Trump’s NOAA budget cut may hit forecasts

New Delhi

A senior Indian official has said that the Donald Trump administration's decision to slash funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) may not affect India's weather forecasts immediately but could have a long-term impact.

NOAA, a US government agency, plays a key role in monitoring and predicting weather, climate, and ocean changes. It also shares vital observational data with countries like India, improving their forecasting abilities.

During a press conference, M Ravichandran, Secretary of the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, addressed concerns about the funding cut.

"If there is a cut in manpower, we do not have any problem. Even if the model is not there, no problem," he said. "The only thing is that they are significantly contributing to the observing system, especially in the ocean — be it the Indian Ocean or the Pacific Ocean. If that is reduced, our forecasting skill will be reduced."

Ravichandran clarified that there is no immediate impact this year but expressed concerns about the future. "As of now, this year, there is no problem... But in the long run, if they reduce NOAA funding... then definitely our forecast system will (be impacted)," he said.

He further stressed the importance of ocean data in predicting monsoons: "If we do not have proper ocean observations, definitely we will not be able to have better predictability."

Media reports suggest that the Trump administration plans to cut NOAA’s funding by 27%, amounting to $1.67 billion.