In a shocking turn of events, hundreds of probationary National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) employees, including weather forecasters, were reportedly fired on Thursday. The layoffs are part of ongoing efforts to downsize the federal workforce led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
The first round of cuts targeted around 375 probationary employees within the National Weather Service, where crucial day-to-day forecasting and hazard warnings are provided. The firings have sparked outrage among lawmakers like Rep. Grace Meng and Rep. Jared Huffman, who have condemned the actions as endangering American lives and properties. Thousands of probationary employees across the government have already been let go as part of the downsizing efforts.
Weather experts and scientists, including former NOAA chief scientist Craig McLean and climate scientist Daniel Swain, have warned that the job cuts could have severe repercussions on public safety and the economy’s resilience to weather-related disasters. The layoffs have raised concerns about the quality and accuracy of future weather forecasts and hazard warnings.
The mass layoffs at NOAA come at a time when weather forecasting and hazard warnings are more critical than ever in light of the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters. The terminated employees, who were described as dedicated and hardworking, play a vital role in helping save lives and protect communities from the devastating impacts of such disasters.
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