Washington (CNN) — A federal government watchdog is sounding the alarm in a new report after cuts, “burnout, fatigue and low morale,” have caused the number of aviation meteorologists working with air traffic controllers to drop by 15%.

As of June, the number of National Weather Service meteorologists assigned to FAA centers dropped to 69 active meteorologists, from a target of 81.

The report points to the work environment, including an example of a meteorologist who had to reschedule medical procedures to cover for vacant positions.

“Meteorologists in the (center weather service units) and at the command center are suffering from burnout, fatigue and low morale as they are working overtime to maintain operations and are avoiding taking leave,” the report said.

The number has also f

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