Weather warnings may no longer speak your language–Here’s why.
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Weather forecasts are more than just a convenience—they can be a lifeline in times of severe weather events.
For millions of Americans who speak languages other than English at home, translated weather updates are essential for safety and preparedness.
However, a recent decision by the National Weather Service (NWS) may put this critical service in jeopardy.
A National Weather Service initiative aimed at providing automatic translations of certain forecasts is now in limbo due to widespread federal budget cuts.
“Due to a contract lapse, NWS paused the automated language translation services for our products until further notice,” the agency said in an administrative message issued April 1.
Although a translation-enabled map remained operational more than a week later, it included a warning that the text translation feature might be disrupted.
The change was first disclosed last week and is “due to a contract lapse,” confirmed NWS spokesperson Michael Musher in a statement to USA TODAY, though he offered no additional details.
Lilt, a language translation software company, has been supplying artificial intelligence to help translate National Weather Service alerts for over a year.
The NWS formally announced its collaboration with Lilt in October 2023, stating that the AI system would convert alerts from English into multiple languages, including Spanish, French, Vietnamese, simplified Chinese, and Samoan.
“This language translation project will improve our service equity to traditionally underserved and vulnerable populations that have limited English proficiency,” NWS Director Ken Graham said in a press release at the time.
“By providing weather forecasts and warnings in multiple languages, NWS will improve community and individual readiness and resilience as climate change drives more extreme weather events.”
President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing English as the sole official language in an effort to “promote unity, cultivate a shared American culture for all citizens, ensure consistency in government operations, and create a pathway to civic engagement,” according to the White House.
This directive reversed a 2000 order from former President Bill Clinton, which had required federal agencies and all entities receiving federal funding to provide language assistance to individuals with limited English proficiency.
Since taking office in January, Trump has initiated a strong crackdown on illegal immigration, which has historically brought in people who speak a wide range of languages other than English.
Among the agencies affected by widespread dismissals of probationary employees was the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which oversees the National Weather Service (NWS).
While English remains the dominant language in the US, a 2019 US Census Bureau report revealed that 67.8 million people spoke a language other than English at home—a nearly 94% increase since 1980. Spanish ranked as the most common of these, with around 40 million speakers.
“The primary purpose of collecting language data is to measure the proportion of the US population that may need help in understanding English,” the census report stated.
“Government agencies and other organizations can use these language data to determine the need for translators and other language assistance services.”
According to a March 11 email obtained by USA TODAY, more than 1,020 NOAA employees were laid off. However, the message specified that staff involved in NWS forecast operations and maintenance support were not included in those cuts.
If someone you know relies on translated weather updates, consider the following steps.
1. Seek alternative sources: Look for local news outlets or community services that offer weather updates in multiple languages.
2. Use technology: Download weather apps that provide multilingual support or set up alerts in your preferred language.
Source: WQAD News 8 / Youtube.
3. Get involved: Advocate for the importance of language services in government agencies and support organizations that work towards language equity.
4. Stay connected: Share information with friends and family who may be affected by these changes, and help them find resources to stay weather-aware.
Do you have concerns about the broader implications of these policy shifts? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
For millions of Americans who speak languages other than English at home, translated weather updates are essential for safety and preparedness.
However, a recent decision by the National Weather Service (NWS) may put this critical service in jeopardy.
A National Weather Service initiative aimed at providing automatic translations of certain forecasts is now in limbo due to widespread federal budget cuts.
“Due to a contract lapse, NWS paused the automated language translation services for our products until further notice,” the agency said in an administrative message issued April 1.
Although a translation-enabled map remained operational more than a week later, it included a warning that the text translation feature might be disrupted.
The change was first disclosed last week and is “due to a contract lapse,” confirmed NWS spokesperson Michael Musher in a statement to USA TODAY, though he offered no additional details.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has paused its automated language translation services due to a contract lapse amid federal budget cuts. Image source: KCENNews / Youtube.
Lilt, a language translation software company, has been supplying artificial intelligence to help translate National Weather Service alerts for over a year.
The NWS formally announced its collaboration with Lilt in October 2023, stating that the AI system would convert alerts from English into multiple languages, including Spanish, French, Vietnamese, simplified Chinese, and Samoan.
“This language translation project will improve our service equity to traditionally underserved and vulnerable populations that have limited English proficiency,” NWS Director Ken Graham said in a press release at the time.
“By providing weather forecasts and warnings in multiple languages, NWS will improve community and individual readiness and resilience as climate change drives more extreme weather events.”
President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing English as the sole official language in an effort to “promote unity, cultivate a shared American culture for all citizens, ensure consistency in government operations, and create a pathway to civic engagement,” according to the White House.
This directive reversed a 2000 order from former President Bill Clinton, which had required federal agencies and all entities receiving federal funding to provide language assistance to individuals with limited English proficiency.
Since taking office in January, Trump has initiated a strong crackdown on illegal immigration, which has historically brought in people who speak a wide range of languages other than English.
Among the agencies affected by widespread dismissals of probationary employees was the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which oversees the National Weather Service (NWS).
The NWS had partnered with Lilt, an AI company, to translate weather alerts into multiple languages to serve communities with limited English proficiency. Image source: KCENNews / Youtube.
While English remains the dominant language in the US, a 2019 US Census Bureau report revealed that 67.8 million people spoke a language other than English at home—a nearly 94% increase since 1980. Spanish ranked as the most common of these, with around 40 million speakers.
“The primary purpose of collecting language data is to measure the proportion of the US population that may need help in understanding English,” the census report stated.
“Government agencies and other organizations can use these language data to determine the need for translators and other language assistance services.”
According to a March 11 email obtained by USA TODAY, more than 1,020 NOAA employees were laid off. However, the message specified that staff involved in NWS forecast operations and maintenance support were not included in those cuts.
If someone you know relies on translated weather updates, consider the following steps.
1. Seek alternative sources: Look for local news outlets or community services that offer weather updates in multiple languages.
2. Use technology: Download weather apps that provide multilingual support or set up alerts in your preferred language.
Source: WQAD News 8 / Youtube.
3. Get involved: Advocate for the importance of language services in government agencies and support organizations that work towards language equity.
4. Stay connected: Share information with friends and family who may be affected by these changes, and help them find resources to stay weather-aware.
Do you have concerns about the broader implications of these policy shifts? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
