parish, utilizing real-time drainage data, weather forecasts, and parish sensor networks. The collaboration with Ascension Parish government aims to enhance flood response by combining local infrastructure data with LSU's computational expertise, with the AI tool generating hourly forecasts to support human decision-making in drainage operations.

The Trump administration disrupted critical data systems used for forecasting El Niño events, which are linked to severe climate impacts. The article highlights historical consequences of El Niño, such as the 1877 'Great Famine' that killed millions, and emphasizes modern climate monitoring's role in preventing disasters.

RMS Titanic Inc. plans to auction over 100 artifacts from the Titanic wreck, including personal items and decor, but the U.S. government opposes the sale through legal action. The company argues the auction complies with court orders, while the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration claims it violates obligations to preserve the site. Previous attempts to sell artifacts were blocked by U.S. courts and preservation groups.

RMS Titanic Inc. plans to auction over 100 artifacts from the Titanic wreckage, but the U.S. government, represented by NOAA, opposes the sale, claiming it violates legal obligations. The company, which holds exclusive salvage rights, previously agreed to display items in museums but now seeks to sell them to fund explorations, facing prior court opposition.

Tennessee is expected to experience a warmer-than-average summer, with most of the state likely to have above-normal temperatures. Precipitation forecasts are uncertain, but drought conditions are projected to persist in East Tennessee, while Middle and West Tennessee may see improvements with favorable rainfall.

A record-breaking El Niño event in 2026 could cost the global economy $5.7 trillion, with forecasts suggesting it may be stronger than previous cycles. NOAA warns of a 63% chance of very strong sea surface temperatures, which could disrupt supply chains, raise costs, and strain sectors like agriculture and energy.

The first tropical storm of the 2026 hurricane season, Tropical Storm Arthur, developed in the Gulf of America and is expected to bring rain and thunderstorms to the Carolinas by Thursday evening. Remnants of the storm could deliver about a half inch of rain to Charlotte, with the worst weather occurring overnight into Friday. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts a below-normal 2026 hurricane season with 8-14 named storms.

A lightning strike caused a fire that destroyed a marine science lab building at the University of South Florida (USF) in St. Petersburg, resulting in the loss of years of research, equipment, and data. Researchers, including USF College of Marine Science professor Steven Murawski, have relocated to alternative facilities while recovery efforts continue, with community support raising over $500,000.

The Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be less active than usual, with 8-14 named storms and 1-3 major hurricanes, but concerns persist over federal response capabilities due to proposed funding cuts to agencies like FEMA. Experts warn that reduced federal support could weaken states' ability to handle severe weather events, particularly as the Trump administration's cuts have strained infrastructure and personnel.

The Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be less active than average due to El Niño, with NOAA forecasting 8-14 named storms and 1-3 major hurricanes. However, concerns persist about federal agencies' ability to respond to severe weather events due to proposed funding cuts and reorganization efforts under the Trump administration, as highlighted by the Center for American Progress.

The Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to be less active due to El Niño, but concerns persist over federal agencies' ability to respond to storms due to proposed funding cuts. NOAA forecasts 8-14 named storms, with 3-6 becoming hurricanes, while policy analysts warn that reduced support for emergency response agencies could weaken state preparedness.

The Atlantic hurricane season is expected to be less intense this year due to El Niño, with 8-14 named storms and 1-3 major hurricanes predicted. However, concerns persist about weakened federal emergency response capabilities amid proposed funding cuts to agencies like FEMA and NOAA.

Denver is adding a new mile-high marker at the Colorado State Capitol to reflect updated geodetic measurements. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Geodetic Survey, led by Brian Shaw, is refining spatial positioning data to account for technological advancements and rising sea levels, making the new marker more precise than previous ones.

A massive buildup of sargassum seaweed along South Florida beaches is deterring beachgoers due to unpleasant odors and health risks. The issue, linked to warmer water temperatures and shifting currents, has worsened with the arrival of the FIFA World Cup, as the region prepares to host thousands of tourists.

A man was critically injured during a shark attack at the NSA Panama City naval base while swimming in the marina. Emergency responders and bystanders provided immediate aid to stem blood loss before he was hospitalized. The victim, a civilian employee in his late 20s, sustained severe arm injuries, and investigations are underway to determine the shark species involved.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that very strong El Niño conditions have developed in the tropical Pacific. The article highlights potential impacts on the Bay Area and beyond.

El Niño has formed in the Pacific Ocean and is expected to reach historic strength, potentially rivaling the 1997 event. Scientists warn it will intensify extreme weather globally, including heatwaves, floods, droughts, and wildfires, with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicting a 63% chance of an exceptionally intense event this fall/winter.

A legal dispute over Atlantic red snapper fishing pits recreational anglers against commercial fishermen and environmentalists, challenging the Trump administration's efforts to deregulate fisheries. A federal judge blocked NOAA's plan to exempt states from Magnuson-Stevens Act restrictions, citing environmental concerns over potential overfishing.

The Trump administration is proposing a sweeping overhaul of how the federal government awards research grants, which researchers say could allow the administration to limit and exert more control over critical scientific research. Craig McLean, the former chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, discusses the issue with William Brangham.