The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is increasingly relying on private companies to supplement its weather forecasting capabilities due to deep staffing cuts. This shift has raised concerns among former officials and meteorologists about the potential risks of privatizing critical data assets.
Private companies such as WindBorne Systems, Sofar Ocean, Tomorrow.io, Black Swift Technologies, and Saildrone are deploying innovative technologies and AI-powered models to collect atmospheric and oceanic data for NOAA. These companies offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional weather balloons, which have been suspended in some locations due to staffing shortages.
However, critics argue that relying on private companies for weather forecasting could compromise public safety and the historical climate record. They point out that less data is often more costly, and that the benefits of privatization may not outweigh the risks.
NOAA’s partnership with WindBorne has expanded its balloon launch sites from six to 11 globally, but some officials worry about the agency’s dependence on a single company for critical services. The company’s data is now free and open to the public, but it aims to hold back some information for a short period to sell it to private buyers.
Experts warn that if NOAA continues to rely heavily on private companies, it may struggle to maintain its forecasting capacity and historical climate record. They emphasize the importance of owning core data assets and maintaining transparency in data licensing agreements.
The National Weather Service’s (NWS) current plan to replace radiosondes with commercially operated balloons, drones, and aircraft is still in the early stages. However, some officials are calling for NOAA to be a true replacement to traditional weather balloons, rather than just an add-on.
As the NWS navigates its reliance on private companies, it must balance business interests with public service obligations. The mandate of government agencies to serve the public is often at odds with private sector goals, and experts urge caution against prioritizing profits over public safety and scientific integrity.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/private-companies-step-up-to-gather-weather-data-for-noaa-as-staffing-cuts-hobble-agency-forecasting