43% of U.S. weather offices short-staffed: California hit hardest

Sacramento, California – A deepening staffing crisis at the National Weather Service (NWS) is drawing urgent concern from California lawmakers and meteorologists as the state heads into what could be a dangerous wildfire season—amid rising temperatures and increasingly unpredictable weather.

Since January, more than 500 employees have left the NWS, following a wave of firings and early retirements that has gutted forecasting offices across the country. Nearly half of the nation’s 122 weather offices now have vacancy rates exceeding 20%, according to internal data. California has been particularly hard hit, with two key offices—Sacramento and Hanford—forced to reduce operations due to a lack of personnel.

The Sacramento office currently has only nine meteorologists on staff, leaving seven positions unfilled. The Hanford office is down to five forecasters out of a required thirteen. These vacancies have effectively cut both offices to half-strength, leaving them unable to provide 24/7 coverage at a time when round-the-clock monitoring is critical.

These offices serve California’s Central Valley, a region highly vulnerable to wildfires and home to roughly 40% of the nation’s fruit and nut production. Accurate, timely weather forecasts are not just useful—they are essential for agricultural planning, emergency response, and public safety. During wildfire season, NWS meteorologists often embed with fire crews, providing real-time data to guide containment efforts and evacuation decisions.

The reduction in forecasting capacity could have immediate consequences. Already, the region is experiencing an early-season heatwave, with temperatures projected to climb 8 to 16 degrees above normal and potentially break records in areas like Paso Robles. Such conditions significantly increase wildfire risk.

Nationwide, concerns about forecasting quality and public safety have grown as staffing shortages impact core NWS functions. Meteorologists have warned that the reduced workforce has led to missed weather balloon launches and slower storm assessments. In one recent incident, a missed balloon launch at an understaffed office may have hindered forecasters’ ability to predict tornado threats near Omaha, Nebraska.

In response, NOAA—the parent agency of the NWS—has temporarily reassigned personnel and sought volunteers for permanent transfers to critical posts. Two weeks ago, the agency issued a call for 155 staffers, including 76 meteorologists, to fill vacancies across the country.

But with fire season already underway and extreme weather becoming more frequent, temporary measures may not be enough. California lawmakers have demanded that the Commerce Department and NOAA restore staffing levels immediately, warning that further delays could put lives and livelihoods at risk.