NWS Reduces Balloon Launches Amid Staffing Shortages

The National Weather Service (NWS) is reducing the frequency of weather balloon launches from twice to once daily at six locations, including Green Bay, due to staffing shortages. This decision stems from the Trump administration's previous cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's workforce, leaving the agency understaffed. Weather balloons are crucial for collecting atmospheric data such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed, which are vital for accurate weather forecasting. The reduction in launches could potentially impact the quality of weather data collected from these sites. In addition to Green Bay, locations in Omaha, North Platte, Grand Junction, and Rapid City will also see changes, with some sites suspending launches entirely. These changes reflect a broader effort by the federal government to reduce its workforce, as evidenced by recent offers of early retirement and buyouts to NWS employees.