US Defense Department to Stop Providing Crucial Satellite Weather Data

The U.S. Department of Defense will no longer provide satellite weather data, affecting hurricane forecasters as peak hurricane season approaches. For over 40 years, the Defense Department has operated satellites collecting crucial information about the atmosphere and ocean. The data is processed by the Navy's Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center and used by scientists and forecasters for various purposes, including real-time hurricane forecasting and monitoring sea ice in polar regions.

The Department of Defense announced this week that it will cease providing this data, citing cybersecurity concerns. The decision will impact hurricane forecasting and sea ice monitoring. The loss of this data may lead to gaps in real-time information about storms, potentially affecting forecast accuracy and early warnings.

Other satellites collect similar data, but the Defense Department's satellites provided unique and timely information. The decision comes at a critical time as rapidly intensifying hurricanes are becoming more common. The loss of sea ice data is also concerning as it affects international shipping decisions and glacier melting in Antarctica.

Despite the setback, efforts are underway to transition to alternative data sources. The Defense Department's decision will interrupt widely used sea ice datasets, prompting a scramble to adapt to new sources of information.

According to the source: NPR.