Fri Jul 04 10:30:00 UTC 2025: **Hurricane Forecast Data Loss Delayed, But Long-Term Concerns Remain**

**Washington, D.C.** – A controversial decision by the Department of Defense to cut off crucial satellite data used for hurricane forecasting has been delayed by one month, now slated to take place no later than July 31st, according to a statement released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on Monday. The initial announcement on June 25th of the impending data loss, which caught NOAA and NASA off guard, sparked widespread concern amongst meteorologists, public officials, and the media, particularly as hurricane season ramps up.

The data in question comes from the Special Sensor Microwave Imager Sounder (SSMIS), a device that provides a 3D “X-ray” view of tropical storms, revealing the intensity and movement of rain bands and winds. Experts warn that losing this vital information could significantly degrade the accuracy of hurricane forecasts, especially at night or when hurricane hunter aircraft are grounded.

The Defense Department claims the data cutoff is due to cybersecurity concerns related to data transmission. While they will continue to maintain the Defense Meteorological Satellite program, they previously stated they would cease sharing the SSMIS data with civilian agencies.

Sources within NOAA have confirmed that the agency, including the National Hurricane Center, was blindsided by the initial announcement. The one-month delay is reportedly the result of intense pressure from NOAA and NASA officials, including Karen M. St. Germain, the division director for NASA’s Earth Science Division.

“Late on Friday, June 27th, CNMOC received a request from Dr. Germain with NASA to postpone the removal and to continue processing and distributing DMSP data through July 31st,” NOAA stated.

However, the delay is only a temporary reprieve. With hurricane season peaking in August and September, there is currently no plan in place for resuming the data flow even when a new Defense Department weather satellite begins operations in October. While NOAA anticipates receiving microwave imagery from the new satellite, the details remain unclear.

NOAA has publicly stated that alternative data sources will still allow for accurate forecasting. Despite this, forecasters worry about the impact of the data loss, especially given predictions for an unusually active hurricane season that continues through November 30th.

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