Fact Check: "NOAA continues to explore the use of other uncrewed systems in meeting the agency’s data needs within hard-to-access regions of tropical cyclones during the 2025 season."
What We Know
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has been actively integrating uncrewed systems into its hurricane research and forecasting efforts. For the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) is deploying new technologies, including small aircraft drone systems and underwater gliders, to gather critical data in hard-to-access areas affected by tropical cyclones (source-3). These systems are designed to improve the understanding of hurricane dynamics and enhance forecast accuracy (source-1).
NOAA's plans for the 2025 season include the use of advanced models and tools to provide real-time storm forecasts and warnings. The agency has stated that these uncrewed systems will help fill critical data gaps, particularly in regions that are difficult to access due to safety concerns for crewed missions (source-4).
Analysis
The claim that NOAA is exploring the use of uncrewed systems for data collection in hard-to-access regions during the 2025 hurricane season is supported by multiple credible sources. NOAA's AOML has explicitly mentioned the deployment of uncrewed systems as part of their strategy to enhance hurricane forecasting capabilities (source-3). Additionally, the integration of these systems is part of a broader effort to improve data collection methods, especially in dangerous or remote areas (source-7).
The credibility of the sources is strong, as they originate from NOAA's official communications and reputable scientific publications. NOAA is a leading authority in atmospheric and oceanic research, and its announcements are typically based on extensive research and peer-reviewed studies. The focus on uncrewed systems aligns with current trends in meteorological research, where technology is increasingly leveraged to enhance data collection and analysis (source-5).
Conclusion
The claim that "NOAA continues to explore the use of other uncrewed systems in meeting the agency’s data needs within hard-to-access regions of tropical cyclones during the 2025 season" is True. NOAA's commitment to utilizing uncrewed systems for improved data collection and forecasting during the hurricane season is well-documented and supported by credible sources.
Sources
- NOAA researchers to accelerate hurricane forecast improvements - NOAA
- NOAA predicts above-normal 2025 Atlantic hurricane season - NOAA
- 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook - AOML
- Uncrewed systems integrated into hurricane season research - NOAA
- 2025 Hurricane Field Program - NOAA/AOML - AOML
- NOAA's Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System - NOAA
- UXS News and Announcements | Office of Marine and Aviation Operations - NOAA
- Ocean Month: Identifying the ocean's role in fueling hurricanes - AOML