20 Years, 1,000 Certified Broadcast Meteorologists

In 2025, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist program — and appropriately enough, AMS has just awarded its 1,000th CBM designation!

On-air meteorologists display the AMS CBM seal to denote that they are experts in meteorological science and forecasting as well as in science communication. CBMs help to ensure that the public has trusted sources of weather information, both in daily life and when dangerous events threaten. You can learn more about the program here. We asked our Certified Broadcast Meteorologists to weigh in on what it means to earn the seal.

What does the CBM mean to you?

“To this day, being awarded the AMS CBM designation is the proudest moment of my career. I remember looking up to so many AMS CBM meteorologists as a student, learning how to communicate our science effectively from their broadcasts. It is a honor to know my peers agreed that my work in communicating weather and climate science is clear, effective, and trustworthy. It’s the highest, most prestigious ‘stamp of approval’ for our field, and I continue to work hard to maintain its integrity.”

—Elisa Raffa, CBM #813

“Being an AMS CBM has been one of the best things I’ve done not only for my career but also for myself. It taught me that I can do anything I put my mind to, and has given me so many opportunities to be a voice and advocate in this changing broadcast industry.”

—Vanessa Alonso, CBM #815

“With the increase in the number of social media-rologists and the introduction of AI-generated forecasts, it’s never been more important for the public to have access to trusted, accurate sources of weather information. The CBM designation immediately identifies individuals as someone who understands the weather and, more importantly, how it impacts the local community they serve.”

—Tim Heller, CBM #256

“Well, considering there are […] 1,000 and I was number 76, it means I’m old. 🙂 “

—Rob Eicher, CBM #76

“As a female chief meteorologist, I am proud to have held the CBM for the last 10 years to serve as a positive example to young women coming up in the industry.”

—Jessica Hafner, CBM #695

“Earning the CBM was a career goal of mine once I saw the program released in 2005. Being recognized by your peers is one of the greatest honors as a broadcaster. I remember it being a challenging process which made it that much more rewarding once I was awarded it in 2008. I always encourage others to pursue the CBM as a way to demonstrate their expertise and to earn a credential that is backed by the world’s premier organization in weather, water and climate science.”

—Maureen McCann, CBM #228

“I’ve been proud to hold this designation since 2009 and continue to maintain it since leaving the broadcast world, as the skills and what it stands for have followed me into emergency management for the past decade.”

—Jeff Jumper, CBM #375

How or when has your CBM-related expertise had an impact?

“Being able to call out the development of a tornado minutes before the NWS warned it and then confirmed it in Goshen, OH on July 8, 2022. This helped save lives as many viewers said they took action when I warned them.”

—Brandon Spinner, CBM #923

“My audience knew that, as a CBM, not only was I a meteorologist, but I was a SCIENTIST. And I leveraged that trust by frequently adding all sorts of science and environmental information and special stories to my weathercasts, which were highly appreciated. In fact, when we put those stories on my station’s website, they were frequently among the most viewed videos on the station’s entire website that day.“

—Paul H. Gross, CCM, CBM #56

“No one in my position has ever had a CBM so to have that understanding of the atmosphere translates to my stories and reporting at all times. As the chief climate correspondent on top of chief meteorologist, I can be a great conduit of climate science thanks to my understanding of the atmosphere.”

—Ginger Zee, CBM #548

“Continuing education to retain my CBM allowed me to keep my skills sharp throughout my TV career, the pinnacle of which came in 2022 when I was the first meteorologist to go on TV (at WZVN) to alert Southwest Florida that Hurricane Ian was coming for us, not Tampa. Ian turned out to be SWFL’s worst hurricane disaster in recorded history.”

—John Patrick, CBM #403

Cheryl Nelson

“As a CBM meteorologist and FEMA-certified instructor, I use my expertise to educate communities — on air and in the classroom — on severe weather preparedness. After teaching a tornado awareness course, an emergency manager told me that my instruction to not go to the EOC until after the tornado warning was over, saved his life! Clear, science-based communication makes a real difference when seconds count.”

—Cheryl Nelson, CBM #397

“After a recent severe weather event, I had several viewers say, ‘Your coverage was outstanding. You are so calm, but you tell us exactly where the storm is and what to do. I know you saved lives.’ That is so reassuring that what we do, every day and when the weather is severe, makes a difference to so many people.”

—Lisa Spencer, CBM #2

Hear from more CBMs on our CBM 1,000th Celebration page!

I’m grateful to stand among other dedicated meteorologists maintaining trust and communicating science to our communities. Here’s to the next 1,000 Certified Broadcast Meteorologists!

—Ryan Marando, CBM #1,000

Earth Interactions: Elucidating Earth systems

The AMS Journal Earth Interactions (EI) focuses on interdisciplinary science that examines interactions between different Earth systems, inclusive of human influence and impacts. We spoke with EI’s chief editor, Sonali McDermid, about new developments at the journal and in the field.

What is the mission of Earth Interactions?

Earth Interactions aims to be a preeminent source and venue for interdisciplinary and integrative research on Earth systems science. In particular, work published in EI will expand our understanding of how Earth’s vital processes and systems, natural and human, shape each other and drive global environmental change.

Why should someone submit a paper to EI?

You can expect the following when you submit to EI: a thoughtful review process with substantive engagement from the Editors; a review process that explicitly considers interdisciplinarity, i.e., how different disciplines are represented in your manuscript; transparent and open communication on timelines to review and status updates; and help to promote your paper upon acceptance. Earth Interactions is open access, and there are no APCs (author charges) for manuscripts submitted during 2025!

What kinds of submissions are you looking for?

We are looking for submissions that consider the interface and/or interaction between different Earth system components and processes. For example, previously published papers consider land management-atmosphere interactions, ocean-atmosphere interactions, natural disasters/climate extremes and human responses, human-driven changes in biogeochemical cycling on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, to name a few. While the specific topics published have varied widely, nearly all papers demonstrate knowledge and tools stemming from more than one Earth science discipline and often (though not always) consider human impacts, past, present, and future. We recognize that this work takes time and sometimes appears more incremental — a new process-based model module or representation, or a novel dataset for a specific or particular domain — which may be easily overlooked in more disciplinary journals or not in the scope of more globally focused venues. We strive to serve as a place for this important, foundational kind of work. 

While many topics are relevant, we are right now particularly interested in Earth system science publications focused on natural or nature-based climate solutions; climate intervention; and climate, ecology, and public health. 

What has been your mission as Chief Editor?

I came to Earth Interactions in 2020, and the journal really resonated with me as I was also taking on leadership roles in my home academic department of Environmental Studies at NYU, which is also highly interdisciplinary. I found myself thinking quite a bit about how conventional disciplinary academic structures — while crucial to build strong intellectual foundations — felt insufficient to tackle complex modern (environmental/climate) challenges. For example, the timescales of tenure and even grants may not allow for the needed exploration to build knowledge of multiple fields/tools/disciplines, and the incentive structure may not create space for that as well. 

My mission as an Editor is to create a space for this kind of work in academic publishing and journals, which takes time and considerable effort to do well. Furthermore, it can be difficult to review papers that combine multiple tools and approaches, and reviewers can (understandably) focus on details they know and feel comfortable with, thereby “missing the forest for the trees” or not seeing what makes the work novel. 

I want to foster a review process that better considers these things, where Editors are in dialogue with each other about each manuscript and where they encourage the reviewers to consider merits beyond specific disciplinary perspectives and approaches. We have now built such processes into our review process, by asking reviewers to answer simple questions on how a manuscript combines information on multiple Earth system components and/or why a manuscript may be considered interdisciplinary and useful to many different perspectives and fields.

The journal has been doing some retooling lately. What does the future look like?

Per the above, we have updated EI’s scope to better reflect the wide range of research we’d like to feature. We have also modified the review process to ask reviewers to answer simple questions on how a manuscript combines information on multiple Earth system components and/or why a manuscript may be considered interdisciplinary and useful to many different perspectives and fields. We are adding Editors to our roster from across a wide variety of fields (and are interested to add more — please contact me!). We are now soliciting a small number of Perspective pieces to help signal new and emerging and urgent areas of Earth systems science work. And finally, AMS is waiving APC charges during 2025 while keeping open access. We hope that all these changes will signal our commitment to Earth system science research in the review process and lower the barriers to entry for potential authors, particularly early-career. 

What do you find exciting about the field right now?

I’m excited about how Earth systems science research will evolve, particularly in this new era of AI, and how this can advance our understanding of coupled natural and human processes that have been thus far enigmatic or difficult to understand or capture by conventional, disciplinary tools and approaches. I’m also interested to see how such work can help us support timely and thoughtful action on some of the most pressing environmental problems, including climate and ecosystem change, biodiversity loss, and water resource depletion (among others).

Interested in submitting your work to Earth Interactions? Learn more here.

Celebrating Certified AMS Teachers!

AMS recently awarded the 100th Certified AMS Teacher designation! The American Meteorological Society’s Certified AMS Teacher (CAT) Program recognizes educators who are working to improve Earth science literacy in grades K–12, connecting them with AMS resources and the atmospheric science community. The program ensures teachers stay up-to-date on the latest in weather, water, and climate science, and offers AMS Education Program coursework to further their knowledge.

Congratulations to all our CAT-certified educators!

“Becoming a Certified AMS Teacher (CAT) has significantly enhanced my professional growth and classroom expertise as an 8th grade Earth Science teacher by deepening my ability to design hands-on, inquiry-based lessons that engage students and address misconceptions. The certification has strengthened my skills in differentiating instruction and fostering inclusive learning environments. This transformative experience has made me a more effective and reflective educator committed to student success.”


—Chase Berlin, Certified AMS Teacher

“I am absolutely thrilled to be part of AMS’s Certified Teacher program! A growing team of educational leaders advancing the latest in Earth Science knowledge.”

—William Mullin, Certified AMS Teacher

“My students know that I love weather. My 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd-graders have made cloud wheels so they understand cloud patterns. My 4th- and 5th-graders make cloud observations and have learned how to use my weather instruments. Students enjoy looking at my weather books and posters. They love learning outside. Weather is everywhere, so it is something that I think all students really need to understand and appreciate.”

—Betty Jo Moore, Certified AMS Teacher

“The CAT program has allowed me to become a more passionate teacher within my own content. It has helped me build on explanations of scientific processes within Earth Science and has given me a deeper understanding of how to guide my students in their learning.”

—Daniel Schuchardt, Certified AMS Teacher

“Science educators work on the frontlines. They introduce students, families, and the community to important concepts and ideas that influence our daily lives and decision-making. Teachers are also perpetual students, often dedicating their entire lives to staying current with the latest in science. It only makes sense that they get the recognition and credit they deserve with certifications like the CAT.”

—Aaron Price, Ph.D., AMS Director of Education

How to become an AMS Certified Teacher

If you are an active, in-service K–12 teacher or informal educator (for example, a museum docent, education center employee, or aquarium tour guide), you are eligible to become a Certified AMS Teacher (CAT) through the AMS if you have completed two of the AMS Education Program’s Professional Development Courses.

In-service K–12 teachers and informal educators who have not taken these courses are also eligible to apply if their principal occupation is K–12 education and they hold a degree in atmospheric or a related science. Educators who fall into this category, or who have completed two of the AMS Education Program’s courses more than five years ago, must also upload a lesson plan with their application.

The AMS Board on Pre-College Education is responsible for evaluating applications and making recommendations to the Education and Engagement Commissioner for review and final decision about certification. If interested, you may apply online here.

Research Spotlight: T-REX and the Quest for Sustainable Almonds

USDA photo of an almond orchard in Livingston, CA. Photo by Lance Cheung.

A meteorological field project is partnering with orchards to reduce water use in California’s dry climate

California is one of the world’s key agricultural regions. However, the highly variable “boom-and-bust” rainfall pattern of its Mediterranean climate, combined with massive overuse of groundwater regionally, threatens both the state’s farmers and the population’s drinking water. Irrigation accounts for nearly 70% of groundwater withdrawals in the state.

The Tree-Crop Remote Sensing of Evapotranspiration Experiment (T-REX) aims to help farmers monitor and sustainably reduce water use in California, with lessons for farmers in Mediterranean climate regions around the world. You can read about the project in this BAMS paper.

We spoke with Nicholas (Nico) Bambach, PhD, T-REX project co-lead, to find out more.

Bambach canoeing in the Amazon. Photo courtesy of Nico Bambach.>>

Nico Bambach canoeing

What are the aims of T-REX?

Mediterranean climate regions, such as Chile’s Central Valley and California’s San Joaquin Valley, are only about 3% of the Earth’s land surface [yet] are notable for their high biodiversity and productive agriculture. Most crops grown in this climate rely on irrigation to satisfy spring and summer crop water demands.

Alarming warming trends and unprecedented droughts have challenged farmers in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Australia, South Africa, and Chile since I started college in the mid-2000s. As an Agricultural Engineering student, I kept hearing about the need to increase irrigation efficiencies and better manage water resources. … Near two decades later, I found my place within a diverse team, tackling questions related to these themes. [We are] using holistic and interdisciplinary research approaches … to identify how we can help and work with stakeholders interested in using new technologies to become more efficient with their water use.

How did the project begin, and how does it work?

With strong support from Bill Kustas, Martha Anderson, and Andrew McElrone, Kyle Knipper and I grew the T-REX project from our postdoctoral work on a similar UC Davis project focused on vineyards—GRAPEX, the Grape Remote Sensing Atmospheric Profile and Evapotranspiration eXperiment.

GRAPEX is a hands-on research project aiming to help farmers manage vineyards using satellites, so they can reduce the amount of water needed to produce California wines. We have developed tools that use satellites and other technologies to monitor how much water vineyards are using and if the plants are under stress. To do this, we collect data from different wine-growing regions.

Up close, we measure how leaves and vines take in and release carbon and water and how much moisture is in the soil at various depths. Using special sensors on a tall tower, we can track how wind moves and how much water vapor or heat goes up or down. This helps us determine how much water plants are using, how much heat the ground is giving off, or how much carbon dioxide plants absorb. We also use planes or drones to gather information from above, covering areas as small as a few centimeters to many kilometers. Then, we work with wineries to identify the best way to provide this information for their decision-making.

The T-REX project is an expansion of GRAPEX. We use what we learned from wine grapes to apply to almonds, pistachios, and olives. … Considering the importance of the almond industry in California, we decided to focus our efforts [at the beginning] on developing accessible tools to inform irrigation decisions [for almond orchards] based on satellite observations. … We are learning more about how different environments, crop types, and agricultural management can impact the potential of these satellite-based tools.

What is it like partnering with farmers?

Working in commercial farms is challenging yet also rewarding. Every farm has its own way of operating machinery, and we must constantly adapt so that our field research team and equipment are not in their way. Summer days can be scorching, but we are doing many campaigns to ensure we understand the impact of using satellite-based irrigation recommendations at every level. We are quantifying plant stress, orchard productivity, fruit quality parameters, soil-health parameters, and many others. Our results are promising, and we are excited about that. Also, working directly with farmers gives us huge motivation; we hear the need for better tools to support sustainable farming. Growers are trying their best to run their farms not only for profit but also because they are proud of what they do and want to do it well.

<< A researcher climbs a micrometeorological flux tower at the T-REX field site in Woodland, California. Photo courtesy of Nico Bambach.

Every crop is managed differently, and plant species respond differently to such management; finding methods to model that well can be challenging. Ecological studies usually deal with ecosystem responses to certain environmental conditions. In our case, we [also need] to understand how human decisions affect the crop and agroecosystem responses observed.

… We are evolving to better integrate our understanding of the carbon and nitrogen cycles in California’s agroecosystems. Adapting theory and tools to these landscapes is more challenging than it might seem. Yet we are excited to work with farmers on how to grow food, promote soil health, and identify potential climate mitigation opportunities.

How has the project grown, and what are your hopes for the future?

We have expanded into what we envision as a long-term regional-scale observatory of California’s agroecosystems, [becoming] the Crop Sensing Group hosted by the ARS-USDA Sustainable Agriculture Water System Unit in Davis, California. We [are] a diverse, fun, and motivated group of more than thirty people working on critical fundamental and applied research questions revolving around how to do agriculture sustainably in Mediterranean climate regions. We aim to advance our capabilities to integrate across spatial and temporal scale crop-sensing datasets for climate resilience and solutions.

Providing growers with timely and readily available access to crop water use data will help them use water more efficiently. Given how scarce water has become in California, we hope that our project releases some pressure on such a critical resource as water. We believe that will be better for the environment and our communities[—although the pathways are not always clear]. For example, such “saved water” could [be used to grow] more food instead of [becoming] available for the environment or other uses.

The T-REX project intertwines with my personal and professional growth. It is like a kid I get to co-parent with many other people I enjoy having around. It’s also “cool” to think that we are following the path that people like John Norman, Bill Kustas, Martha Anderson, and many others started. … [It] is a huge responsibility and a privilege.

Photo at top: USDA photo of an almond orchard in Livingston, CA. Photo by Lance Cheung.

Impact and Reward

Recognizing Volunteer Month at AMS

In the second of our two Volunteer Month posts, we hear from AMS volunteers about what they get from their experience, and what they’d tell others about volunteering! The AMS is grateful to each and every volunteer for their invaluable work advancing our Society and our enterprise. Read our first Volunteer Month post here, or learn more about AMS Commissions, Boards, and Committees.

Why do you volunteer with AMS?

“Nobody pursues a career in the atmospheric, oceanic or related sciences without having a deep inner passion for the science. That passion should also extend to furthering excellence and advancements in our field, and there is no better way to contribute to our science than by volunteering on AMS boards and committees. The rewards are endless! Not only do you feel such immense personal satisfaction supporting your field and colleagues, but you also meet others in your area of specialty — and that sometimes leads to new job or research opportunities in addition to the added benefit of new friendships and professional relationships for life. The AMS is an amazing community — come be a part of it!

–Paul Gross

“If science were a house, then AMS would be the “living room” of our field, a place where we gather, share ideas and skills, host guests, and advocate for our community. As a volunteer, I got to play a role in helping make that living room a little bit bigger, brighter, and more welcoming. I hope all members consider how to give back in ways that keeps AMS the living room we all need it to be, especially in this moment when the roof is caving in.”

-Ankur Desai

“Volunteering with AMS has been an incredibly rewarding experience, allowing me to connect with professionals across disciplines while contributing to the advancement of our field. Through my involvement, I’ve had the opportunity to support scientists, engage in meaningful discussions on weather and climate, and help foster a collaborative community. AMS has played a key role in my professional growth, and I’m grateful for the chance to give back to an organization that has supported me throughout my career.”

–Angelie Nieves Jiménez

“I have served in numerous capacities from organizer of an AMS student chapter to the STAC Commissioner, and now editor of the Glossary of Meteorology. These experiences have allowed me to meet and work with people in the academic, public, and private sectors of the Society. I have connected with many professionals and AMS staff, which would not have happened were it not for my AMS affiliation. These connections have served me well.”

–Ward Seguin

“Every hour I put into volunteering for the AMS gives me so much more in return. I have met so many intelligent, hardworking, and dedicated professionals from so many different fields, all of whom have been a source of inspiration and knowledge. I also appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the organization which has helped me in many ways, and to help, in any small way, the larger scientific endeavor.”

–Lance Steele

Wendy Abshire

“Volunteering with the AMS has been invaluable at every stage of my career. Being an active local chapter officer led to service on my first national committee. Not only have I been able to feel good about helping with the important work of the Society on many fronts, but I have also been able to contribute to the evolution of the Society in ways that I found meaningful. My AMS engagement enhanced my leadership skills and assisted my networking to advance my career. To this day, I owe hundreds of my professional connections and friendships to my time spent volunteering with the AMS!”

–Wendy Abshire

“AMS is a huge part of my life. I honestly don’t know where I would be in my career and life without it. Through my involvement in the organization, I have been able to serve as an ambassador and voice for the industry I work in and have had the opportunity to meet so many people and make lifelong friendships because of AMS. I am forever grateful.”

–Vanessa Alonso

“I enjoy speaking to people about the weather, and [the Board on Outreach and Informal Education] is developing programs on Science for Everyone. I know everyone is interested in weather and climate, and this would be an opportunity to participate in outreach. It also presented an opportunity to engage with other AMS members. I hope to continue to work with this board.”

–Michael Witiw

“[Volunteer service] helped me build lifelong collegial and scientific relationships both in AMS and related societies like AGU. Continuing service over the years has helped reinforce my personal commitment to AMS even though I am officially retired from my full-time career. I hope those who read this and the other testimonials will also develop the deep understanding and commitment to AMS that I have. Science and service go hand-in-hand. Thanks for the opportunity to share.”

–Eileen Lavonne Shea

“I come to the AMS via a nontraditional path. My work experience was completely in the IT world, but I have always had a love of science and particularly meteorology. After retiring from the banking world, I became very interested in the effective communication of weather information. … [I] participated as a presenter in the first Citizen Science Symposium (later Jamposium) and was hooked. When asked to participate on the Jamposium committee I agreed because it fit with my interest in making meteorology accessible to a wide audience. I have gotten much more out of volunteering than I have contributed. I have learned much from the smart and talented committee members and presenters. I have learned from folks from varied backgrounds and experiences. I would recommend to anyone to find an opportunity within the AMS that fits with interests then step in to the opportunity to further your and AMS goals.”

–Rick Haltermon

“Joining the AMS Board on Societal Impacts has provided me a way to give back to the community I call home. During my time on the Board, I have built strong connections with other professionals, seen great growth, and gained a better understanding of our field and the AMS organization. As an AMS volunteer, I can make a meaningful difference to our community and give back for the exceptional mentorship I have received over the past several years. I am excited to continue our work generating more opportunities for the community.”

–Michael Michaud

“I have thoroughly enjoyed serving on AMS boards and committees over the past 5 years. I feel I have been able to contribute to important work for AMS including survey projects and planning events. It has also given me connections to people I wouldn’t otherwise normally work with, not only enriching my life but also creating networking opportunities in the field. I would encourage others to join a committee or board that interests them, especially early career members like myself.”

–Katie Boyd

Learn more about volunteering with AMS here.

Without a Strong Weather Enterprise America’s Economic Leadership Is at Risk

AMS logo

A Statement of the American Meteorological Society

Summary and Recommendations of a Special Report of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) Weather Enterprise Study

For decades, the United States has led the world in supplying weather information that provides for the protection of life and property and supports all segments of the nation’s economy. This success springs from the carefully constructed balance among the government, private, nongovernmental organization (NGO), and academic sectors working in weather — known collectively as the weather enterprise. Each sector depends critically on the work of the others so that together they efficiently and effectively serve the nation. With the value of weather and climate information to the U.S. economy exceeding $100 billion annually (10 times the investment made by taxpayers), it is clear that a strong weather enterprise is essential to America’s economic leadership.

All components of the weather enterprise contribute to the public good in a balanced way that has been honed over decades in an intentional and collaborative manner to take advantage of the strengths of each sector.

Critically, every facet of the success of the U.S. weather enterprise depends on the high-quality research, data, and services provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other federal agencies. Recent reductions in staffing and funding across federal agencies threaten the carefully established balance of the enterprise, placing the entire chain of observations, quality control, model forecasts, and decision support for the protection of life and property at risk. A failure of these systems would be catastrophic, causing, for example, shorter tornado warning lead-time, more uncertainty in hurricane landfall intensity and location, and worse forecast of snowfall amounts — all of which will put the pocketbooks and lives of hard-working Americans at greater risk. Data delivery failures and worse forecasts also will create costly and dangerous delays for sensitive private sector systems and clients like power companies, transportation, real time risk management, and data farms. Further, the members of our U.S. Armed Forces regularly depend on timely, accurate weather forecast information underpinned by NOAA, meaning that any degradation of services could have disastrous consequences on their lives and to our national security.

Fewer upper-air observations that are critical to severe storm forecasting and canceled training for meteorologists who support forecast fire operations are just two examples of impacts that are already being felt. Other impacts will include deferred or canceled maintenance, upgrades, and preparations for the future, a loss of scientific progress and technological innovation, and an inability to build and retain a strong workforce — all of which threaten U.S. scientific and economic leadership.

The Federal agencies in the public sector, most notably NOAA but also NASA, NSF, USGS, DOE, and others, provide a foundational role in supporting the rest of the weather enterprise.

As hazardous weather events will always be a part of life in the United States and approximately one-third of the U.S. economy is sensitive to weather and climate, the continued efforts of the weather enterprise are crucial to enable American families, businesses, troops, and communities to prepare for and protect themselves from weather risks. Three immediate actions are recommended to restore capabilities to protect life and property from weather risks and to allow the carefully balanced public–private partnership within the weather enterprise to continue to support economic growth:

Recommendation 1: Maintain a strong NOAA with adequate resources to maintain scientifically curated, high-quality, foundational observations, to secure critical national data and computing infrastructure, and to restore sufficient staffing in the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR), which will ensure protection of life and property and a more robust economy.

Recommendation 2: Restore critically important funding for Earth science research in NOAA, NSF, DOE, and NASA to support the development of new observing technologies and models (including AI modeling) within the agencies and through cooperative institutes and cooperative research and development agreements with private sector companies.

Recommendation 3: Ensure continued funding to university and other collaborative research efforts in atmospheric science to support the training of the next generation of leaders, the development of new technologies (e.g., those leveraging AI to improve models, products, and services), and the inclusion of social science research into severe weather events and community responses in support of commercial enterprise (e.g., the insurance and reinsurance industries).

View this statement on the AMS website.

View the full AMS Policy Special Report.

Earth Day 2025

Science, Beauty, and Wonder in Uncertain Times

By AMS President-Elect Alan Sealls

From space, we see our home planet. Earth. The Blue Marble. A unique sphere covered partially by land, mostly by ocean, somewhat by ice, but completely by a thin and delicate layer of atmosphere. Join the American Meteorological Society (AMS) in celebrating Earth Day 2025. To the young and young at heart, especially in times of turmoil and uncertainty, keep up the efforts to protect our planet. AMS does that 365 days a year as seen in the passionate work of our members and colleagues who study weather, water, and climate. From agriculture to aviation, from commerce to transportation to recreation and your vacation, from health to habitats for humans and all creatures big and small, understanding the planet through observation, data, research, and modeling rewards humanity and ensures not just stronger economies and safer communities, but also enhances the ability to predict and plan for changes on Earth.

Along with a deep appreciation for how the atmosphere operates, members of AMS are awed by the sheer magnificence and beauty of clouds, rainbows, snow crystals, and distant lightning. Indeed, we are in awe of the Earth system, including polar ice, ocean currents, solar storms, and jet streams. We have never lost our child-like curiosity and sense of wonder, and we hope that everyone takes a few moments on Earth Day to feel the sun and wind on their face and to see the stars twinkle at night.

We have one Earth. Appreciate it. Be thankful for the knowledge gained over centuries by scientists and citizen scientists, and those who simply marvel at nature. That gives us a deeper understanding of how nature’s cycles impact humans and how humans impact those cycles. On this Earth Day, it continues to be the mission of the AMS to help everyone understand that air, land, and water are intertwined with each other and our lives. By investing in a greater understanding of how the atmosphere and oceans work, we invest in the health and well-being of our communities and future generations.

Earth Day trivia…

  • Most of the world’s freshwater is frozen in glaciers.
  • Wind is air in motion. We feel it because air has weight.
  • Meteorology is the study of hydrometeors – rain, snow, sleet, and hail.
  • You can find snow near the equator, but only at high mountain elevations.
  • Antarctica is considered a desert because very little precipitation occurs.

Photo credit: “Earthrise,” by Apollo 8 astronaut Bill Anders. NASA.

Advancing the Enterprise

Recognizing Volunteer Month at AMS

April is Volunteer Month! Thousands of people contribute their time and energy to the activities of the American Meteorological Society, whether they are advancing their fields through scientific commissions, editing or reviewing manuscripts submitted to AMS journals, serving as the Society’s volunteer leadership, or helping make the enterprise as a whole more effective, inclusive, and innovative. In the first of two blog posts, we hear what some of our volunteers have been working on! You can learn more about the volunteer leadership of AMS Commissions, Boards, and Committees here.

What work have you been involved with as an AMS volunteer?

“Through the AMS Board on Student Affairs, I have had the privilege to work with students from many different universities and meet students from around the world! This experience has led to new, lifelong friendships within the AMS community.

Our board also serves as the voice for students throughout AMS, and this unique opportunity has led to many different connections between students, other AMS boards, and AMS leadership. … I look forward to the continued success of bringing student voices to the table.”

–Dillon Blount

“Serving as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology (JAMC) has been a rewarding and impactful experience. It’s an opportunity to contribute to the community, remain at the forefront of groundbreaking research, and support authors in refining their work for maximum impact. …

Looking ahead, I am excited to continue supporting AMS’s mission and to play a role in fostering an inclusive and high-quality scientific publishing environment.”

–Yog Aryal

“When we scientists think about science education and outreach, we think of students in preschool to graduate school. … We can forget about … our family members, friends, neighbors, and community members who also deserve accessible opportunities to learn about weather, water, and climate. … I volunteer with the Board on Outreach and Informal Education (BOIE) where we are developing long-term science programming across the United States for adults. I’m excited to be part of this continued planning to help establish an informative and trustworthy relationship between AMS and the adults of our communities.”

–Michelle Serino

“I find working with the Weather, Climate, and Society [editorial] board in reviewing academic articles very fulfilling as I get to play a crucial role in ensuring high standards are maintained in the quality of research outputs that are published in the field. I am excited when I get glimpses of cutting-edge concepts and findings around the world and having the opportunity to refine directions in this field is a humbling experience. Hailing from the Caribbean, participating in this process allows me to bring a critical perspective to the discourse from my experiences with the realities of Small Island Developing States.”

–Sarah Buckland-Reynolds

“Volunteering with the AMS Student Conference Planning Committee has been an incredibly rewarding experience. … I’ve been able to directly contribute to the organization and execution of impactful conference events that bring together students from all over the U.S. (and world!), providing them with a platform to share their research and ideas.

What excites me most is the chance to create a space for collaboration and learning, where emerging scientists can engage with each other and seasoned professionals. I’m particularly proud of the way our committee has continuously elevated the conference experience, making it more inclusive and accessible to a diverse range of students. … We are dedicated to providing a supportive environment where students can present their research, develop professional skills, and form lasting networks.”

–Joey Rotondo

“I have had the privilege of serving on several AMS committees over the years and this activity has been one of the major highlights of my career. There is tremendous satisfaction in helping organize a conference and then seeing it unfold successfully in real time. Being on AMS committees has also given me the opportunity to interact with a much larger segment of the atmosphere/ocean community, as well as the dedicated staff at the AMS. These activities have led to both scientific collaborations and the development of long-lasting friendships that would not have happened otherwise. I highly recommend that AMS members of any generation, but especially young scientists, join an AMS committee to enhance their careers and experience the rewards of working as a team to enhance our science for the benefit of society.”

–George Kiladis

“I joined the AMS Weather Analysis and Forecasting (WAF) Committee as a postdoctoral research associate to engage with the broader AMS community and immediately started contributing to the development of an implementation plan. … I collaborated with colleagues from diverse scientific backgrounds and career stages to represent the interests of government, academia, and the private sector in weather analysis and numerical weather prediction. Our work focused on outreach, advocacy, and organizing conferences to advance the field. … I co-led an initiative to engage experts in social and behavioral sciences to better understand how to effectively disseminate localized information to vulnerable communities at risk from extreme weather events. …

Moving forward, I am excited to serve on the WAF outreach subcommittee, where we plan to organize periodic webinars and outreach events to engage a broader audience. Our goal is to share the latest research and expert guidance, ensuring that stakeholders receive scientifically accurate information and remain situationally aware of weather-related risks. By fostering informed decision-making, we aim to build a more resilient community prepared for future disasters.”

–Milind Sharma

“I loved the experience of helping develop [Certified Digital Meteorologist (CDM)] certification and meeting so many gifted meteorologists. The connections with so many different fields in meteorology have been extremely rewarding.”

–Steven DiMartino

“Volunteering in the AMS has been an energizing experience, regardless of whether it has been on Boards (BBP, BEED, BCCM), Committees (CoE, Henry Harrison Award Nomination, CCM Examination Update, Ad Hoc Committee on the Ethics and Policy of AI/ML), organizing conferences (CCM Symposia), leading boards (BCCM, BBP), acting as a reviewer for Weather, Climate, and Society, developing and participating in short courses … webinars … or discussion panels it has been exciting and fulfilling. In every case, I have met and worked with amazing colleagues and AMS staff that have supported and encouraged my career and efforts to help our society. … You can choose where to be involved and make an impact on our profession… I highly encourage you to explore the opportunities to help and learn. Take the plunge now. Don’t delay.”

–Gerald Mulvey

Learn more about volunteering with AMS here.

Stand Up for NOAA Research — The Time to Act Is Now

AMS and NWA logos

A Statement of the American Meteorological Society in Partnership with the National Weather Association

The administration’s 2026 budget passback plan, currently under consideration, eliminates NOAA’s Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) Office and its 10 research laboratories and 16 affiliated Cooperative Institutes, and moves the few remaining research efforts to different NOAA departments. If enacted, the passback would close all of NOAA’s weather, climate, and ocean Laboratories and Cooperative Institutes.  

The speed at which these decisions are being made translates into little to no opportunity for feedback or consideration of long-term impacts. Without NOAA research, National Weather Service (NWS) weather models and products will stagnate, observational data collection will be reduced, public outreach will decrease, undergraduate and graduate student support will drop, and NOAA funding for universities will plummet. In effect, the scientific backbone and workforce needed to keep weather forecasts, alerts, and warnings accurate and effective will be drastically undercut, with unknown — yet almost certainly disastrous — consequences for public safety and economic health. As key stakeholders, AMS and NWA stand ready to provide our expertise so that the U.S. can maintain its competitiveness in the years ahead.   

If you believe in the importance of NOAA research for maintaining and improving NWS forecasts and services to the nation then the time to act is now. Reach out to your elected representatives and share your concerns.

NOAA Research: Left: Flight operations (credit: NOAA Photo Library on Flickr); center: NOAA/National Severe Storms Laboratory X-Pol Mobile radar after a storm has passed overhead (credit: NOAA Photo Library on Flickr); right: Lightning over National Severe Storms Laboratory mobile mesonet, Oklahoma, Enid, May 15, 2009 (credit: NOAA Photo Library on Flickr)

To envision the disastrous impact of this plan, one only needs to see what NOAA research has provided to the U.S. taxpayer and imagine where we would be without it. For example, the work of NOAA Research Labs and Cooperative Institutes:

  • Sparked and developed our national Doppler radar network. NOAA research proved that Doppler weather radars are critical for severe thunderstorm warnings. This research led directly to the creation of the national Doppler weather radar network, which provides the radar observations you see on television and on your phone, and which meteorologists use to keep you safe during hazardous and severe weather. The next generation of weather radar is now being developed in the same laboratories. 
  • Feeds National Weather Service forecasts. NOAA research created and continuously improves the two computer weather models used by the National Weather Service to generate hourly and daily weather forecasts. One model focuses on predicting severe weather and is used extensively by the transportation and energy sectors. Another model predicts global weather patterns across the world for the 3- to 14-day range, with forecast outlooks used by farmers, ranchers, and water managers.    
  • Helps us respond to hurricanes. The NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft that fly into Atlantic Ocean hurricanes collect essential observations to improve forecasts of hurricane landfall location and intensity, leading to better evacuation decisions and emergency response. This directly impacts public safety during extreme weather events. 
  • Helps us track airborne hazards. NOAA research developed and continuously improves models to track the release of hazardous materials, including toxins, wildfire smoke, and volcanic ash, to keep people out of danger–as well as creating specialized instruments to detect those airborne hazards.  
  • Keeps water treatment plants on track. NOAA implemented and operates a lake hypoxia warning system to help keep drinking water potable in the Great Lakes region.
  • Warns communities of tsunamis. NOAA researchers developed and maintain the real-time tsunami monitoring system that plays a critical role in tsunami forecasting and helps keep coastal communities safe.  
  • Helps farmers and managers plan. NOAA created and runs an El-Niño information system to assist in seasonal forecasting of temperature and rainfall across the U.S. This helps farmers, ranchers, water managers, and electric utility companies make better decisions.
  • Keeps water supplies more secure. NOAA research developed and continuously advances water information systems to better manage large reservoirs that supply water to towns, cities, and farmers across the nation. 
  • Addresses climate change. NOAA research has developed and improved climate models, the U.S. Climate Reference Network, and monitoring stations to learn about our changing climate and its causes.

Imagine what will happen to tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings if we don’t have a robust national weather radar network? What will happen to reservoir management when critical information on rainfall and runoff goes missing? What will happen when Hurricane Hunter aircraft are delayed or data from their instruments are not available to improve hurricane track and landfall forecasts? NOAA research affects the lives of American taxpayers every day. It is vital to the work of the National Weather Service and the NOAA mission to predict the environment and share that information with businesses, communities, state and local governments, and citizens.   

NOAA Research costs every American citizen less than a cup of coffee a year, with large returns on this small investment. This is a prime example of effective government — one that helps grow the economy and keeps people safe. 

Now is the time to reach out to your elected representatives. Consider installing the 5 Calls app on your phone to assist you. To find your Congressional Representative or Senator you can use these resources:

View this statement on the AMS website.

Science Helps You Thrive: Strong U.S. Scientific Leadership Raises Us All

AMS logo

An open letter to Americans

The administration is instructing all federal science agencies to plan for budget and staff reductions of 25% to 60% starting this fall. In 2024 the cumulative research spending at federal non-defense science agencies (DoE, NASA, NIST, NOAA, NIH, NSF, and USGS) accounted for about $1 for every $100 of federal spending. Science and technology fuel the engines of economic growth and the benefits we reap from federal investments in science have proven enormous. The proposed reductions in federal science agency budgets threaten our global competitiveness, future economic prosperity, safety, and health.

What has scientific research done for you lately? Federal science agency funding of research has led to:

  • improved weather forecasts and warnings to keep you safe when hazardous weather strikes;
  • the internet, Wi-Fi, and methods to connect different computer networks;
  • improvements in cybersecurity to keep your personal information safe;
  • the development of new cancer treatments and new antibiotics;
  • methods to edit genes to treat diseases;
  • 3-D printing used to make tools, household items, and prosthetics;
  • advances in semiconductors that are used to make the electronics in your computer and phone; and
  • the development of the MRI that provides images of the inside of your body to diagnose tissue damage and broken bones.

These are just a few of the advances brought about by federally funded scientific research.

The funding of basic science research is our seed corn for the future. Years may go by before this investment benefits society, but that is the whole point — investing in our future by using a small amount of funding now to support foundational research that has a large and positive impact on how we live tomorrow. Nearly a third of U.S. patents result from federally funded research, highlighting the vital role of federal science funding in driving innovation and economic growth. Additionally this investment ensures workforce development through the training of the next generation of skilled science and technology professionals. Decreases in federal science funding mean that our nation will have fewer scientists in the future, our industries will not be able to fulfill their needs for scientific talent, and our economic growth will slow. U.S. industries will have a harder time competing internationally.

Some federal science funding supports government scientists — experts in their fields — who conduct research to improve safety, national security, and human health. The rest of federal science funding is distributed via a highly competitive grants process to universities, private corporations, and non-governmental organizations.

Our health, our safety, and our prosperity are on the line — stand up for strong federal funding of science to ensure our future.