Microwave satellite data are key to capturing major changes in a hurricane’s strength, such as when a storm undergoes rapid intensification. But a main source of those data is being abruptly shut off

The change marks another blow to NOAA’s forecasting abilities, adding to growing concerns about the agency’s readiness for hurricane season.

Meteorologists are losing a sophisticated tool that many say has proved invaluable when monitoring and forecasting hurricanes. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced in a service change notice this week that it would be ending the importing,