The Trump administration plans to end public access to critical hurricane-tracking satellite data from the Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS) by July 31, 2025. This data is essential for detecting rapid storm intensification, especially at night, and its loss could degrade forecast accuracy by up to 50%.
Defense officials cite cybersecurity and modernization as reasons for the cutoff, but experts warn it puts coastal communities at risk. NOAA and NASA pushed back, securing a one-month delay, though replacement satellites won’t be operational in time for peak hurricane season. The administration has also cut NOAA staffing and shut down Climate.gov, further weakening forecasting tools. Meteorologists are concerned this data gap could severely hinder early warnings and public safety during hurricanes.
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