AMS

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

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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

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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.

The U.S. Weather Enterprise: A National Treasure at Risk

AMS logo

A Statement of the American Meteorological Society

U.S. leadership in scientific innovation is at risk due to the recent and ongoing reductions in U.S. federal science capabilities. The consequences to the American people will be large and wide-ranging, including increased vulnerability to hazardous weather.

The federal science workforce and federal investments in science are central to the success of the weather enterprise–the partnership between public, private, academic, and non-governmental organizations that provides information and services to protect people, businesses, and the environment. Estimates of the value of weather and climate information to the U.S. economy exceed $100 billion annually,1 roughly 10 times the investment made by U.S. taxpayers through the federal agencies involved in weather-related science and services. It is an internationally recognized and highly respected means of multiplying value and benefits to the American people.

Recent terminations within the government workforce for science are likely to cause irreparable harm and have far-reaching consequences for public safety, economic well-being, and the United States’ global leadership.

The federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which includes the National Weather Service, is a vital partner in the weather enterprise, providing critical weather and climate information that helps keep the people of the United States informed, prepared, and safe. NOAA also provides crucial foundational support for the enterprise. This support includes collecting scientific observations and conducting scientific research, developing and improving weather and climate models, and the provision of public services such as weather forecasts and warnings, fisheries management, and marine protection. These products and services are freely accessible to all people, businesses, NGOs, and academic institutions. Other federal agencies, such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA), the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, and the Department of Agriculture (USDA), also provide foundational observations, scientific understanding, computational resources, and services for the enterprise.

Private businesses and NGOs use this foundation of science and services to create innovative, value-added products for their clients. Universities rely on NOAA data and models to advance knowledge and train the workforce of the future. As a result of these collaborative partnerships throughout the enterprise, the American people are safer, healthier, and more prosperous.

This unique private-public partnership didn’t happen by accident but by design and through persistent effort. Roles and responsibilities of private businesses, universities, the federal government, and NGOs in the enterprise have developed and adapted over decades to provide timely weather forecasts and information that protect people, improve livelihoods, save money, and add tremendous economic value to our nation.

To ensure the continued success of the enterprise and the American people who depend upon it, the AMS urges strong support for NOAA and the other federal science agencies and extreme caution in altering federal roles and responsibilities within the weather enterprise.

  1. Lazo, J. 2024: Communicating Forecast Uncertainty (CoFU) 2: Replication and Extension of a Survey of the US Public’s Sources, Perceptions, Uses, and Values for Weather Information. An AMS Policy Program Study. The American Meteorological Society, Washington, D.C. https://doi.org/10.1175/cofu2-2024 ↩︎

AMS Offers Direct Support to the Weather, Water, and Climate Community

AMS logo

From the AMS Executive Committee and Executive Staff

Over the past week, we have seen significant changes, including actual and proposed reductions in funding and staff across several federal agencies. These shifts, and associated uncertainty, are prompting concern across the weather and climate enterprise, as public safety, economic stability, and scientific research spanning government, academia, and the private sector may be impacted, directly or indirectly. Any funding cuts or reorganization must ensure that essential functions are not degraded.

It is possible that many dedicated professionals in the weather, water, and climate (WWC) community — whose work has provided immense value to the nation — will feel the effects of potential changes. The American Meteorological Society stands in support of those who may be affected and recognizes their invaluable contributions. Today, we want to focus on actions AMS is taking to directly support those impacted by these changes.

Starting next week, AMS will be temporarily opening a variety of services to the entire community regardless of 2025 membership status. These will include:

  • AMS job board and early access to job announcements,
  • AMS Career Portal,
  • access to AMS career and other webinars, and
  • access to AMS journals online content.

For those who are impacted by job loss as a result of any changes across the government, AMS will also temporarily provide:

  • significant reduction in virtual and in-person meeting registration fee, and
  • waivers of 2025 AMS membership dues.

Look for additional details about these changes in the coming weeks.

We also want to hear from you on what additional actions you would like AMS to take in support of the WWC enterprise and the individuals impacted in recent weeks. You can optionally provide feedback.

Regarding actions all of us can take, we once again encourage you to contact your elected representatives (national and local) and share the successes of the WWC enterprise with your friends, neighbors, and community groups. Through our combined efforts and actions we are at our most effective and impactful in communicating the value of and ensuring the success of the WWC community and science more broadly.

To find your Congressional Representative or Senator you can use these resources:

Signed: Executive Committee and Executive Staff of the AMS

David Stensrud, President 2025
Alan Sealls, Incoming President 2026
Anjuli Bamzai, Past President 2024
Brad Colman, Past President 2023
Becky DePodwin, Executive Committee member
Bill Kuo, Executive Committee member

Brian Papa, Acting Executive Director
Stephanie Armstrong, Associate Executive Director
Paul Higgins, Associate Executive Director

Black History Month Spotlight: Alan Sealls

Alan Sealls speaks with attendees at the AMS 105th Annual Meeting

February is Black History Month. In this post, we spotlight the illustrious career of AMS’s president elect, Alan Sealls.

Sealls is an AMS Fellow and Certified Broadcast Meteorologist, and an adjunct professor at the University of South Alabama. He retired in January 2024 from a 37-year career in broadcast meteorology (most recently, he was chief meteorologist at WPMI-TV in Mobile), in which he won 16 regional Emmys. He has also received multiple AMS awards and held many leadership positions within both the AMS and the National Weather Association. We spoke with Alan about his career and what he’s learned. You can read his full bio here.

Can you give us a few career highlights?

The big thing that most people talk about is when I went viral, covering Hurricane Irma in 2017, getting millions of views on YouTube for what I thought was just a solid discussion and forecast about the storm!

My TV career propelled me to becoming (the first Black) president of the National Weather Association in 2018, and now incoming president of the American Meteorological Society for 2026. Those are things that I never would have ever imagined but friends and colleagues of all colors, ages, and professional stages pushed me forward and supported me.

What are you most proud of in your professional life?

Serving my communities on a daily basis with useful information, as a role model, and an educator, with dozens of young people influenced to pursue science, and many of my former students now doing what I did, and other positive things.

What was an important moment in your early career?

Learning that job politics can slow your progress and that they are a reality.

Have things changed for Black meteorologists over the years? What still needs to change?

Black meteorologists are more accepted and more numerous but we remain underrepresented. More of us in broadcasting are Chief Meteorologists. We still need more Black meteorologists in management and leadership levels within the sectors of government, academia, and private industry, not just for equity and diversity of perspective but because the existence of a Black face is representation. It shows young people that it is achievable. It confirms to all people that Black people are capable of contributing, coordinating and innovating in science and in all endeavors.

Are there other Black meteorologists/atmospheric scientists who have particularly influenced or inspired you?

While I knew of a handful of Black meteorologists as an undergraduate and then graduate student, it wasn’t until a few years into my career that I actually learned of many of the other Black meteorologists around the country. I gained tremendous inspiration just from hearing of, and then meeting, other Black meteorologists throughout my career. I am inspired and proud when I see the next generation of Black students pursuing meteorology along with the dedicated early career professionals. At the same time, I’m still learning more about the history of Black meteorologists and our roles in the U.S. weather enterprise. All of that gives me hope, and all of that is why we recognize Black History Month. It’s an effort to focus on facts, figures and issues that we might not otherwise give much thought to or have knowledge of.

Watch Alan Sealls’ 2024 video on African Americans in Meteorology, “From Juneteenth to the Sky,” on YouTube.

Photo at top: Alan Sealls speaks with attendees at the AMS 105th Annual Meeting. Photo credit: Zack Smith Photography.

Bridging Science, Engineering, and Policy: Lessons from the AMS Climate Policy Colloquium

Group photo of Climate Policy Colloquium alumni

By Dr. Michael Akinwumi, Chief AI Officer, National Fair Housing Alliance and 2024 Rita Allen Civic Science Fellow, Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rutgers University

Note: This is a guest blog post; it represents the views of the author alone and not the American Meteorological Society or the AMS Policy Program. The AMS Policy Colloquia are non-partisan and non-prescriptive, and promote understanding of the U.S. federal policy process, not any particular viewpoint(s).

It’s not every day that a scientist or engineer finds themselves negotiating amendments to a bill in a mock Senate committee markup. Yet there I was — role-playing a U.S. Senator — debating, bargaining, and defending amendments in the name of my constituents.1 My participation in the 2024 Climate Policy Colloquium was more than just a dive into legislative mechanics; it was a front-row seat to how policy is made, influenced, and transformed through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Science, Policy, and the Power of Influence

Coming from a STEM background, I had always viewed policy as an abstract force that shaped society. But experiencing the policy-making process firsthand changed my perspective. I walked away with a new appreciation for the intricate mix of negotiation, strategic compromise, and power dynamics that make legislation possible.

For one week, I lived the life of a policymaker — participating in discussions about federal budgeting, the role of congressional staff, and the legislative process. I learned that policy isn’t just about data and logic; it’s about influence, coalition-building, and understanding the human factors that drive decision-making.

Take, for example, our mock legislative exercise on the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2023 (H.R. 5744). Working with my dedicated team as a U.S. Senator, we crafted first- and second-degree amendments that required balancing the interests of our assigned state (West Virginia) with broader policy goals.

As our team navigated the committee markup process, I found myself drawing unexpected parallels between climate policy negotiations and the current discourse surrounding AI infrastructure development. Just as West Virginia grapples with transitioning from traditional energy sources while protecting local interests, communities today face similar challenges with the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure — particularly with projects like Stargate and the proliferation of data centers.2

This experience underscored a critical lesson: science and engineering expertise are invaluable in shaping effective policy, but technical knowledge alone won’t move legislation. It takes communication skills and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The moment during the legislative exercise when many other “Senators” came together to negotiate. Photo: Isabella Herrera, AMS staff.

AI Infrastructure, Housing, and the Environment

I couldn’t help but connect these policy lessons to one of today’s most pressing issues: the intersection of AI infrastructure, housing affordability, and environmental justice. AI-driven economic shifts are reshaping real estate markets, and increasing housing opportunity costs.

Massive investments in AI infrastructure — particularly data centers — are leading to skyrocketing electricity demand, land acquisition for server farms, and water usage concerns. This has direct implications for housing and the environment. In cities where these data centers are being developed, the influx of high-tech investments could exacerbate existing crises unless our elected representatives rally behind legislative efforts addressing displacement and environmental impact.

We need policies that effectively balance technological advancement with equity and sustainability. This requires voices from both the STEM and policy communities.

Why Interdisciplinary Training Matters

The biggest takeaway from my experience at the Climate Policy Colloquium is that interdisciplinary training is essential for scientists, engineers, and policymakers alike. Scientists and engineers must understand the policy-making process to effectively advocate for evidence-based policies. At the same time, policymakers need a foundational understanding of science and engineering to craft legislation that is both technically sound and socially equitable.

Institutions like the AMS Climate Policy Colloquium provide a crucial bridge, equipping STEM professionals with the tools to engage in policy and governance. If we want to build an AI-powered future that is just, sustainable, and equitable, we need more STEM professionals stepping into policy spaces — and more policymakers willing to collaborate with scientists and engineers.

Board the Flight

If you are a scientist or engineer curious about policy-making, or a policymaker eager to better understand the technical dimensions of emerging challenges, I encourage you to seek out interdisciplinary training opportunities. Attend policy workshops, engage with legislators, and contribute your expertise to policy discussions.

For my fellow scientists considering involvement in policy: the path from quantitative analysis to legislative negotiation may seem daunting, but it’s essential. Policymaking isn’t just for career politicians. It’s for anyone who wants to shape the future — and that includes us, the scientists and engineers.

Many thanks to the Eagleton Institute of Politics, Rita Allen Foundation, and National Fair Housing Alliance for supporting my participation in the training. I also want to acknowledge the amazing colleagues that worked with me as congressional staff during the colloquium.

1 During the in-person week of the AMS Policy Colloquia, participants conduct a mock Senate committee markup and vote on the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act of 2023 (H.R. 5744). The goal of this legislative exercise is to put attendees in the shoes of a U.S. senator to gain first hand experience with the integration of politics, policy, and procedure.

2 OpenAI, “Announcing the Stargate Project,” OpenAI Blog, January 21, 2025.

Photo at top: Alumni of the first ever AMS Climate Policy Colloquium. Photo: Isabella Herrera, AMS staff.

About the AMS Science Policy Colloquium

The AMS Climate Policy Colloquium is an intensive and non-partisan introduction to the United States federal policy process for scientists and practitioners; participants meet with congressional staff, officials from the executive office, and leaders from executive branch agencies. Attendees gain insight into the United States policy-making process and the climate policy landscape, explore emerging challenges and opportunities in climate science and policy, and examine the inner workings of government agencies working at the interface of science and policy.