Americans accessing local weather forecasts rely on data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its National Weather Service.
A vast network of satellites, aircraft, weather balloons, radar and buoys supplies information to be ingested into the agency’s computers and formulated into atmospheric data.
Experienced forecasters then interpret the data along with computer models to predict short-term and long-term weather patterns, plus issue severe weather alerts.
The 18 satellites operated by the agency are essential for providing the data to enable accurate weather forecasts.
Private companies are unable to replicate the range of instrumentation and geographical coverage of the NOAA satellite network.
Weather observation networks, such as the 1,300 maritime buoys, also contribute to coastal and long-term forecasts; this network has taken decades to build.
Neil Jacobs, nominated to oversee NOAA, believes the agency is necessary for accurate national weather forecasting, due to its public funding and the resulting aim to protect all Americans, rather than responding to a profit-driven motive.
