The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is urging swift action to address an aviation-weather meteorologist shortage after finding just 69 National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists on duty in June—well below the 81-FTE cap set for 2025 and the 90 positions outlined in a 2016 interagency pact.

In an Aug. 28 letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, GAO said the shortfall risks degrading decision support at the FAA’s Air Traffic Control System Command Center and 21 Center Weather Service Units (CWSU), which are expected to provide 16-hour, seven-day coverage. The report noted the current agreement expires Sept. 30, 2025, and recommended the FAA, in consultation with NWS, identify risks tied to today’s staffing levels and take urgent steps to

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