Millions of Americans check their phones daily for the day’s weather forecast. We plan our commutes, outfits, and activities based on these predictions. But have you ever wondered where your weather data comes from?

The answer might surprise you: virtually all weather information Americans consume—whether through your favorite weather app, local news, or weather websites—originates from a single source: the National Weather Service (NWS).

As a meteorologist living in Oklahoma, I’ve dedicated my career to understanding and communicating weather. Here, where temperatures can swing from single digits to the 70s in a matter of days and where tornadoes, flash flooding, and severe storms are regular visitors, the accuracy of forecasts determines when people take shelter when schools close and when emergency managers activate response protocols.

For less than $5 per taxpayer annually, the NWS operates a vast network of weather stations, satellites, radar systems, and supercomputers that collect and process the raw meteorological data that powers every forecast you see. This extraordinary public resource provides its data free of charge to private weather companies, local broadcasters, and app developers.

Yet despite its critical importance to our daily lives, public safety, and economy, the NWS now faces potential budget cuts that could significantly impact its operations and the quality of weather forecasting we’ve come to rely on.

Where Your Weather Data Comes From: The NWS Connection

Whenever you check the forecast or open a weather app, you see refined versions of raw information. But where does your weather data come from in the first place? The information you see began its journey at an NWS office. The private weather industry—valued at billions of dollars—repackages, refines, and distributes data collected by government equipment and personnel.

This arrangement has worked remarkably well. The government handles the expensive, complex infrastructure needed to gather basic weather data, while private companies, like Wet Dog Weather,  innovate how this information is presented and delivered to consumers. It’s a public-private partnership that serves everyone.

From my professional perspective in Norman, Oklahoma—home to the National Weather Center, where hundreds of meteorologists work, and the University of Oklahoma’s School of Meteorology, one of the largest in the country—I’ve witnessed firsthand how this system functions. The data collected and processed by the NWS forms the foundation of virtually every forecast. Without this publicly funded infrastructure, even the most talented meteorologists would be working with drastically reduced capabilities and accuracy.

Why Weather Data Matters

The value of accurate weather forecasting extends far beyond knowing whether to carry an umbrella. Consider:

• Agriculture relies on weather predictions to determine planting, harvesting, and irrigation schedules
• The aviation industry depends on weather data to ensure safe flights and efficient routing
• Emergency management officials need accurate forecasts to prepare for and respond to severe weather events
• Energy companies use weather predictions to anticipate demand and manage resources
• Shipping and logistics operations plan routes and schedules based on weather conditions

Throughout my meteorological career in Tornado Alley, I’ve seen remarkable technical improvements in weather prediction over the past decades—improvements made possible by consistent NWS funding and research. Each advancement translates directly to lives saved and property protected when severe weather strikes.

The economic impact of NWS data has been estimated numerous times its cost, making it one of the most efficient government services in terms of return on investment.

The High Cost of Cutting Corners

Few people realize where their weather data comes from—or how much effort goes into making it available. The proposed funding reductions for the National Weather Service would have far-reaching consequences:

Deteriorating Infrastructure

Weather observation requires continuous maintenance and upgrades of specialized equipment. Without proper funding, aging radar systems, weather buoys, and observation stations would gradually become less reliable, creating gaps in coverage and reducing forecast accuracy.

Delayed Technological Advancements

The NWS constantly improves its forecasting models and technologies. Budget cuts would slow or halt the development of next-generation systems. Any degradation in these systems directly impacts the ability to provide accurate, life-saving forecasts for our communities.

Reduced Warning Times

Perhaps most critically, decreased funding could impact the timeliness and accuracy of severe weather warnings. Delays in warnings during tornadoes, hurricanes, or flash floods could prove deadly.

The True Value of $5 Per Year

Considering that each American taxpayer contributes less than $5 annually to support the National Weather Service—roughly the cost of a single coffee—the return on investment becomes starkly apparent. This modest contribution supports a system that:

• Helps businesses efficiently plan their operations to reduce disruptions and losses caused by weather events.
• Issues approximately 1.5 million forecasts and 50,000 warnings yearly
• Employs over 4,000 dedicated scientists, meteorologists, and support staff across the country

In my professional opinion, few government services provide more value for the dollar than the NWS. For the price of a coffee, Americans receive a constantly updating stream of vital information that affects almost every aspect of daily life.

What You Can Do To Keep Your Weather Data Flowing

Understanding where your weather data comes from helps ensure continued support for the systems that make accurate forecasts possible. If you value weather forecasts and believe in maintaining this critical public service:

Contact your representatives: Let your congressional representatives know that funding for the National Weather Service matters to you.

Spread awareness: Share this with others so they know where their weather data comes from—and why NWS funding matters.

Support meteorological education: Programs that train the next generation of weather scientists ensure continued excellence in forecasting.

Stay informed: Follow news about proposed changes to NWS funding and operations.

As a meteorologist working in Oklahoma, I’m uniquely positioned to see how the National Weather Center and the University of Oklahoma’s meteorology program contribute to our nation’s weather forecasting capabilities. Any cuts to NWS funding wouldn’t just affect government jobs or academic programs—they would have immediate, tangible consequences for public safety nationwide.

The next time you check the temperature or storm outlook, consider where your weather data comes from and why it’s worth protecting. Remember that behind that simple temperature reading and precipitation percentage lies a vast, publicly funded infrastructure that keeps us all safer and more prepared—an infrastructure worth protecting.