As hurricane season approaches, the Houston-Galveston National Weather Service office has nine personnel vacancies, including four meteorologists. Temporary federal hiring exception authorizes 126 nationwide hires. Union representatives call the measure a “band-aid” to NWS staffing shortages that have cost over 600 personnel this year.
With the onset of the Atlantic hurricane season, the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Houston-Galveston is grappling with a significant staffing shortage, currently reporting nine vacant positions, among which are four meteorologists. The office is currently operating with nine meteorologists, falling short of the typical requirement of 13 professionals.
According to Tom Fahy, legislative director for the National Weather Service Employees Organization, the National Weather Service has experienced a significant reduction in its workforce this year, with 600 employees departing due to a combination of terminations, early retirements, and deferred resignation offers.
The Trump administration has granted a temporary exemption to facilitate the hiring of 126 individuals for essential roles, which include meteorologists, hydrologists, physical scientists, and electronic technicians. Despite this, Fahy asserts that the action is merely a temporary solution.
“This is triage — akin to battlefield medicine,” Fahy stated. “It is merely a temporary solution.” A substantial and efficient effort, yet still insufficient.
Houston finds itself in the company of others facing similar circumstances. The Lake Charles office in Louisiana, which plays a crucial role in Gulf Coast storm coverage, is currently facing five vacancies, resulting in a total of only eight meteorologists remaining on staff. The current vacancy rate is reported to be nearly 40%.
While the specific locations for the new hires remain undisclosed, NOAA has identified the Gulf Coast as a key staffing priority, emphasizing that positions will be filled based on the most pressing operational needs.
In light of these concerns, Fahy emphasized that Texas, as a whole, boasts a staffing level that surpasses that of other states.
A recent surge in hiring efforts coincides with predictions of an above-average hurricane season in 2025, according to forecasters. The National Weather Service is currently implementing internal Reassignment Opportunity Notices (RONs) as it promotes permanent positions under the exemption from the federal hiring freeze.
The Houston office has chosen not to comment on staffing matters at this time. However, the ongoing challenge persists: to effectively monitor a bustling storm season with a limited team while anticipating the arrival of reinforcements.
