Balloons are back: National Weather Service in Omaha gets staffing boost, resumes launches

VALLEY, Neb. (KLKN) — Much-needed help is coming to the National Weather Service in Omaha.

The weather station is adding two new forecasters to the team and is already sending weather balloons back up in the sky.

Rep. Mike Flood was the one who delivered the good news Friday afternoon.

There are supposed to be 13 forecasters in Valley, but there’s only eight.

Next week, though, two new members will join the team.

Last month, the NWS had to stop weather balloon launches because of the staffing shortage.

But now, with some increased staffing, one balloon is going up daily from the station.

And beginning next week, that number will rise to two, which is what it was before.

“The weather service did tell me they’re also looking at technology, with drones and everything else, down the road to be able to make this process easier,” said Flood.

Flood said he found out about the discontinuation of the weather balloons from local meteorologists — and knew that something needed to be done.

“We’re in the peak severe weather season, so it’s really important that we get this right,” he said.

Nebraska has seen some destructive weather already this year. Last month, a blizzard and thunderstorms damaged over $64.8 million worth of utility infrastructure.

Flood said he got a call from President Donald Trump last Friday.

He agreed that more staffing was needed for the weather service to accurately predict the weather and limit damage and injuries.

The two new forecasters are on “temporarily assigned” status, but those could turn into permanent positions.

The weather service is also being allowed to fill other spots as well if needed.