This piece has been republished with permission from The Conversation, a platform dedicated to sharing insights from the academic and research community.

Every time a hurricane or tornado begins to take shape, meteorologists are quick to display maps that track its path and predict where it will head next. Ever wonder how they get their hands on such detailed information?

Delivering these forecasts might look simple, but a massive network of satellites, aircraft, radars, computer models, and weather experts works tirelessly behind the scenes. These professionals gather crucial data, which primarily comes from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its National Weather Service.

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Atmospheric scientists Christine Wiedinmyer and Kari Bowen, the latter a former forecaster with the National Weather Service, shed light on NOAA’s pivotal role in American weather forecasting.

Behind the Scenes at NOAA: Crafting a Weather Forecast

The foundation of weather reporting in the U.S. begins with real-time data gathered by NOAA through satellites, aircraft, weather balloons, radars, and maritime buoys, along with global weather stations.

This data is then processed by powerful computers at NOAA that start to piece together atmospheric conditions across different regions.

Using sophisticated computer models that replicate atmospheric physics and dynamics, along with their expertise and local insights, NOAA forecasters begin to construct a detailed weather forecast. This data is also essential for projecting seasonal weather patterns weeks or even months ahead.

When severe weather approaches, NOAA is responsible for issuing the official warnings that you see on news platforms and your mobile devices.

Before this information is shared with private weather services and broadcast on television, a comprehensive analysis is conducted internally at NOAA.

The data and analyses are freely available, enabling numerous private entities to develop sophisticated weather mapping and other services that they offer commercially.

Without NOAA’s extensive capabilities, it would be nearly impossible to provide such detailed and accurate weather information.

NOAA maintains an array of 18 satellites equipped with advanced sensors critical for weather observation. These include geostationary satellites that monitor U.S. weather conditions constantly, and others that orbit the Earth, some in collaboration with NASA or the Air Force.

While some private enterprises are investing in satellites, replicating NOAA’s comprehensive instrument array and coverage would require a vast financial investment. Satellites have a limited lifespan and need continual replacement and innovation, which NOAA plans and executes with its technological expertise.

Maritime buoys, which number over 1,300 worldwide, are yet another critical asset, providing data on oceanic conditions necessary for coastal warnings and long-term forecasts.

Weather observation is not new. It dates back to when President Ulysses S. Grant established the first national weather service in 1870, which has evolved into today’s NOAA under the Department of Commerce. The data produced is vital not only for safety but also supports various sectors and industries.

Can Private Companies Independently Provide Comprehensive Weather Forecasts?

It would be a formidable challenge for any single company to match the breadth and reliability of NOAA’s data, which is essential for public access and safety.

A company might manage to launch a satellite; however, a single satellite provides only a fragment of the necessary data. The extensive and long-standing network that NOAA has established is crucial for the depth and reliability of weather forecasting.

Furthermore, processing this data requires complex analysis far beyond the capabilities of ordinary computer systems.

There’s also the issue of legal accountability; private companies may hesitate to assume the responsibility for national weather forecasting and severe weather alerts.

Funded by taxpayers, NOAA’s data serves the public interest, offering crucial safety information freely to all, unlike a private company that might restrict access based on ability to pay.

This approach ensures that vital weather information is available to all communities, which could be life-saving in areas prone to severe weather conditions.

The Role of Climate Data and Research in Weather Forecasting

Understanding the changes in Earth’s land, water, and atmospheric systems is crucial for predicting weather in the short and long term.

Shifts in global temperatures influence weather patterns significantly. For instance, increased dryness can heighten the risk of wildfires, and accurate weather forecasts must consider these factors.

For example, predicting rainfall relies on understanding the current dryness of the land and how it has changed, necessitating access to sustained climate data.

Collaborative Efforts in Weather Forecasting

NOAA collaborates with the private sector, academia, nonprofits, and international partners to enhance the accuracy and reach of its weather forecasts. Private weather companies and media outlets also play a significant role in disseminating these forecasts and alerts to the broader public.

Numerous industries depend on the accuracy of NOAA’s forecasts, including aviation, energy, insurance, and agriculture. The long-term forecasts are essential for water management in state reservoirs, helping to ensure adequate water supply and prevent flooding.

Being a government agency, NOAA is accountable to Congress, ensuring that its data is reliable, accessible, and produced with the public’s safety in mind. Would we be able to say the same if only private entities were involved?

This article was first published on The Conversation. Read the original article here.