NOAA will maintain vital satellite data used for hurricane forecasting
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will maintain long-term access to key Defense Department satellite data used for hurricane forecasting and more, the agency said in a statement Tuesday.
Why it matters: The potential loss of the data threw a monkey wrench in forecasting operations just ahead of what's expected to be an above-average hurricane season.
Driving the news: "The Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (FNMOC) has announced plans to continue distribution of Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) data beyond July 31, 2025," NOAA said in a statement, referring to a U.S. Navy forecasting unit and a DoD-run weather satellite program.
- "As a result, there will be no interruption to DMSP data delivery and NOAA will continue to have access to data from DMSP for the duration of the program's life span."
- News of the extension was earlier reported by meteorologist Michael Lowry, who previously wrote a detailed explanation of the program and its many benefits to forecasters.
Catch up quick: The Defense Department shocked the meteorology world in June when it unexpectedly announced that access to the satellite data would be suspended due to undefined cybersecurity issues.
- The Pentagon later granted a monthlong extension that was set to expire this Thursday, July 31.
What they're saying: The about-face "means our hurricane forecast tools should stay intact," Lowry posted Tuesday morning. "Crisis averted."
Between the lines: Weather data is vital to both military operations and civilian users.
- The DMSP has been collecting weather data for U.S. military operations for more than five decades, according to the U.S. Space Force.
What's next: The Trump administration is still eyeing major cuts and changes at NOAA and the National Weather Service, and it remains unclear how Trump's FEMA will respond to any major hurricanes this year.
