NOAA to End Crucial Weather Satellite Data Access

Intermediate | July 17, 2025

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A Shift in Data Sources

NOAA to Stop Using DMSP by End of July

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is making a big change in how it gets important weather information. By July 31, 2025, NOAA will stop using data from the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DOD) Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP). This program has been very important for weather forecasting, especially for hurricanes, since the 1960s.

What Made DMSP So Valuable?

DMSP provided special microwave data that helped forecasters see inside storms in three dimensions and understand their conditions, even at night.

Why the Navy Is Ending DMSP

The Navy, which manages DMSP, explained its decision by saying the program no longer meets modern technology needs. They also want to reduce cybersecurity risks. This news comes as the United States is in its peak hurricane season. Many meteorologists and scientists are worried that stopping DMSP data could make weather forecasts less accurate. They say that DMSP provides about half of all microwave data, and losing it could create big gaps. This might mean forecasters miss when storms get stronger very quickly, underestimate how strong they are, or even predict their paths incorrectly.

NOAA’s Confidence and Broader Concerns

NOAA Says It Has Strong Alternatives

However, NOAA has a different view. The agency says its other data sources are fully capable. These include the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) on its newer Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) satellites (SNPP, NOAA-20, NOAA-21). NOAA sees this change as a normal process of updating and replacing old data sources with new ones.

New Programs Replacing DMSP

In fact, Congress decided to end the DMSP program back in 2015. New programs, like the Weather System Follow-on – Microwave (WSF-M) and the Electro-Optical/Infrared Weather System (EWS), are replacing DMSP. The first WSF-M satellite started working in April 2025 and offers improved ways to measure ocean winds and hurricane strength.

Climate Risks and Equity Concerns

This discontinuation also happens at a time when NOAA is reducing its staff, as part of a government plan to cut federal jobs. Some groups that monitor climate are concerned that ending DMSP, along with fewer staff, could increase risks, especially for tracking climate change. There are also wider talks about how previous administrations tried to privatize government weather forecasting. This raises concerns that people who cannot pay for commercial services might have limited access to crucial weather data.

The Debate Over Forecast Accuracy

While NOAA expresses confidence in its remaining tools, the loss of a long-standing data source like DMSP has sparked debate among experts about the future of weather accuracy and data accessibility in the United States.

Vocabulary

discontinuing (verb): Stopping something, especially something that has been happening regularly.
- Example: “The company is discontinuing the old model of smartphone next year.”
crucial (adjective): Extremely important or necessary.
- Example: “Good communication is crucial for a successful team.”
forecasting (noun): Predicting or estimating a future event or trend.
- Example: “Weather forecasting helps us plan our activities.”
vital (adjective): Absolutely necessary or important; essential.
- Example: “Sunlight is vital for plant growth.”
mitigate (verb): To make something less severe, serious, or painful.
- Example: “Wearing a helmet can help mitigate head injuries.”
consequences (noun): Results or effects of an action or condition.
- Example: “Ignoring the warning signs can lead to serious consequences.”
intensification (noun): The process of becoming more intense or concentrated.
- Example: “The rapid intensification of the storm surprised meteorologists.”
underestimating (verb): Estimating something to be smaller or less important than it actually is.
- Example: “Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep.”
operational (adjective): Ready for use; working.
- Example: “The new software became operational last week.”
privatize (verb): To transfer something from public or government control to private ownership or control.
- Example: “Some argue that privatizing public services can improve efficiency.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What is the main change happening with NOAA’s weather data access?
Why is the U.S. Department of Defense stopping DMSP, according to the article?
What are some concerns raised by meteorologists about losing DMSP data?
How does NOAA plan to continue accurate weather forecasting without DMSP data?
What are the broader concerns mentioned regarding staff reductions and potential privatization?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

How important do you think accurate weather forecasting is for daily life?
What are some ways weather forecasts help people or businesses?
Do you think government data and services should always be free and public, or can private companies also provide them well?
How do you think climate change might make accurate weather data even more important?
What is one thing you learned about weather satellites or data from this article?

Related Idiom

To weather the storm

Meaning: To deal with a difficult or dangerous situation without being destroyed or defeated.
Example: “The small business managed to weather the storm of the economic recession and is now doing well.”

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This article was inspired by: CBS News, July 9, 2025