Federal workers who were not let go said the afternoon layoffs included meteorologists who do crucial local forecasts in National Weather Service offices across the U.S.

Summary

Hundreds of NOAA employees, including National Weather Service meteorologists, were fired Thursday as part of Elon Musk’s cuts to the federal workforce under Trump.

The layoffs, affecting up to 10% of NOAA’s workforce, targeted probationary employees.

Lawmakers and experts condemned the cuts, warning they will jeopardize public safety and disaster preparedness.

Rep. Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) called the firings “unconscionable,” while climate scientists warned they would weaken the country’s ability to respond to extreme weather and climate disasters.