NOAA uses research vessels, buoys, and a host of other tools to study Earth. Credit: NOAA
Changes in our weather, air quality, oceans and Great Lakes continue to affect almost every aspect of society. Throughout 2024, NOAA Research continued to study Earth to better understand the challenges Americans face, such as the impacts of droughts, floods, severe weather, heat waves and other risks environmental hazards that endanger lives, property and ecosystems. Learn how NOAA Research works to protect economic prosperity, national security, human and environmental health through our science and innovation.
Severe weather poses an increasing threat to communities across the United States. From tornadoes in the Great Plains to hurricanes along the coasts and everything in between, accurate and timely weather forecasts are essential to protecting lives and property.
Throughout the 2024 hurricane season, NOAA scientists set new records in tropical cyclone research during 67 missions aboard Hurricane Hunter aircraft. In addition to deploying Hurricane Hunter aircraft instruments, Saildrones and underwater gliders collected data in inaccessible areas, critical to improving storm forecasts.