NOAA workforce declines as strong El Niño approaches

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) experienced a significant workforce reduction in 2025, losing nearly 20% of its employees according to Government Accountability Office data. The decline comes as a strong-to-very-strong El Niño event is projected to persist through early 2027.

Weather outlooks for the 2026–27 winter season indicate a highly changeable period. A strong El Niño is expected to favor milder and wetter conditions across much of the northern United States and the East Coast, while the southern tier may experience cooler temperatures and increased storminess. In New England, projections suggest above-normal temperatures and precipitation, though snowfall totals are expected to be below normal.

Meteorologists have warned that while increased precipitation may help alleviate droughts in the Southwest and Southeast, excess rain on dry soil poses a risk of flash floods and mudslides.