The National Weather Service (NWS) will rehire 450 staffers, including meteorologists and radar technicians, after losing over 550 employees to layoffs and early retirements tied to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative. The cuts had sparked national concern, especially following deadly Texas floods and ahead of hurricane season.
The new hires will focus on "mission critical" roles. According to CNN, the agency now has direct hiring authority under the Office of Personnel Management, expediting the recruitment process.
National Weather Service is now hiring back hundreds of positions that got cut in the DOGE chaos https://t.co/Ye9DjXrnlz
— Wynn Westmoreland CNN (@WynnWs) August 5, 2025
Current staff, stretched thin by the reductions, have been working extended hours with limited data due to reduced weather balloon launches. NOAA officials say the hiring will be strategic and workload-driven. Some of the returning personnel may be among those previously laid off.
Lawmakers and NOAA pushed for a public safety exemption from the federal hiring freeze, which has now been granted. While met with relief, the move also drew criticism over the cost and efficiency of rehiring previously trained employees.
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TIPP Staff
