The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) implemented significant staffing cuts on February 28, 2025, terminating between 600-800 employees across all six of its major operational divisions [1][4].

Former NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad confirmed that the cuts affected approximately 5-9% of the agency's 12,000-person workforce, impacting critical services including weather forecasting, marine operations, and environmental monitoring [4].

The National Weather Service, already experiencing staffing challenges, saw over 100 positions eliminated. Additionally, several experienced meteorologists accepted early retirement buyouts offered in January 2025, including about dozen chief meteorologists from Central U.S. offices in tornado-prone regions [1].

Specific impacts include:

Suspension of weather balloon launches in Kotzebue, Alaska due to staffing shortages [4]Reduction of approximately 30% of staff in the Office of Space Commerce [4]Loss of key personnel in hurricane forecasting and AI weather modeling programs [1]

The cuts primarily targeted probationary employees across all divisions, though many affected staff possessed significant expertise and experience. The terminations occurred with minimal documentation, making it difficult for supervisors to track the full scope of personnel changes [1][2].

Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) warned that the cuts could impact services that support 'more than a third of the nation's GDP,' including maritime navigation and agricultural forecasting [1][4].

Additional federal workforce reductions may be forthcoming, according to recent guidance from the Office of Management and Budget and Office of Personnel Management [1].