Increasing Frequency of Tornado Outbreaks in the U.S.

Large outbreaks of tornadoes are becoming more common in the U.S., with recent deadly tornadoes killing dozens of people in multiple states. While the number of tornadoes reported is above average this year, there isn't a long-term increase in tornado frequency. The changing tornado patterns require more skilled forecasters and resources for warning systems.

National Weather Service Layoffs

Hundreds of weather forecasters and other federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration employees on probationary status were fired in two rounds of cuts, amounting to about 10% of NOAA's workforce. The firings were part of efforts to shrink the federal workforce by Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency.

Layoffs at NOAA by Trump Administration

Hundreds of NOAA staffers, including weather forecasters, were laid off as part of the Trump administration's efforts to cut the federal workforce. The layoffs are part of a deep state purge and include probationary employees in the National Weather Service. The firings come amid Elon Musk and DOGE's efforts to shrink the workforce. NOAA had about 12,000 staffers globally, including scientists and engineers, prior to the layoffs.