This week WNIJ host Jason Cregier is joined by Illinois State Climatologist Dr. Trent Ford. Dr. Ford discusses the uncertainty of weather coverage, and what factors are leading to how that coverage is affected.
Today, Dr. Ford explains how federal funding cuts to weather services affect the work of scientists and forecasters.
Whether its short staffing, layoffs or lack of funds for certain resources such as weather ballon launches, Dr. Ford says it all takes a toll on those in the weather industry.
Dr. Ford mentions that National Weather Service members are resilient, and "they are working even harder to fulfill the mission of national public safety." Longterm however, Dr. Ford says, "There is really serious concerns about the continuation of short staffing at the National Weather Service."
He also worries if the wide services the National Weather Service provides will be in jeopardy. Examples include services such as long-term climate records, hydrology and weather event coordination for things like a Chicago Cubs game or University of Illinois football game.
Dr. Ford says that what the National Weather Service provides goes "way beyond just the weather data." He also wonders if these cuts will lead to burnout from too few people trying to do too many different jobs.
You may listen to the full conversation in the link above.
