The US Department of Defense announced a permanent termination of satellite data from the DMSP program, notably affecting the SSMIS instrument. The decision raises concerns about future hurricane forecasting capabilities, as these data are crucial for understanding storm dynamics. Despite the satellites being past their expected lifespans, they provided essential information on storm structures, especially at night. The abrupt cut-off, with no planned replacement, suggests security concerns or political motives. Meteorologists are alarmed, recognizing this loss as a significant blow to their forecasting capabilities.
The SSMIS satellite are extremely important; as a forecaster, I use them constantly. The microwave satellite imagery allows us to peer under the overcast of a storm.
This service change and termination will be permanent, leaving a substantial hole in hurricane forecasting capabilities as no replacement is planned.
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