The National Weather Service is hiring to fill hundreds of entry-level positions after losing approximately 600 employees through job cuts, buyouts, and firings last year. The agency announced in May its recruitment of 150 entry-level meteorologists for forecast offices nationwide, adding to an emergency authorization granted by President Trump last August to hire 450 meteorologists, hydrologists, and radar technicians over a year.

As of late June, over 300 new employees had been onboarded, with about 50 individuals joining the agency in the two months prior. The new hires include field workers such as meteorologists, hydrologists, electronics technicians, and other physical scientists. The emergency hiring authorization is set to conclude in September.

Forecast offices in at least six locations faced critical staff shortages during last year's hurricane season, which began on June 1. Several offices ceased full-time operations, and nearly a dozen suspended or limited weather balloon launches. The collection of upper air data, typically gathered by weather balloons launched twice daily, has shown a noticeable decline or degradation since January 2025.

At the end of May, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) had almost 300 fewer meteorologists and hydrologists compared with January 2025. Last year's federal downsizing resulted in the departure of many experienced workers who accepted early retirement packages, and approximately 100 probationary employees were fired.

Former National Weather Service meteorologist Alan Gerard commented on the natural process of staff changes. "Obviously, people retiring and new people coming up is a natural part of any business or agency," Gerard said. "But it's meant to be done in an organized process, where the new people coming in have the benefit of working for a period with people who are experienced and can help train them and build up their expertise."

Brian LaMarre, also a former National Weather Service meteorologist, acknowledged the current challenges. "I think the National Weather Service is going through some growing pains at the current time, with the loss of late-career experience," LaMarre said. He added, "But things are gaining on the front end with the new generation of ideas, the new generation of skills, especially in this extremely advanced technology era that we have right now."

Climate specialist Rick Thoman highlighted the difficulties of specialized forecasting. "Alaska is not like forecasting for Nebraska, and there are no schools of meteorology in Alaska," Thoman said. "Everyone has to come here and learn it."

Forecast offices currently experiencing temporary staffing changes receive mutual aid from neighboring offices to maintain operations. The National Weather Service spokesperson Erica Cei stated that the agency is well-positioned for recruitment. "Our hiring actions and plans are robust, and will continue as needed," Cei said. The National Weather Service continues to maintain 24/7 operations to deliver critical forecasts, warnings, and decision support.

Why It Matters

The National Weather Service's extensive recruitment drive aims to address workforce reductions that have impacted its forecasting capabilities. The loss of approximately 600 employees, many of whom were experienced, led to critical staff shortages in several forecast offices last year, affecting operations like full-time coverage and weather balloon launches. This comes as the agency prepares for high-stakes weather demands, including hurricane season, with new hires filling roles previously held by experienced personnel.