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The news is causing some concern. Particularly in the Caribbean. From July 31, the US Department of Defense and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) plan to restrict the sharing of data from their satellites for monitoring cloud masses and cyclonic phenomena in the Atlantic. Without this information, which comes from three satellites jointly managed by the Pentagon and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), forecasts could become less accurate. This is particularly true at night, when cyclones are developing most rapidly. While NASA has obtained a one-month reprieve, the future of these essential observations remains uncertain. "This program uses microwave sensors to measure the surface of land and sea, in order to obtain information on the formation of cyclones and hurricanes", explains Samuel Morin, Director of the Centre national de recherches météorologiques (Météo-France, CNRS), in the columns of the Reporterre website. The specialist adds: "This American withdrawal can only lead to a deterioration in the quality of our forecasts. The program has existed since 2003. If it really stops, we have nothing to replace the data that will be missing, despite our other sensors," worries Samuel Morin. In weather, there are a lot of atmospheric variables, so we need as much data as possible for our forecasts. "
The cybersecurity argument
It's worth noting that the three satellites in question provide unique observations, including microwave images enabling us to see inside cyclones themselves, where other systems only capture the cloud surface. They also play a crucial role at night, detecting storm activity and pinpointing the centers of tropical depressions. Météo-France has its own weather radar, but its range is limited to around 400 km around the Lesser Antilles. This coverage is insufficient to compensate for the loss of US satellite data for the entire Atlantic basin.
To justify their decision, the US Department of Defense and NOAA cite cybersecurity concerns. But the announcement also follows budget cuts and staff layoffs at several agencies, including NOAA, in recent months.
At a time when the hurricane season has only just begun, such a decision leaves us perplexed as to the veracity and reliability of the forecasts that may be issued in the coming months.
"A robust observation chain
In a press release dated Monday July 28, the prefecture of Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy provides further details. It states: "Météo-France recently announced that it has stopped sharing microwave images from US military satellites. This development may raise questions about the quality of forecasts.
It should be remembered that :
The observation chain remains robust: Météo-France relies on a vast international observation network including civil satellites, ground stations, buoys and radars, enabling us to maintain a high level of meteorological surveillance.
High-performance forecasting models: Forecasts are based on the latest generation of numerical models, capable of integrating multiple sources of information and producing accurate analyses.
Local expertise adapted to the issues at stake: In the Antilles-Guyane zone, Météo-France forecasters provide enhanced monitoring, in constant liaison with government services, particularly during cyclonic periods. "
