DoD Ends Satellite Weather Data Sharing

The U.S. Department of Defense will stop providing naval satellite weather data to forecasters and scientists due to alleged cybersecurity concerns.

Meteorologists rely on this near-real-time data to monitor hurricane structure, track storm centers, and detect eyewall formation for early warnings.

NOAA asserts other satellites can fill the gap, but experts warn that fewer sensors will create monitoring gaps and risk surprise rapid intensification.

Sea ice datasets used for tracking polar ice conditions will also be interrupted, prompting a rushed switch to Japanese satellite data.

This decision comes as peak hurricane season nears and record low Arctic sea ice raises concerns for forecasting and climate research.