My thoughts on why announced cuts to weather balloon launches are bad for weather forecasting. I tried to do some meteorology 101 too www.forbes.com/sites/marsha... - ThreadSky

drshepherd2013.bsky.social • 52 days ago

My thoughts on why announced cuts to weather balloon launches are bad for weather forecasting. I tried to do some meteorology 101 too
https://www.forbes.com/sites/marshallshepherd/2025/03/21/weather-balloon-cuts-announced-this-week-could-harm-weather-forecasts/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJKPfpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHQ-kwzNaGcrlU3CMGhThwGOFNpQ3gzkRxeZJ9CpIfJdnz3SXZzbuY4qjJw_aem_Vjiil1CAZdnHKRWA0njN5Q

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cleanairguy.bsky.social•51 days ago

Besides input to numerical prediction models to assist in operational forecasting, the NWS balloon data are used in many EPA air quality models to define the mixing height parameter. So, the absence of data will have negative effects beyond just weather forecast models.

geekate.bsky.social•52 days ago

Which part of launching balloons is the most labor-intensive to the point where being understaffed would prevent launching balloons twice a day? Can the public help in any way? Trained volunteers to help prep and launch balloons or anything? Or will the equipment not even be provided anymore?

drshepherd2013.bsky.social•50 days ago

Filling the Balloon (5-15 minutes): The balloon is inflated with helium or hydrogen. Depending on the size of the balloon and the altitude you want to reach, this step can take some time.

Launch (5 minutes): Once the balloon is inflated, the final checks are made, and it's ready to be released.

drshepherd2013.bsky.social•50 days ago

Craig Davidson On average, the process typically takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Preparation (10-30 minutes): This includes checking the equipment (balloon, payload, radiosonde, etc.), filling out any necessary paperwork, and attaching the payload (e.g., sensors, cameras) to the balloon.

geekate.bsky.social•52 days ago

(I haven’t had a chance to read the article yet so I apologize if you address this. Also I clearly know nothing about how it all works, but as a layperson it just seems like an insane thing to cut)

canadiansnowflake.bsky.social•52 days ago

Yes, during tornado season is a great time for these fucking cuts.

lauragreene989.bsky.social•50 days ago

Nice sharing this

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