Meteorologists at the National Weather Service will continue working during the federal government shutdown.
Forecasting the weather is considered an essential function of the government, so the daily forecasts and outlooks will still be produced. Several regional offices posted that all public activities, which include tours and agency outreach, have been canceled or postponed.
“The NWS will continue to provide critical forecast, watch and warning information to protect life and property throughout the shutdown,” one field office posted on its website.
The National Weather Service in Norman did not respond to The Oklahoman’s request for information.
The federal government has shut down. What does that mean for Oklahoma? Live updates
While critical weather updates are still being produced, the broader science community that relies on federal funding won’t be so lucky. Eos, the magazine of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), reported that science missions across the government have taken a hit during the shutdown as agencies and departments told workers to stay home.
The bigger axe might fall in a few days, however, because the Trump Administration has threatened to continue its more permanent practice of mass layoffs in areas of the federal government that do not align with the president’s priorities.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: National Weather Service still issues reports amid government shutdown