A powerful tropical cyclone is forecasted to make landfall in southern Queensland, near Brisbane, Australia, on Thursday. The storm, named Alfred, formed last week amidst a rare trio of tropical cyclones in the South Pacific.
The recent staffing changes at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Weather Service have significant implications for weather forecasts. In January, President Trump fired hundreds of employees at these organizations, including many experienced meteorologists and researchers.
This move has raised concerns about the accuracy and reliability of weather forecasting models, which are crucial for predicting and preparing for severe weather events like cyclones. The impact of these changes on forecast accuracy is still being assessed, but experts warn that it may compromise the ability to provide timely and accurate warnings to the public.
As hurricane season approaches in three months’ time, there is growing speculation about whether this year’s storms will be as active as last year. According to some predictions, the South Pacific region is expected to experience a high level of tropical cyclone activity in 2025.
The situation is being closely monitored by climate experts and weather agencies around the world, who are working tirelessly to track and predict these powerful storms. Stay tuned for updates on Tropical Cyclone Alfred and other developing weather stories.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2025/03/04/tropical-cyclone-alfred-queensland-australia-path-impacts