Fact Check: Only half the necessary microwave data will remain for hurricane forecasting.

Fact Check: "Only half the necessary microwave data will remain for hurricane forecasting."

What We Know

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced that it will cease providing data from certain satellites that have been crucial for hurricane forecasting. These satellites, part of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP), have been in operation since the early 2000s and are known for using microwave radiation to gather critical data about storm structures, particularly at night when hurricanes often intensify (source-1). Experts have expressed significant concern about the impact of this data loss on forecasting accuracy, with Michael Lowry, a hurricane specialist, stating that this represents "an incredibly big hit for hurricane forecasts" (source-1).

The cessation of data collection will result in the loss of about half of the microwave images that forecasters currently rely on (source-1). While NOAA has indicated that other satellites with microwave capabilities will still operate, their coverage is limited, and there is no guarantee they will provide the necessary data for every storm (source-1).

Analysis

The claim that "only half the necessary microwave data will remain for hurricane forecasting" is supported by multiple expert opinions and reports. James Franklin, a retired meteorologist, confirmed that the loss of certain satellite data streams would indeed mean losing about half of the microwave images currently available to forecasters (source-1). This is particularly concerning given that hurricanes have been intensifying more rapidly in recent years, making timely and accurate forecasting even more critical (source-1).

However, NOAA has attempted to mitigate concerns by stating that other satellites will still provide some microwave data, including a newly launched satellite designed to replace some of the functions of the DMSP (source-2). This suggests that while the data loss is significant, it may not be as catastrophic as initially portrayed, depending on the effectiveness of the remaining satellites.

The reliability of the sources varies; while NOAA's official statements provide an authoritative perspective, the concerns raised by meteorologists and climate scientists are based on years of experience and data analysis, making their insights credible. However, NOAA's response to media coverage indicates a potential bias in downplaying the severity of the data loss, which could affect public perception (source-2).

Conclusion

The claim that "only half the necessary microwave data will remain for hurricane forecasting" is Partially True. While it is accurate that the cessation of certain satellite data will result in a significant reduction of available microwave imagery, NOAA has indicated that other satellites will still be operational, albeit with limited coverage. Therefore, while the impact of the data loss is serious and could hinder forecasting efforts, it is not a complete loss of microwave data, which complicates the narrative.

Fact Check: Only half the necessary microwave data will remain for hurricane forecasting.