Tracking NOAA news and the impact on the hydropower industry

If you are reading this, you already understand how important NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather and water data are for hydropower operations and business decisions. 

On the HydroForecast team, we're a group of weather nerds, scientists, and PhD hydrologists. We consider ourselves among NOAA's biggest fans. But recent cuts and leadership changes have us paying close attention to the potential impacts on NOAA products and services.

What’s happening with critical public weather data sources

NOAA—a public institution with over two centuries of service in weather forecasting, climate science, ocean monitoring, and resource management—is facing the most significant restructuring in its modern history as the current administration carries out budget cuts to NOAA. Recently, in February 2025, hundreds of NOAA staff were dismissed, and proposed budget cuts continue to make headlines.

These changes will impact NOAA's ability to disseminate weather, water, and climate data and guidance, weakening  decision-making in these fields. This could mean less reliable weather forecasts, delayed or degraded severe weather warnings, and reduced access to critical information  that communities, businesses, and emergency managers rely on for safety and preparedness.

Staying informed on weather and water news and policy changes

With frequent and fast-paced changes, it can be difficult to stay on top of the latest news and understand how it will impact your business—from extreme weather events to funding cuts, evolving policies, and regulatory requirements. Here are some resources to stay informed on the news as it evolves.

• Get involved in industry communities and forums. We’re a member of the National Hydropower Association (NHA) and have found their committees, councils, and roundtable discussions to be a valuable way to stay involved and connected to other industry leaders. For example, the Regulatory Affairs Committee tracks critical issues that could impact the hydropower industry, including licensing and compliance regulations.‍
• Follow relevant industry publications and organizations that you care about. Government websites like the U.S. Department of Energy’s Water Power News page is a good official source to follow but it can be helpful to supplement it with commentary from major news outlets as well.

• Follow Upstream Tech on LinkedIn and subscribe to our newsletter. We’re regularly sharing topics that are most relevant to your needs to help you stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed. Get the latest from our perspective on industry news and innovation in technology.‍
• Talk to our team of experts. We understand it can be helpful to talk through the nuances of what the latest news means for the industry and your forecasting needs specifically. We’re always available to talk and learn together. We are standing by to help and welcome your interest, feedback, and potential partnership.

At Upstream Tech, we are committed to resilience, transparency, and industry leadership in this evolving landscape. Talk to us about how HydroForecast can help ensure your teams are prepared to continue forecasting with reliable, accurate results.