The Ripple Effect: How U.S. Cuts to Weather Services Could Impact Canada’s Natural Disaster Preparedness

The United States plays a critical role in global weather monitoring, providing data and forecasting that extend beyond its borders. Recent funding cuts to U.S. weather services—including agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service (NWS)—raise significant concerns not just for Americans, but for Canada as well. With climate change driving more frequent and severe natural disasters, these cuts could weaken North America's ability to predict, prepare for, and respond to extreme weather events, particularly hurricanes, wildfires, and severe storms.

How U.S. Weather Services Benefit Canada

Canada’s weather forecasting relies heavily on data and models from the U.S. government. While Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) operates its own meteorological services, it depends on NOAA’s satellites, hurricane tracking systems, and global forecasting models. The U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), for example, provides critical tracking information for storms that form in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico—storms that frequently impact Eastern Canada. Without robust U.S. data, Canada’s ability to predict and prepare for these events could be severely compromised.

The Impact on Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricanes don’t recognize national borders. The 2022 landfall of Hurricane Fiona in Atlantic Canada, for example, showed how devastating tropical storms can be for Canadian communities. The storm, which caused billions of dollars in damage, was first tracked by U.S. weather services before it moved north. Cuts to NOAA and the NHC could lead to fewer resources for storm tracking, delayed warnings, and less accurate forecasts—all of which put Canadian lives, infrastructure, and businesses at greater risk.

Wildfires and Cross-Border Air Quality Monitoring

Beyond hurricanes, wildfire forecasting could also be affected. As wildfires intensify in both Canada and the U.S., real-time cross-border data is essential for tracking smoke plumes, assessing air quality, and warning vulnerable populations. NOAA’s satellites play a vital role in monitoring these fires, and reductions in funding could mean fewer updates and less coordination between the two countries during wildfire season.

Economic and Insurance Implications

For businesses and insurers, the impact of these cuts could be severe. Without reliable early warning systems, damage from hurricanes, flooding, and other extreme weather events could increase, leading to higher insurance claims, rising premiums, and greater economic uncertainty. The insurance industry relies on accurate risk assessments to price policies and prepare for potential disasters—something that becomes much harder without comprehensive weather data.

Strengthening Canada’s Response

With the U.S. scaling back its weather services, Canada may need to invest more heavily in its own forecasting infrastructure. This could mean expanding satellite capabilities, improving climate modeling, and increasing funding for meteorological research. Additionally, stronger partnerships with European and private-sector weather services could help fill the gap left by U.S. cutbacks.

Conclusion

Weather doesn’t stop at the border, and neither should our preparedness efforts. While the U.S. funding cuts may seem like a domestic issue, they have significant implications for Canada’s ability to predict and respond to natural disasters. Whether it’s hurricanes in the Atlantic, wildfires in the west, or severe storms across the country, Canada must remain vigilant, adaptive, and proactive in protecting communities from extreme weather. Investing in our own weather services and fostering international collaboration will be key to ensuring the safety and resilience of Canadians in an era of climate uncertainty.

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Jenny is a business insurance broker with Waypoint Insurance. She can be reached at 604-317-6755 or jhansen@waypoint.ca. Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-holly-hansen-365b691b/.  Connect with Jenny at BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jennyhollyhansen.bsky.social

Jenny Holly Hansen is a cohost with Chris Sturges of the Langley Impact Networking Group. You are welcome to join us on Thursday’s from 4pm to 6pm at: Sidebar Bar and Grill: 100b - 20018 83A Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 3R4

Tags:  #Jenny Holly Hansen #US Weather Services #Natural Disaster Preparedness #National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) #National Weather Service (NWS) #Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) #U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC)