Pentagon Stops Sharing Crucial Satellite Weather Data Before Hurricane Season

The U.S. Department of Defense is ending the public sharing of satellite weather data collected by three military-run satellites, a move that threatens to hamper hurricane forecasting and other meteorological research. These satellites provide unique microwave and infrared imaging that allows forecasters to see through clouds and track weather phenomena such as tropical cyclones, fog, and severe storms, including during nighttime hours when other data sources are limited. The cutoff was initially planned for the end of June but was delayed to the end of July following concerns from scientists and forecasters about the potential impact on hurricane season readiness. Officials have cited cybersecurity concerns as the reason for the termination, although the satellites remain operational and continue to serve Defense Department users. Researchers warn that losing access to this critical data could set back forecasting capabilities by decades, especially given the increasing frequency of rapid hurricane intensification. This decision has raised alarm among meteorologists and represents a significant shift in how weather data is shared with the scientific community.