Recent budget cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) are causing alarm among meteorologists and climate experts. The reduction in funding has led to significant staff layoffs and a marked decrease in weather balloon launches, which are crucial for accurate weather forecasting. Experts warn that with fewer weather balloons in the sky, the reliability of storm predictions and warnings, especially as tornado season approaches, may be compromised. Officials from Nebraska, including Congressman Mike Flood, are actively addressing these staffing challenges, while concerns are also raised over the impact on maritime safety and critical weather monitoring across the country. As communities prepare for severe weather, the cuts threaten to diminish public safety measures and response capabilities.